User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12985 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Nov 18, 2011
    10
    This is the first Elder Scroll game I have played, and I regret that I haven't dipped in before. I have been in love with this game since the moment i walked into it's beautiful world. I have no past bias, no delusions that this game doesn't have rough edges. There are bugs, some funny, some ugly, but the sheer wonder and joy inherent in the game are excellent. After years of playingThis is the first Elder Scroll game I have played, and I regret that I haven't dipped in before. I have been in love with this game since the moment i walked into it's beautiful world. I have no past bias, no delusions that this game doesn't have rough edges. There are bugs, some funny, some ugly, but the sheer wonder and joy inherent in the game are excellent. After years of playing MMOs and Linear storyline type games, this open ended rpg has won a special place in my heart. Expand
  2. Nov 18, 2011
    10
    This game three times and expands the content of Oblivion or fallout. Immense and sublime ambience, I think is the best buy of the year. I give a 10 :)
  3. Nov 18, 2011
    10
    More and more modern games sacrifice content for graphics, Betheseda's Skyrim is fortunately not one of them. Skyrim is a massive, multifaceted world that really pushes the strengths of previous Elder Scrolls games. The quests are a step above what we have seen before, the world aesthetics are beautiful though the graphics do bennifit from the latest mods that are available. TheMore and more modern games sacrifice content for graphics, Betheseda's Skyrim is fortunately not one of them. Skyrim is a massive, multifaceted world that really pushes the strengths of previous Elder Scrolls games. The quests are a step above what we have seen before, the world aesthetics are beautiful though the graphics do bennifit from the latest mods that are available. The ambient noises blend well with the over arching music themes and character noises. The lighting and sound mesh together in dungeons to really give the gamer a feeling of danger. Whilst Skyrim offers an unprecedented sandbox style fantasy world rpg, possibly unrivaled in the modern genre it isn't all a bed of rose petals. The interface for the PC is atrocious. Bugs abound all over the game. The game is pathetically easy and whilst the world is stunning and the cities gorgeous, the larger cities feel like they consist of a handful of houses consisting of barely a handful of people. The writing fails at times and could of used a bit more work. This is an excellent game but through silly mistakes, glitches and the heavy handed UI console port I cannot see how it could be rated above an 8 out of 10. Skyrim is desperately in need of the upcoming mods the PC community will put together. Expand
  4. Nov 18, 2011
    10
    Open world, free to be explored with many hidden "gems" to find. The story is both engaging and direct for those seeking a more linier path to "completing" this game. However for most of us the game will literally have no ending. It has the bonus of an unending(litteraly) supply of quests for those who want them. It's vast, and it's options are even more so. Anyone who gives this gameOpen world, free to be explored with many hidden "gems" to find. The story is both engaging and direct for those seeking a more linier path to "completing" this game. However for most of us the game will literally have no ending. It has the bonus of an unending(litteraly) supply of quests for those who want them. It's vast, and it's options are even more so. Anyone who gives this game a low rating would likely be doing so because the game is not an MMO. It is a single player game plain and simple. Impressive grafix and a mostly intuative control system allow users to jump right in and begin their journey. This game becomes what you want of it. Desire a life of bravery and justice for all... you can make it so... Want to pinch the pocket of every noble you can find...go ahead.
