----------------------------- HISTORY ---------------------------------------------
The Elder Scrolls: Arena was released in 1994 as the first game in a series that has
since spawned, 4 sequels, and 5 spin-off titles. Elder Scrolls 5 was announced at the
Spike video game awards in late 2010. Skyrim released on 11-11-11.
------------------------------ STORY ----------------------------------------------
Skyrim is based in the northern province of the world Tamriel, by the name of, well
Skyrim. 200 years after Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, Dragons have returned and you are
the Dragon-Born. This meaning you have the soul of dragon and can use the abilities
of the Dragons known as shouts. As well, the land of Tamriel is in the middle of a civil
war. As the Dragon Born, you must find the reason why the reason why the Dragons
have returned, stop them, choose a side in the deadly war, and more!
----------------------------- GAMEPLAY -------------------------------------------
In the Elder Scrolls 5, you can do anything you want. Fight, Explore, Steal, Cook,
Craft, Buy Houses, and much, much, more! The focus of the game, although is fighting
your way through dungeons, slaying dragons, and solving puzzles. Compared to the
traditional RPG formula for leveling up Skyrim is much different. You get better at doing
the things that you do, so that nobody's characters are ever quite the same. If one
person uses only 1 handed weapons, their skill in one handed weapons will increase
making them do more damage with 1 handed weapons and so on. When you level up
a skill it also gives you progress towards your next overall level (The max being 70).
When you level up, you get to choose a perk that increases how well you use a skill
providing, that you have a high enough level in that skill. Although, while playing I
encountered quite a few glitches, some not bad, while some froze my game forcing
me to lose all of my unsaved progress.
---------------------------- PRESENTATION ----------------------------------------
Compared to some games Skyrim isn't the best looking, but it's graphically impressive.
I rarely actually say, "Whoa.", while playing a game. But Skyrim is one of the few.
I constantly found myself in awe at the world while I was walking around the snowy
landscape and grassy plains. It's also a sight seeing a Dragon fly overhead then land
next to you. The game world is extremely detailed, when you go over a mountain,
or go around the corner of tight corridor, it's a new experience every time. The sound
in Skyrim is also superb. The clash of metal, the roar of a dragon or the sounds of
a river in the middle of a forest. The sounds know no bounds. The music is very nice
as well. With music starting at just the right moments never making you feel like the
music is out of place. When you're fighting the music is intense, when exploring the
country-side the music is calm, or when doing battle with a dragon the main theme
is playing. The music never ceases to amaze.
--------------------------- CONCLUSION -------------------------------------------
With an awesome, story, superb graphics, great controls and gameplay, and a
soundtrack that never stops. Skyrim is easily my pick for game of the year. If you like
any RPG, or really any kind of game, Skyrim is a must. This is a game that can't be
passed up.
9/10
-1 Bugs that can be very annoying, and some even game-breaking.
