As someone who has never used story mode/easy mode options, I agree with you completely.
Nine Sols, Celeste, Hades. Some of my favorite ‘hardcore’ games with great stories and great difficulty options. The only result of their presence is letting more people play the games who wouldn’t have otherwise. I don’t feel like my experience is cheapened in any way if others use the options.
And even if I don’t use them now, maybe there comes a day when my hands can’t keep up anymore, and I’ll be very grateful to be able to keep participating in my favorite hobby. Just an unambiguous good imo
Elden Ring already has things like spirit summons to make the game trivial, there is no need for an easier mode.
I mean, that’s what the person above me was specifically replying to.
Does it affect you in any way that they were able to enjoy the game via the easy mode mod? Would it have affected you if that setting was just available in the menu?
I think it would take away from the game if you could just change the difficulty from the settings.
Part of what makes souls games special is that they put a wall in front of you and it’s up to you to figure out how to get past it. You can make it easier on you by asking for help through summons, spirits, improving your build or you can learn how to fight them with what you already have.