GameNow Review

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review

9.4Critic average / 10
94.8%Steam positive reviews · 318K
No player reviews yet

Release date
Developer
Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks, 1C Company, Softclub
Genres
role-playing video game, action role-playing game, fantasy video game, action-adventure game, video game with LGBT character
Systems
PS3, PS4, PS5 · Windows · Switch · Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

At a glance

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a must-play for fans of open-world RPGs and those who enjoy exploring vast, detailed worlds. Its engaging gameplay, rich narrative, and immersive presentation make it a standout title, despite minor user interface issues on PC.

Full review ↓

What works

  • Engaging and flexible character progression system
  • Vast and immersive world with rich storytelling
  • Beautiful and detailed world design

What doesn’t

  • User interface issues on PC
  • Some technical problems on consoles

GameNow review

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review: A Masterpiece of Open-World RPGs

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a critically acclaimed open-world RPG that offers a vast, immersive world and deep character customization. Critics praise its engaging gameplay, rich storytelling, and beautiful world design, though some noted issues with the user interface on PC.

Review updated ·

This summary reflects the cited sources, which may describe earlier versions. The update date does not confirm a new playtest or the current patch.

Gameplay and Systems

Skyrim's gameplay received widespread praise for its engaging and flexible character progression system. Critics noted that the removal of the character class system allowed for more experimentation and personalization. The perk system, which enhances skills based on player preferences, was particularly well-received. The user interface, while praised for its accessibility, faced some criticism on PC for being designed primarily for console controls. The game's world is vast and filled with diverse activities, from main quests to side quests, ensuring players stay engaged.

[1] [2]

World and Story

The game's world, set in the land of Skyrim, is praised for its detailed and varied landscapes, offering a stark contrast to the previous game's setting. Critics noted the departure from the generic feel of Cyrodiil to a more cohesive and immersive environment in Skyrim. The art style and design of the game world are highlighted for their charm and depth, creating a sense of a lived-in world. The narrative, while not the focus, is well-integrated into the gameplay, offering a rich backdrop for player-driven stories.

[1] [2]

Presentation and Audio

Skyrim's presentation is a standout feature, with its art style and world design receiving high praise. The game's audio, including voice acting and sound effects, contributes to the immersive experience. The improved graphical fidelity over its predecessor, Oblivion, is noted for enhancing the sense of realism in the game world. However, some technical issues, such as texture degradation and performance problems, were reported, particularly on consoles.

[1] [2]

What works

  • Engaging and flexible character progression system
  • Vast and immersive world with rich storytelling
  • Beautiful and detailed world design
  • Highly praised user interface for console players

What doesn’t

  • User interface issues on PC
  • Some technical problems on consoles

Verdict

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a must-play for fans of open-world RPGs and those who enjoy exploring vast, detailed worlds. Its engaging gameplay, rich narrative, and immersive presentation make it a standout title, despite minor user interface issues on PC.

Sources

This review was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed here, then checked automatically so that no source text is copied. Scores from outlets are facts recorded on Wikidata.

Source publications: wikipedia.org

  1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim — Wikipedia (en) en.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim — Wikipedia (ja) ja.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0

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