deep-dive

From Dark Souls to Elden Ring: Modern RPGs

Action RPG Evolution - A curated collection from Noah Caldwell-Gervais

About this Rabbit Hole

Ever found yourself lost in the labyrinthine world of Action RPGs, wondering what sets them apart from the rest? Join Noah Caldwell-Gervais as he takes you on a mind-bending journey through the evolution of this beloved genre. From dissecting the intricate mechanics of iconic titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne to unraveling the philosophical depths of titles like Disco Elysium, prepare to have your gaming worldview turned upside down. And just when you thought you knew everything about these games, Noah unveils surprising connections that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about RPGs. Watch in order or skip around β€” each video adds a new layer.

Videos in this Rabbit Hole

1

I Beat the Dark Souls Trilogy and All I Made Was This Lousy Video Essay

Noah Caldwell-Gervais
2022-04-03
I Beat the Dark Souls Trilogy and All I Made Was This Lousy Video Essay by Noah Caldwell-Gervais
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Who knew beating Dark Souls could lead to such an introspective and visually compelling video essay? Definitely not the developers, I'm guessing. Kudos to Noah for turning the struggles of "Git Gud" into a thoughtful journey worth watching.

Tags:
2

Judicial Opinions: What Makes Disco Elysium a Modern Classic? [Full Spoilers]

Noah Caldwell-Gervais
2020-11-01
Judicial Opinions: What Makes Disco Elysium a Modern Classic? [Full Spoilers] by Noah Caldwell-Gervais
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Disco Elysium's blend of political commentary and dark humor is a cocktail that leaves you dizzy - and begging for more. A deep dive into the mind-bending narrative will have you questioning your own morality.

Tags:
3

A Thorough Look at Dragon Age [Revised/Expanded/HD]

Noah Caldwell-Gervais
2025-01-30
A Thorough Look at Dragon Age [Revised/Expanded/HD] by Noah Caldwell-Gervais
Click to load video

Our Commentary

After watching this video, I feel like I just completed a Dragon Age marathon in a fraction of the time, with all the insights and zero loading screens. Now, I'm tempted to replay the entire series again - thanks for the nostalgia trip!

Tags:
4

A Thorough Look at Fallout [Revised/Expanded/HD]

Noah Caldwell-Gervais
2023-08-30
A Thorough Look at Fallout [Revised/Expanded/HD] by Noah Caldwell-Gervais
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Noah Caldwell Gervais taking us through the Fallout franchise feels like a wild post-apocalyptic rollercoaster ride - a deep dive into the nuclear wasteland that's as thorough as a Deathclaw's hunt. Time to grab some Nuka-Cola and settle in for this epic journey.

Tags:
5

A Thorough Look at Mass Effect

Noah Caldwell-Gervais
2014-08-12
A Thorough Look at Mass Effect by Noah Caldwell-Gervais
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Two and a half hours dissecting the Mass Effect trilogy? That's longer than some of my relationships, and probably just as emotionally intense. Kudos to this content creator for going deep on one of gaming's most beloved series.

Tags:
6

Souls Inheritors: Bloodborne vs. Sekiro vs. Elden Ring [Spoilers]

Noah Caldwell-Gervais
2022-06-29
Souls Inheritors: Bloodborne vs. Sekiro vs. Elden Ring [Spoilers] by Noah Caldwell-Gervais
Click to load video

Our Commentary

Diving into the tangled universe of From Software games is like trying to unravel the plot of Inception after a double espresso exhilarating and slightly headache-inducing. Still, I can't help but admire the sheer madness and brilliance of it all.

Tags:

Final Thoughts

"**Final Thoughts** After diving into Noah Caldwell-Gervais's extensive collection of video essays, one can't help but feel a profound sense of admiration for his deep analysis and thoughtful reflections on gaming. Each video seamlessly connects and builds upon the next, delving into the intricate worlds of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Elden Ring, Disco Elysium, Dragon Age, Fallout, and Mass Effect. The viewer is left with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and storytelling within these games, as well as a deeper understanding of the impact they have on the gaming industry as a whole. As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the power of long-form educational content to inspire and provoke critical thinking in the realm of video game analysis."

From Our Blog

The Curiosity Loop: How the Internet Rewired Learning

The Curiosity Loop: How the Internet Rewired Learning

Explore how the internet rewired the way we learn through the curiosity loop. From digital amnesia to hyperlink-driven associative learning, discover how browsing reshaped human cognition.

Feb 27, 2026
mind-blowing-facts
Why Your Brain Treats Online Arguments Like Physical Threats

Why Your Brain Treats Online Arguments Like Physical Threats

Learn why your brain treats online arguments like physical threats. Explore the amygdala hijack, identity-protective cognition, and the online disinhibition effect to understand why digital conflict feels so intense.

Feb 27, 2026
mind-blowing-facts
Digital FOMO: The Psychology of Feeling Like You're Missing Out Online

Digital FOMO: The Psychology of Feeling Like You're Missing Out Online

Understand the psychology behind digital FOMO and why social media makes you feel like you're missing out. Explore social comparison theory, the highlight reel effect, and how notification design drives the fear of missing out.

Feb 26, 2026
mind-blowing-facts
Why Nostalgia Content Goes Viral Every Time | Viral Psychology

Why Nostalgia Content Goes Viral Every Time | Viral Psychology

Explore the psychology behind why nostalgia content goes viral every time. From the warm glow effect to generational identity signaling, discover what makes throwback posts so irresistible.

Feb 26, 2026
mind-blowing-facts
The Attention Economy: What Your Focus Is Actually Worth

The Attention Economy: What Your Focus Is Actually Worth

Discover what your attention is actually worth in the attention economy. Learn how advertisers price your focus, why attention is a finite resource, and how platforms compete for every second of your day.

Feb 25, 2026
life-skills
Why We Trust Strangers Online More Than Experts | Online Trust Psychology

Why We Trust Strangers Online More Than Experts | Online Trust Psychology

Explore the psychology of online trust: parasocial relationships, the authenticity heuristic, social proof, institutional distrust, and why anonymity creates false intimacy.

Feb 25, 2026
mind-blowing-facts