Game Review: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The latest highly anticipated game release in The Elder Scrolls series has been released.. And how does it stand up to the expectations? Well in my opinion, very well! Now I can't say that I am an Elder Scrolls fanboy, but I have always heard very good things about the series. I used to own a copy of Oblivion, but somewhere along the line the discs went missing before I had a chance to get my teeth into the game. So I have made sure with Skyrim that I have made a decent effort and got a few good hours game play in after getting my hands on a copy. First impressions of the game were good, with a cinematic type intro (rendered using the game engine) where you can look around while it introduces you to the storyline. The graphics of the game would be comparable to Fallout: New Vegas, maybe a bit flashier. The character creation system allows for a decent customization of your character, with several races to choose from.

From here you get a bit of an introduction to the game controls in a semi cinematic player controlled segment. After your introduction to the game, you are then free to start your wandering. Skyrim, like Oblivion of course, is an open world game. You can wander all over the map from the get go. No having to follow the main story line before you can access certain parts of the map. Levelling up your character is pretty simplified compared to other RPG type games (i.e. you don't have to allocate a set number of point to strength, endurance, etc). Instead of this system, it works on more of a skills type system. I want to leave some surprises for you and not spoil everything :)
There are plenty of things to pick up along your travels as you are able to create your own weapons, potions, etc. So among weapons and armour and other essentials you can pickup ingredients and materials. There is plenty to do in this game, so be prepared for it to eat away the hours of the days before you know it. The map is decently expansive and there are plenty of side quests to keep you occupied.

So to the business end of the review.. How good is the game? VERY! is the answer. A must have in the RPG world. I expect to get a very good run out of this game, and the DLC packs that are bound to come in the future. And being available on PC, PS3 & Xbox360, there is no excuse not to get it!! A very solid 5 out of 5 here!