    There really is no wrong way to play skyrim other then to not play it at all ;) If you want todo it then you can. Ok spent to much time here... I'm going back to being the archmage! ;)
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  5. Nov 18, 2011
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. I love Skyrim and I think this game is a master piece. I see some negative reviews, but generally I think they are from fans of a different genre/style of video games. Skyrim requires patience and a brain. This isn't Call of Duty here. PC was patched on Day 1, and I love that Bethesda is supporting PC. The scenes and natural world are amazing. The fights andAbsolutely brilliant. I love Skyrim and I think this game is a master piece. I see some negative reviews, but generally I think they are from fans of a different genre/style of video games. Skyrim requires patience and a brain. This isn't Call of Duty here. PC was patched on Day 1, and I love that Bethesda is supporting PC. The scenes and natural world are amazing. The fights and quests are really fun and I see that the devs put tons of time into every little aspect of the game. Skyrim represents a giant leap forwards in terms of video games, it will easily take GOTY imo. Expand
  6. Nov 19, 2011
    10
    Game of the Year for the next few years -- this game is simply outstanding. As for the 100+ negative reviews... even if my wife divorced me, my kids hated me, I got fired from work and my dog peed on my laptop, I could not imagine being in such a deranged state of mind to as to give this game a "0" rating. For those of you who have experienced the issue of flickering shadows/sunlight,Game of the Year for the next few years -- this game is simply outstanding. As for the 100+ negative reviews... even if my wife divorced me, my kids hated me, I got fired from work and my dog peed on my laptop, I could not imagine being in such a deranged state of mind to as to give this game a "0" rating. For those of you who have experienced the issue of flickering shadows/sunlight, upgrading to the latest version of graphics drivers (nvidia) did the trick for me. Expand
  7. Nov 19, 2011
    10
    PC gamers are mad that they spent thousands of dollars to make the game look better and cheat. Only to be royalty screwed when Bethesda decides to support those who were smart enough not to spend so much money and get a console. Its an amazing game with excellent graphics for an rpg and for those of you who are bashing the game..........you might as well grab a magnifying glass and goPC gamers are mad that they spent thousands of dollars to make the game look better and cheat. Only to be royalty screwed when Bethesda decides to support those who were smart enough not to spend so much money and get a console. Its an amazing game with excellent graphics for an rpg and for those of you who are bashing the game..........you might as well grab a magnifying glass and go inspect a tapestry for flaws.......cause that's how knitpicky your ass is. Expand
  8. Nov 19, 2011
    10
    TES - is a world, which create a ethernal hope in our souls. Soundtrack, gameplay - all of this - perfecetally, devotion thing! All of fans of TES - this is our game.
  9. Nov 19, 2011
    10
    Magnificent. Beautiful vistas, diverse towns, an abundance of stories to be found wherever you go. Storytelling in both main and side quests is engaging, and I have yet to meet a named quest that relied purely on the simple formulas of kill-ten-rats, escort, bounty, or fetch. Strong player choice is a guiding principle of design, and nearly any classic archetype can find their home,Magnificent. Beautiful vistas, diverse towns, an abundance of stories to be found wherever you go. Storytelling in both main and side quests is engaging, and I have yet to meet a named quest that relied purely on the simple formulas of kill-ten-rats, escort, bounty, or fetch. Strong player choice is a guiding principle of design, and nearly any classic archetype can find their home, even guild, in this world. Scummy towns feel scummy, prosperous towns feel clean and sturdily built. Voice acting, music, and sound design generally are pleasing; visual art direction everywhere is superb, with culture imbued in every object you find, and wonderfully varied landscapes. Dungeons are, so far, distinct places, often featuring traps, puzzles, and environmental hazards to be used against enemies; nameless enemies can sometimes be overheard discussing obstacles that you later encounter. Killing dragons is fun and useful and never resented, but pales in comparison to the many other things you could be doing. _ _ _ _ _

    The bad? Stealth AI could use some work; sleeping NPCs should almost never be able to detect sneaking players, and there are a few times when NPCs should respond more intelligently (or less) than they actually do (an arrow from the dark should never be explained away as "I'm just hearing things"). Smithing could be expanded more than it is. Some traveling companions have Leeroy Jenkins-like overconfidence that makes fighting beside them a struggle in dungeons; fortunately, they're almost entirely optional. Minor bugs - mostly oddities in the collision system - will bother some players; stability is quite good but not perfect. Worst from my perspective, the UI has poor sensitivity to mouse location; I've struggled to click on the conversation topic I really wanted. _ _ _ _ _

    For a player like me, however - first and foremost an explorer, a consumer of stories who narrates every action with the motives behind it, someone who sneaks past sleeping dragons to see if it is possible - this game's flaws are irrelevant, and since this review is for PC, mods will fix them anyways. This is one of the best, the biggest, the richest games I have ever encountered, and I love it to pieces.
