Skyrim, the latest installment in the Elder Scrolls series, offers an interesting mix of gameplay from Morrowind, Oblivion and even the Fallout series.
Skyrim starts out with a much faster pace than many Elder Scrolls games. You are nearly executed when a Dragon attacks, allowing you a chance to escape. You have to escape the raging inferno with some help from allies.
From early on you have to make vital choices about your character, including which faction you would like to join, if any.
From there you go on to find your place in the world, where you are of course the chosen one. This time you aren’t the “Nerevarine” but the “Dovahkiin” or “Dragonborn”. You are the only one who can stop the destruction of Skyrim by the Dragons and their mad “Dragon God”.
Combat has been given a significant overhaul. Not only is dual wielding present, but there are some interesting cinematic kills. The combat really does feel like a step up from Skyrim’s famous big brothers Morrowind and Oblivion.
Graphically this is easily the most beautiful Bethesda game. This is due to the fact that they spent extra time on atmospheric effects such as fog, splashing water and of course fiery explosions.
Skyrim has all the things that made the previous games enjoyable. A variety of sidequests, a revamped magic system and an intriguing storyline.
But what does this game do to shake up the formula? Quite a lot. Here are just a few re-done features:
- A reworked magic system.
- Improved combat.
- A more convenient user interface.
- A variety of new items.
- Simplified skills.
- The “Radiant Story” system.
- A vastly improved enemy leveling system based on Fallout 3.
- New enemy types such as “Mountain Giants” and Dragons”, that can give even veteran players quite a surprise.
The “Radiant Story” deserves a special mention. This exciting new mechanic actually changes quests based on your previous reactions and current abilities. This means that the world of Skyrim is constantly evolving with and around you. No game is quite the same.
The only shortcoming is the fact that some people are bothered by the simplified skill system. However the majority of these people are PC gamers and this is a Bethesda game. If you know anything about PC Bethesda games this isn’t a problem. Fans will have a mod putting those skills back in by a month or two.
So what is the final verdict?
5/5 – An excellent mixture of the best elements from previous games along with incredible improvements to general combat flow and user interface provide an amazing title. Skyrim is one of the best games of the year.
Skyrim is out now for Xbox, PS3 and PC. The retail price is $59.99, while the Collector’s Edition retails for $149.99. The Collector’s edition includes a special statue, art book and DVD.
Article first published as Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Review on Technorati.
this “party” in skyrim is like three people standing around an empty room while someone flutes. no one at bethesda has ever been to a party.