I used to be a gamer like you. Then, I took an arrow to the knee. I’m kidding, it’s a famous moment from my all-time video game “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.” Released in 2011(same year Batman: Arkham City came out) on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the game earned universal acclaim from critics and gamers alike. In addition to praise, the game sold millions of copies worldwide. Skyrim was re-released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Bethesda’s next game “Starfield” will be released on September 6, 2023. Shame it’s an Xbox exclusive. I only own a PlayStation 5. A sixth entry to “The Elder Scrolls” series is currently in development since 2018.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving newcomers a chance to play this masterpiece.
Powerful & Weak Aspects
Powerful: Notable celebrities including Christopher Plummer, Max Von Sydow & Joan Allen all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Todd Howard and his development team did an amazing job building an ambitious yet immersive game. In the words of Mr. Howard. “Sixteen times the detail!”
Graphics create a breathtaking world that makes you wanna explore every single place. Remastered Editions polishes every single detail.
Soundtrack feels epic. Even without playing, it’s still brilliant.
To stay alive, consume potions, wear protective armor and improve your stats. Cooking ingredients and concocting potions are most important.
If things are getting outta hand, adjust the difficulty setting at any time.
Combat features various options to take down your foes. Either slice your foes with swords, perform a sneak attack with a bow and arrow or unleash spells.
Like the “Fallout” series, you can switch from First-Person to Third-Person.
Besides dragons, enemy variety ranging from soldiers, guards, sorcerers, thieves, mages, skeletons, draugr, spiders, giant trolls, crabs, werewolves, witches and bears. (Oh my!)
There’s so much lore within the game. Reading books expands the Elder Scrolls mythos. Remember, a random book may or may not increase your skill meter.
Main Story’s length is 34 hours. If you’re a completionist, Side Quests, Guild Missions, learn Dragon Shouts, uncover treasure, explore dungeons among many other things will take countless weeks to complete.
Main Story revolves around you looking for a solution to defeat a powerful dragon named, Alduin.
Replay Value if you wanna replay the game working with a specific guild grants you exclusive quests. Money well spent.
After discovering a new place, Fast Travel’s avaibale going from Point A to Point B in no time.
In the beginning, can customize your character’s race, appearance, hair, eye color etc. Choosing a specific race grants you a bonus trait.
The arrow to the knee quote became a meme. Along with this line. “FUS RO DAH!” A dragon shout sending your enemies in the air like a shockwave.
If you’re feeling lonely, have a companion on the way.
Your actions determine the outcome of a quest as well as becoming a member of a guild/faction Here’s a list of to choose whatever suits you.
- The Dark Brotherhood
- The Imperial Legion
- The Bard’s College
- The Blades
- The Companions
- The Thieves Guild
- The Volkihar Clan (Dawnguard DLC)
- The Dawnguard (Dawnguard DLC)
- The College of Winterhold
Leveling System has a deeper meaning. Your actions level up your stats. For instance, lockpicking a door fills up your skill meter. Once it’s full, you level up. Spend your points on perks to improve your skills. Here’s a list of skills.
- Archery
- Two-Handed
- One-Handed (dual wield included)
- Heavy Armor
- Light Armor
- Block
- Smithing
- Speech
- Alchemy
- Sneak
- Pickpocket
- Lockpicking
- Alteration
- Restoration (healing)
- Destruction
- Illusion
- Conjuration
- Enchanting
If you bought all DLC or a Game of the Year edition you get “Dawnguard,” “Hearthfire” & “Dragonborn.”
- Dawnguard gives you the option to hunt down vampires or become one. Thankfully, they’re not shirtless sparkling My Chemical Romance fans.
- Hearthfire allows you to build a home and adopt kids.
- Dragonborn takes you on an island where you encounter the first Dragonborn named, Miraak.
Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Bethesda an Extra Point for making a flawless game as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim still holds up as my all-time favorite game. Bethesda raises the bar on western RPGS. If you’re new to this game, buy it right now.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 