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  10. Nov 19, 2011
    10
    Thus far I have found this too be a great game that lives up too, even goes beyond what I expect from the Elder Scrolls. It is still the #1 single player rpg series out there.
  11. Nov 19, 2011
    10
    I only ever got to level 25 in Oblivion before I got bored, including the expansions. I've already far surpassed that and am still feeling as immersed as ever. It's absolutely stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna alone can leave you gasping in awe, wishing you could just stand there for hours and just watch. The quests are a colossal improvement on the last games; as well as theI only ever got to level 25 in Oblivion before I got bored, including the expansions. I've already far surpassed that and am still feeling as immersed as ever. It's absolutely stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna alone can leave you gasping in awe, wishing you could just stand there for hours and just watch. The quests are a colossal improvement on the last games; as well as the levelling up system; crafting; combat; main storyline; AI; just about everything. I have to say, having an open world with seemingly endless, different things to do popping up on a constant basis keeps you excited and enthralled. I could roll on for hours, what matters is that this is easily the best game I've ever played. My only complaint is how console-based the inventory is. 10/10, once they work out the bugs. Expand
  12. Jan 13, 2012
    10
    Game of the year 2011! Maybe also the best RPG ever. Story, gameplay, characters, voice acting, everything is perfect. All the flaws from the past elder scrolls games are gone. Almost no bugs, missing textures or broken mechanics. Only a big open world with lots of good quests, monsters and items. Highly recommended!
  13. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a refreshing and welcome new title to the current rather bland western RPG genre.

    The combat system is extremely innovative and feels action packed without taking away too much of the strategic depth in classical RPGs with countless combinations one can use, made even more diverse by the ability to favourite certain weapons for easy access. The only
    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a refreshing and welcome new title to the current rather bland western RPG genre.

    The combat system is extremely innovative and feels action packed without taking away too much of the strategic depth in classical RPGs with countless combinations one can use, made even more diverse by the ability to favourite certain weapons for easy access.

    The only criticism I have is the lack of hot keying items for the PC version which was featured in Fallout 3 and New Vegas to make weapon changing seamless. Pausing in the middle of an intense fight to heal, or change spells greatly reduced the immersiveness of the game.

    Quests are wonderful and help you to build a character the way you want to by finding incredible loot, reducing the amount of grinding your character needs to do to be a dragon slaying powerhouse.

    All in all, a great game and comes highly recommend. Best game of 2011 for me so far.
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  14. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. I am a person who was prejudiced against this game from before iteven came out. I do not like any previous Bethesda games really, with the massive world, detailed RPG elements and lack of a solid storyline unattractive qualities in a game. Skyrim is different. Easily accessablle menus and systems make the game seem less daunting, while also providing moreThis game is a masterpiece. I am a person who was prejudiced against this game from before iteven came out. I do not like any previous Bethesda games really, with the massive world, detailed RPG elements and lack of a solid storyline unattractive qualities in a game. Skyrim is different. Easily accessablle menus and systems make the game seem less daunting, while also providing more content than there was to be had in previous game. Gorgeous graphics (especially in the constellation skill building system- wow!) and an astouding attention to detail are but one reason to play the hell out of this thing. It is more additive than any shooter I have played (and I have burned hundreds of hours playing CoD games alone) with the mind-boggling number of quests and options for customization allowing the player to make their own Skyrim. If you want to only play the main storyline, you can, but I can assure you, you will be missing out. The greatest achievement here is the choice given to the player- you can explore the universe however and as extensively as you want. A barebones playthrough, or an every-nook-and-cranny approach (or anything in between) are equally possible and fun. To me, storyline is the most important part of games, and this game has a respectable plotline. While certainly not up there with the Bioware games (Mass Effect, KOTOR, check them out, they are amazing) the gameplay is more than enough to make this a splendid experience for anyone. The only reason I give this a 9 instead of a 10 is the occaisional glitches and bugs. This is unfortunately an issue, and you will sometimes get stuck in a corner or have some other problem, but it is extremely ppolished in comparison to previous games, particularly the laggy and bug-ridden Fallout New Vegas. No matter what your thoughts on previous Bethesda titles are, GET SKYRIM. No matter what games you like, GET SKYRIM. I promise you you will love this game to death, and you might well be playing it for that long too. Expand
