Skyrim is shaping up to be another ground breaking RPG from Bethesda Softworks. We are now only 5 months away from the next edition of the the Elder Scrolls, the renowned open world of Tamriel is ready to be explored again. The very first Elder Scrolls game, Arena, came out on the PC in 1994 and since then there have been 14 different incarnations of the series.
Like the previous games, Skyrim is all about taking your personalised character through a series of story driven quests; finding loot, abilities, fighting monsters and more. The game is played in either first or third person both with various different gameplay styles. Some people swear by one way, while others prefer the alternative.
Skyrim includes many changes to the game style with certain gameplay statistics removed while others added. Many of the more in depth characteristics like Athletics and Acrobatics have been sections under a broader category. To some this seems like a water down system but the development team have confirmed that this will not decease the variety of character outcomes.
You still get to pick from one of 10 fantasy races, customizing your physical appearance, selecting a gender and personalising your starting abilities. To progress in game you will need to embark on various quests to gain experience and improving your characters attributes. Abilities also level up much like Oblivion so if you use your Short Sword enough you will become more accomplished at one-handed attacks. A Fallout 3 style 'Perks' system has also been implemented to increase the diversity of characters; one may allow you to hold more loot while another may give you the ability of night vision.
The menu system has also been updated giving us the ability to zoom in on all equipment and items. This really shows the level of details added into everything in the game world – you can actually read the books too. The character statistics screen has also been improved with a Night Sky skill tree system being added.
The new world map is around the same size as the previous instalment; which is approximately 7 square miles. The huge game-world is populated with various dungeons, monsters, ruins and wildlife. There will be over 100 unique dungeons too so you'll never feel like they are repeating on you. Skyrim will also feature a much more diverse countryside with snowy mountains, large tundras and think forests. There will again be 5 major towns with further settlements dotted around the map for you to visit.
If you've been reading the previews Bethesda have also included Dragons. That's right the fire-breathing, flying giants will be appearing at random in Skyrim. If they spot you they will veer down in your direction taking bites and basically attempting to ruin your day. Even in town you won't be safe. Sometimes your best option can be to run and hide in a dungeon, other times it's best to go for the kill. Slaying a dragon allows you to absorb it's soul for various different skills - referred to as Dragon Shouts. There isn't a finite number of these beasts and they are really suppose to test all your skills.
Skyrim will encourage exploring with many hours of questing off the beaten track. Beautiful vistas will be ever present and the land littered with in game events and characters with a great deal of depth. Some villagers chop wood, some create weapons and others interact with one another. When you start a conversation or overhear chatter there is always a chance that something interesting can come of it.
Another new game feature is the radiant game story. This takes into account previous variables in the gameplay. If a certain cave system has not been discovered or certain NPC's kille,d then the game may base a new mission around certain criteria to push you into uncharted terretory. It has been said that these are very diverse and intend to enable to user to have a very unique experience during each play-through.
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