[1] ElderScrolls V: Skyrim
For: XBox 360
From: Bethesda
5 stars (out of 5)
Skyrim is all about choice - right from the start, you get to choose the way you play and where you go.
You start by selecting a race, each with its own deep background and own special abilities. You discover you are of dragon-born stock, then you embark on a journey of huge proportions.
The gameplay of this open-world fantasy game is so well done I can barely find any faults. Everything is progressive - the more you use something, the stronger it will become.
With each level gained, you are given a point to put into one of many different skills in which you have chosen to specialise.
There is no limit to what you can and can't do. You can change your style of play at the drop of a hat and work towards something else. Don't like being a dual-wielding tank?
Change to spell-casting mage who shoots flames and lightning bolts from his hands.
Melee combat can feel like you are missing at times and trying to fight in narrow corridors can be testing. Magic and archery are great to use, while staying hidden when you attack with a bow will net you a damage bonus.
The world of Skyrim is huge. I am surprised the game fits on a single disc. Looking at the map for the first time I felt a little overwhelmed but I soon discovered this massive land offered a massive adventure.
Skyrim's world is so immersive.
There is a story to follow, but you can also spend many hours just mucking about. Early on I saved up my money and bought a house - a complete dive, I must say, full of cobwebs and nothing going for it all.
Eventually, I had bookcases, an alchemy lab, display cases for weapons, a big comfy bed and even a female companion.
If I didn't feel like doing any side quests I'd just load up on the essentials and head off in a random direction and see what came my way.
There are different weather changes and wildlife (watch out for the grizzly bears and sabre-toothed cats).
Enemies I have encountered so far come in all shapes and sizes, from giants, wolves and trolls to the undead and impressive dragons.
You can join guilds, which will give you bonuses in certain skills, while magical stones can be activated to give special abilities and perks to your character.
Skyrim could easily offer 100 hours of gameplay.
But it never feels like a waste of time.
- By Ryan McKenzie
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