  15. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Everyone knew Oblivion was the best RPG from 2006 - 2011, and then came skyrim. Skyrim has to be one of the best games ever, as It ticks all the different boxes e.g. Can you dual weild? Yes, Can you weild two spells at once and create a more powerful spell by combining them? Yes. Can you run? YES! (and when I say run I dont mean like oblivions version of running). If you thought oblivions graphics were pretty good skyrim is a whole new story! (unless your playing on xbox or ps3 then "from what ive heard" the graphics have been severely nerfed). there are many different things to do on skyrim which differ from oblivion e.g. You can now Mine, cut wood and cook food. you can also now enchant and disenchant items, smith new weapons and armour. For alchemy you dont need to carry around the novice alembic and pestle and morter to do alchemy, you only need to go to an alchemy table which can be found in quite a few places to create your potions and lotions. Skyrims campaign seemed fairly short compared to oblivions campaign. but I think that may just be because I either fast traveled or used my companions werewolf form to travel to places faster than just walking/running. The campaign may well be shorter but it is a hell of a lot more fun compared to walking through an oblivion gate to notice a few enemy's in which were fairly easy to kill. The Dark Brotherhood mission are abit lame to be honest but they are fun non the less. The theiving guilds missions are a bit more combat styled and not as much sneaking past everyone so you dont get seen. They are more like running in slashing up some enemys if needed then getting whatever you need to complete the quest. Being a dragonborn is quite handy as if you have mastered your unrelenting force shout you can basically blast back any opponent in front of you, which is quite amusing, handy and free to use!!! from what I have experienced skyrim doesnt seem to have loads of bugs and glitches its just small things which are hardly noticable so if your looking for a fun, exciting game, Skyrim is the game to have! I personally recommend it for PC not xbox and ps3 as the graphics are much better and will give you a more enjoyable expierence. Expand
  16. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    You all expect this game to be perfect, all you people who rated the game so badly just look for the down falls of the game and not the highlights do you people buy the game just to look for the bugs and the glitches so that you can write a review about how bad the game is? This game has many good things about it if you would all just look beyond the simple bugs, graphical glitches and UIYou all expect this game to be perfect, all you people who rated the game so badly just look for the down falls of the game and not the highlights do you people buy the game just to look for the bugs and the glitches so that you can write a review about how bad the game is? This game has many good things about it if you would all just look beyond the simple bugs, graphical glitches and UI problems (Of which i had no problems with what so ever with). This game has many hours of game-play, a huge area to explore and very challenging monsters and creatures to fight. Just because you cannot sit there casting a spell to level yourself up, or run an opponent to a guard and have him kill your enemies for you, that's what makes the game more challenging. Also the people who play the game on its easiest difficulty finish the game in 10 hours then say "its a **** game cause its too easy" are just too stupid to understand that a game isn't supposed to be all fun, it's also supposed to be challenging so that when you actually do something that is hard in the game then you have that sense of accomplishment that you did something that is difficult to do, you haven't play a game properly until you have finished it on the hardest difficulty slayed the strongest creatures and obtained the strongest items (Or created them). I hope you people will learn a thing or 2 about my post.... Expand
  17. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    I think this is an awesome game. Everything is positive in this game.
    The only negative is that it can be too much to do sometimes, so you never get bored at least.
  18. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    This game is incredible. Probably the best role playing game I've ever played. Pretty much the only rule is that your character is a badass. The open world is beautiful on Ultra graphical settings. The only games that top this in terms of graphics are Crysis and Battlefield 3, but those games don't have the massive scale of this game. I know I'll spend at least 500 hours on this game. TheThis game is incredible. Probably the best role playing game I've ever played. Pretty much the only rule is that your character is a badass. The open world is beautiful on Ultra graphical settings. The only games that top this in terms of graphics are Crysis and Battlefield 3, but those games don't have the massive scale of this game. I know I'll spend at least 500 hours on this game. The combat systems are way better than previous games: magic feels awesome, the bow is great, and swords handle better than ever. Expand
  19. Vio
    Apr 29, 2015
    10
    I saw a guy with 11 000 hours of playtime for this game. My own is over 300, and I haven't even gotten a quarter of the way in. Just be wary of any hint of paid mod introduction.
