Skyrim is a fantasy/simulation role playing game developed and published by Bethesda for the PC, PlayStation 3, and XBOX 360. It is the 5th game in the Elder Scrolls series, and the first to introduce dragons. And yes, you can fight them as well.
There is so much hype surrounding this game, how good is it?
I should have been a poet, because words can’t describe how awesome this game is. With a release date of 11/11/11, I already featured it on my Top 5 Games of 2011, even though I haven’t even come close to it’s estimated 300+ hours of gameplay. Even now, over 60+ hours in, I feel like I haven’t fished a quarter of the game. But I suppose that’s the point of an Elder Scrolls game, to immerse you in this living and breathing world.
Most people feel overwhelmed in an Elder Scrolls game. They call it a role playing game, but in reality, it's a fantasy simulation. In Elder Scrolls style, Bethesda starts you out as a lone adventurer with little clue as to what you are supposed to be doing. As you struggle to figure out your place in this mysterious world, you're being chased by monsters, talking with villagers, crafting your own weapons, helping the innocent, robbing people, and being mesmerized at the beautiful and open ended landscape.
If you’re new to the franchise, it's easy to feel like a deer in headlights.
Sure the game has a main storyline, but you are in no way obligated to follow it. You can live in this fantasy world any way you see fit. Soon enough, you’ll be inundated with numerous quests and tasks. It's easy to forget what you're supposed to do. All I can say is, relax. This is an open world, and you have plenty of time to do what you want to do, so do it at your own pace. The map, although a little confusing, can guide you to your next quest.
Since the game is skill based, the more you do one particular thing, the better you will be at it. Want to be a mighty sword wielding warrior who crafts their own armor, conjures demons, and is fairly accurate with a bow, go right ahead. Or do you fancy a stealthy thief and picks pocket the innocent?
How is the combat?
Here is the portion of the game that still hasn’t improved. Combat is as clunky as ever and there's a lot of button mashing. If you are looking for something as tactical as Dark Souls, or as fluid as Kingdoms of Amalur Reckoning, then play those games instead. With a new and improved 3rd person view, I expected a much better experience. But lets face it, this is not an action game, it is a fantasy role playing simulation. I hate saying it’s forgivable, but it is, and given the scope of the game, it may not be as bad as it sounds.
How are the graphics and style?
Well, it all depends on what system you have. If you’re on a console, it’s amazing and beautiful. If you’re on a high powered PC, you're in for an eyegasm, which makes me feel jealous of my PC brethren. And for once in an Elder Scrolls game, the girls aren’t ugly as sin.
The landscapes are gorgeous and often times I found myself getting lost in the wondrous and harsh world. Foregoing a more cartoony fantasy style that seems to be all the rage, they went with a more realistic and dark design. It feels like you are inside the world of the original Conan The Barbarian, or the Beastmaster. And unlike Oblivion, each area is designed to be unique.
Is it the best game of all time?
To me it is. Does that mean it’s for everyone? Certainly not. Does it mean it doesn't have a ton of bugs? No, although I didn't experience many, I know it has a lot. The game is a slow burn, so forget the instant gratification, the journey is the fun.
Don’t play it like a game, experience it, walk around and smell the fresh air, catch some butterflies, kill some dragons, pick some pockets, clear out dungeons, save the innocent (or murder them), get married, become a vampire, or live as a werewolf.
Skyrim is yours to explore and once you get it, it will become your second life, just don’t forget about your first one.
Review is a segment about my opinion on things. I like things, and you like things too. Before you run off and buy something, you should check out my review. Chances are if I like it, it’s probably awesome.
