Matchup

2025 Video Game Madness - West Region Super Sixteen: 1 Elden Ring vs. 13 Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

2025 Video Game Madness - West Region Super Sixteen

3 - 3

1 Elden Ring

JPN

Region: West

Developer: FromSoftware

Released: 2022

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 5

Genre: Action, RPG

13 Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

ENG

Region: West

Developer: Mediatonic

Released: 2020

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S/X

Genre: Action, Sports, Casual, Massively Multiplayer, Indie

West - Elden Ring vs Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

Artwork by LiuYuArt (https://www.facebook.com/ARTISTLIUYU/)

A true battle of extremes awaits in the West Region’s Super Sixteen of the 2025 Video Game Madness, as the 1st seed Elden Ring faces off against the 13th seed Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout! This matchup pits two wildly different gaming experiences against each other, each offering something unique, whether it's a deeply immersive and unforgiving world or lighthearted, unpredictable fun.

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware and directed by the legendary Hidetaka Miyazaki, is a dark fantasy RPG that has taken the gaming world by storm. With its vast, open-world environment, players are thrust into the mystical and perilous Lands Between, where every step could be their last. The game draws from FromSoftware’s trademark design philosophy—challenging combat, complex lore, and a deep sense of mystery. Featuring a stunning visual style and world-building that encourages exploration and discovery, Elden Ring offers players a chance to carve their own story, all while battling ruthless enemies and engaging in soul-crushing boss fights that demand skill, patience, and a willingness to learn from failure. The game combines meticulous, slow-paced combat with strategic exploration, making every victory feel earned and every moment of peace hard-won.

By contrast, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, developed by Mediatonic, offers an entirely different gaming experience—one that is lighthearted, whimsical, and filled with chaotic energy. This battle royale-inspired title sees players compete in a series of wacky obstacle courses where only the fastest, luckiest, and most adaptable will survive. The colorful, cartoonish aesthetic and funny physics create a joyous atmosphere, as players navigate through bizarre challenges and compete in mini-games that turn every match into a laugh-out-loud experience. While it’s not about defeating terrifying monsters or exploring dark, dangerous landscapes, Fall Guys is all about having fun, with a healthy dose of frustration thrown in as you narrowly miss that finish line or get knocked out by a rogue obstacle. It’s the ultimate stress reliever and a celebration of absurdity, making it a standout in the battle royale genre.

In terms of gameplay, these two couldn’t be more different. Elden Ring demands a slow, deliberate approach. Its world is filled with danger, and its combat is brutal, punishing, and deeply rewarding for those who persevere. Players must learn the mechanics of the game, adapt to enemy patterns, and slowly piece together the game’s lore—each discovery adding to the grand puzzle of the Lands Between. It’s a game that’s built on the thrill of overcoming overwhelming odds, and the satisfaction that comes from conquering seemingly impossible challenges.

Meanwhile, Fall Guys is built around fast-paced fun and unpredictability. The gameplay is as frantic as it is humorous, offering players a chance to dive into a quick, easy-to-understand competition that never takes itself too seriously. Each match features a rotating series of mini-games, ranging from obstacle courses to team-based challenges, all designed to create hilarious moments as players try to outwit, outrun, and outlast each other in colorful arenas. It’s a game that’s perfect for casual gaming sessions, allowing players to jump in and have fun without needing to commit to long playthroughs or intense strategies.

So, what happens when these two very different games collide? Will the somber, grueling world of Elden Ring dominate the silly, chaotic joy of Fall Guys, or will the underdog’s lighthearted nature rise to the occasion, providing a thrilling upset? It’s a matchup where the only certainty is that you’ll be entertained, whether you're in it for the fierce battles of survival or the laughs that come with the most ridiculous of moments. This one’s going to be an exciting clash of styles—don't miss it!

Prediction: While Fall Guys has undoubtedly become a beloved classic in its own right, its whimsical nature and quick-hit gameplay might not be enough to overcome the deep, immersive experience offered by Elden Ring. The challenge, depth, and world-building of Elden Ring make it a strong contender in this tournament, and its broad appeal to hardcore and casual fans alike gives it the edge in this match. Expect Elden Ring to move on to the Elite Eight, though don’t be surprised if Fall Guys steals a few laughs and memorable moments along the way. The winner? Elden Ring in a close, but decisive victory.