  20. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    YOU know what happen when you fell in love with a game? Its when you keep playing it even when you cant anymore. So good is this game, I just fell in love with this game, and I usually don't do that.
    The few games that made so much impact on me was half life 1-2, portal 1-2, Dota2, and this game
  21. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    Games like this are the reason I became a gamer. This is video game perfection in every sense of the word. Props to Bethesda for not selling out and adding a garbage multiplayer mode. It's simply not needed. You pay $60, and get a game with literally 1000+ hours of content. Sorry all you little losers who need to rank up every 30 seconds to find joy in a game - this isn't for you.Games like this are the reason I became a gamer. This is video game perfection in every sense of the word. Props to Bethesda for not selling out and adding a garbage multiplayer mode. It's simply not needed. You pay $60, and get a game with literally 1000+ hours of content. Sorry all you little losers who need to rank up every 30 seconds to find joy in a game - this isn't for you. But any true gamer will appreciate this masterpiece. Expand
  22. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    I've been playing since Morrowind, and I've gotta say, this game takes the cake. I love the visuals on my rig, and the gameplay is simple and intuitive. Everything flows very nicely, and the quests aren't the usual "go find this" or "go kill this" all the time like Oblivion. Sure, there are a lot of those, but a good few of them are more complicated or change direction unexpectedly in theI've been playing since Morrowind, and I've gotta say, this game takes the cake. I love the visuals on my rig, and the gameplay is simple and intuitive. Everything flows very nicely, and the quests aren't the usual "go find this" or "go kill this" all the time like Oblivion. Sure, there are a lot of those, but a good few of them are more complicated or change direction unexpectedly in the middle of the quest, but I want that kind of innovation. Expand
  23. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    Skyrim is the most incredible game i've ever played, i know for certain that once i'm done on the character i'm playing at the moment i'm immediately going to jump straight onto another one because i just can't get enough of it, the combat is incredible, i play on console so the interface issues don't bother me, if i could give it more than 10 i would in a heart beat and i would recommendSkyrim is the most incredible game i've ever played, i know for certain that once i'm done on the character i'm playing at the moment i'm immediately going to jump straight onto another one because i just can't get enough of it, the combat is incredible, i play on console so the interface issues don't bother me, if i could give it more than 10 i would in a heart beat and i would recommend it to anyone. In summary if this is the first game you ever play i pity you because every other game you play from this point on will look like absolute crap compared to it. if you don't have the game yet then BUY IT NOW it's worth every cent Expand
  24. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    i havent played a game this long since GTA IV came out? Beautiful, thats all i can say about Skyrim, is that its so beautiful... ..............................................................................................................................................................
  25. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    What to say? I am in shock. In awe. This has to be one of the biggest, most complete games ever. The game world is amazing, rich with details and interactions, probably even better than one in famous "GTA" series. Graphics are astonishing. I think I could literally look at the screen for hours on one of its beautiful places. Gameplay itself is slick, amazing combat which, combined withWhat to say? I am in shock. In awe. This has to be one of the biggest, most complete games ever. The game world is amazing, rich with details and interactions, probably even better than one in famous "GTA" series. Graphics are astonishing. I think I could literally look at the screen for hours on one of its beautiful places. Gameplay itself is slick, amazing combat which, combined with perfect storyline creates an amazing atmosphere. ONLY thing that messes the game up are very bad shadow, and for the sake of it, turn them off. Believe me, they are not needed! Masterpiece? Yes! Game of the year? Hell YES! Expand
  26. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    Really awesome game. I've been lurking around dungeons popping guys off with 3.0x sneak damage with my bow. This is what games should be: open and lots of choices. Games like MW3 that are linear and constricted are what games should NOT be.
  27. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    This is the best game that i have played. you feel like real. I really like saving game. you can save at everywhere, everytime.Map is so big and this is so great. There is so much playable races ( with vampires and werewolves). you can use magic and weapon same time and it makes playing easier.AI is not perfect, but good. Story is good, sometimes dialogs and travels can be boring but whenThis is the best game that i have played. you feel like real. I really like saving game. you can save at everywhere, everytime.Map is so big and this is so great. There is so much playable races ( with vampires and werewolves). you can use magic and weapon same time and it makes playing easier.AI is not perfect, but good. Story is good, sometimes dialogs and travels can be boring but when you travelling thugs and bandits attacks you and fighting them are stops your boring. Graphics are good but sometimes you see missing details. but, when you look all of the game, This Game İs Almost Perfect! Expand
  28. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    When I heard about TESV: Skyrim, the sequel to one of my most beloved games of all time (Oblivion on the PC, with emphasis on the PC 'cause of mods), I was absolutely stoked, but after disappointing releases by numerous game companies, Bethesda included, I became skeptical of its overall quality and kept my expectation bar reasonably high. What I was expecting was a great game marred byWhen I heard about TESV: Skyrim, the sequel to one of my most beloved games of all time (Oblivion on the PC, with emphasis on the PC 'cause of mods), I was absolutely stoked, but after disappointing releases by numerous game companies, Bethesda included, I became skeptical of its overall quality and kept my expectation bar reasonably high. What I was expecting was a great game marred by day one issues, broken ___, and other issues that were fixable by the community in due time. Basically, I was expecting a good game, not a great one, that would be made excellent by the community over a long period of time.

    Then it came out. Now, before I write this review, I noticed a trend among those who rated this game low. "Graphics don't look like real life...0/10...it's not like (insert favorite old-school RPG)...0/10...small bugs that will be patched...0/10..." Give me a break...This is a unique game (not a classic RPG! If you want that, then good luck finding one; they are getting pretty darn rare) that is very new (at least at the time I wrote this review) and doesn't have the mod tools out yet. Not a single 0/10 review has made a decent point as to why there is nothing redeeming about this game. Now for my review.

    Let me tell you, this game took my expectations and mercilessly shattered them. 40+ hours in, the most amount of time I can remember spending on a game >4 weeks after its release, and I have still yet to get bored with this game.

    There's a lot of improvement from the previous installments. Well, at least I consider them improvements. The addition of things like cooking, mining, smithing, and dual-wielding as well as beefing up magic to not only make it worth using, but very fun to use too, have all been great additions that add a lot of fun to the game. Dungeons have seen a massive upgrade, boasting a surprisingly high amount of variation and uniqueness, which makes dungeon-clearing much more interesting. Some things have been axed like weapon degradation and some skills (some of which were kind of useless like athletics), but overall, itâ
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  29. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    One of the best games than i played! The Graphic is Awsome, the gameplay is very good and you have some random quests that make the game impossible to stop playing
  30. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    Skyrim is far from perfect, at the point of writing. It has several bugs and glitches, but the key thing is, I don't care. This is still the best game I have ever played and the detail and depth of the world amazes me. This is the best way I have ever used £30 in my life.
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Feb 29, 2012
    90
    Unfortunately, Skyrim trips and falls on its own (most probably, to make the cool-sounding deadline of 11-11-11) and just before it reaches perfection as the ultimate specimen of its genre, it self-destructs in a crucial aspect of game design: the interface and the peripheral components (inventory, journal, map, etc)... but that is not to say that Skyrim is anything but a truly majestic, epic RPG that will suck you right in its cosmos.
  2. Feb 14, 2012
    100
    Skyrim is definitely one of the best games of 2011, but if the DLC holds out, it might just be one of the best games of 2012 as well.
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 19, 2012
    90
    Skyrim is the best open world RPG you can get. A true evolution of genre is not flawless but still it is the game you love to live in. [Christmas 2011]