User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1001 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jul 2, 2015
    9
    The game has a very Elder Scrolls look to it, with questing handled much the same way as the single player games. The single player game play is surprisingly complete through the main quest. If the idea is to treat this as the sequel to Skyrim, it can do that, as long as people realize it is not. I am a long time MMO and TES single-player gamer and this game merges these together, whichThe game has a very Elder Scrolls look to it, with questing handled much the same way as the single player games. The single player game play is surprisingly complete through the main quest. If the idea is to treat this as the sequel to Skyrim, it can do that, as long as people realize it is not. I am a long time MMO and TES single-player gamer and this game merges these together, which results in some unconventional solutions and game play. People used to playing solo games, like Skyrim, will need to know that others are frequently around doing the same quests at the same time, which takes some getting used to. There will be interaction with other players. On the other hand, MMO players will need to know that a lot of the visual appearance has roots in Skyrim, which results in a very minimal UI. There will be solo players and players looking for "immersion" in the game with you.

    The game world is exceptional. Graphics and audio quality are more than acceptable to me, with just a slight amount of visual stutter in the game when turning or moving fast. Controls are intuitive, but not very customizable, so if you have an unusual preference for what buttons do, be aware. Combat is heavy on spells, which is different from a typical Elder Scrolls game. It is very dynamic and requires some moving around in order to avoid attacks and maintain a target. This is not a game where you stand in one spot and press buttons. Crafting in the game is easy to understand and the craftable items do compete well with drops. Crafting can get tedious if too much is attempted all at once. Trade with other players is through direct trade and guild stores, rather than an auction house, and fits well into the Elder Scrolls universe. Since you can be in up to 5 guilds, the options for trade through the guilds works well.

    The UI is very bare bones and things are definitely missing that one might expect in an MMO. MMO players that are expecting a wealth of data flowing across the screen and lots of informative text everywhere will find combat more challenging. Information about what is happening comes from visual clues in the game world instead of text and icons. No add-on support makes this particularly challenging for players coming over from the PC version. This is not insurmountable and players can become skilled at combat even without the traditional MMO information on the screen.

    Some basic RPG elements are also not in the current version of the game. There is no text chat, so everything is done with the player's voice. Housing is not currently in the game, nor is there any way to change the character appearance. The character appearance is highly customizable at creation time and there are 9 bi-pedal races to choose from. Armor and clothing can be colored. The result is a wide variety of character appearance in the game.

    The game gets a base rating of 8. The detailed game world is out of the park and gets it a boost to 10. With no other problems, it would stay there, but the slight stutter during movement, some bugs in the game that cause black or invisible players, NPCs, and monsters for a few seconds, the lack of an easy to access MUTE button for voice chat all subtract a point. None of these prevent game play and the game is still very playable and enjoyable on the PS4 platform. I am not concerned about missing features, like text chat, barber shop, housing, and combat text so there is no rathing change for that. Bottom line is that it is a 9 for me.
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  2. Jul 2, 2015
    9
    The only reason it got a 9 instead of a 10 from me is because I have run into a few bugs. Nothing game breaking or anything. This game is a TON of fun if you are teaming up with other players. Even if you are the solo type, you can still have success in this game. I play primarily with my brother and it's one of those games that make you lose track of time when you play it. That's how goodThe only reason it got a 9 instead of a 10 from me is because I have run into a few bugs. Nothing game breaking or anything. This game is a TON of fun if you are teaming up with other players. Even if you are the solo type, you can still have success in this game. I play primarily with my brother and it's one of those games that make you lose track of time when you play it. That's how good it is IMO. There are just too many things to do in game. I can't recommend ESO enough. Don't listen to the legions of haters, they have no idea what they are talking about, give ESO a try. Expand
  3. Jul 2, 2015
    9
    I've put a lot of time into The Elder Scrolls Online, namely about two weeks and 30 or so hours and I've barley even scratched the surface of the game, I've managed to become a "master explorer" in 1 of the 17 available areas. So then, the size of this game is huge, I did read about a few chaps who surmised that it would take 8.9 hours of real time horse riding to travel from corner toI've put a lot of time into The Elder Scrolls Online, namely about two weeks and 30 or so hours and I've barley even scratched the surface of the game, I've managed to become a "master explorer" in 1 of the 17 available areas. So then, the size of this game is huge, I did read about a few chaps who surmised that it would take 8.9 hours of real time horse riding to travel from corner to corner of Tamriel and that's a long time.
    As we've come to know, Bethesda love packing their ES games to the max with content that will take you forever to complete and TESO is no different, It's literally impossible to go anywhere without getting distracted by something, be it a dungeon, area boss or quest, you'l always have something to do; be it saving someones family member or delivering a package.
    For the story driven fan, it is a little dry to begin with, with missions being handed out occasionally, you'll be keeping yourself occupied until the game says you can do some more campaign missions. Aside from the this the narrative is strong (and it ought to be considering none other than Michael Gambon himself will be guiding you); and you'll soon find yourself eager to learn what comes next.
    Alongside this all the standard guilds return, mages and fighters and a few new ones, will let you explore smaller scale stories that will turn your character into a powerful legend of the land. But also a new alliance feature comes in that allows you to clear areas of the map for the greater good of your people, giving you a feeling of duty and heroism.
    Skills are easy to level as usual and the leveling system offers an easy and intuitive approach to gearing your character in the direction you want. Each set of skills has passive and active abilities that will map to buttons on the controller, allowing you access to magic spells that can cause extra defensive and offensive effects.
    The games many crafting systems allow you to make Armour, brew potions and craft enchantments; giving you total freedom over how you play the game.
    Understandably it's the multiplayer that defines the game, truly showing off the size and polish of the game. Once you hit level ten you can group with other players to take on team dungeons and challenges, offering better loot and experience, not to mention a hell of a lot of fun; with each player having their own responsibility, team work becomes key. Then, when you're ready, enter Cyrodil for some intense PvP, with massive teams of players you can fight to literally become the emperor of Cyrodil. with rumors of the game allowing up to 1000 people at once, these matches can become HUGE.
    The only slight downside (and the main one to overlook) is the Visuals. Yes, they have improved over Skyrim, with better character models and some stellar lighting, but the lifeless looks on the faces of NPCs when they are describing terrible events sometimes takes you out of the fantasy.

    Overall a very well made and polished game from Bethesda with the usually quality and quantity we have come to expect form the franchise, a strong addition to any gamers collection.
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  4. Jun 30, 2015
    10
    For an MMO, I think the graphics are great! Voice acting is pretty good and it definitely has the feel of Tamriel. It's a lot of fun running around the environment knowing it's populated with other players. This is probably the first successful console MMO I have every played.
  5. Jun 29, 2015
    9
    Elder scrolls online is a enjoyable Mmo set in the elder scrolls universe. It captures the look and feel of elder scrolls but without as much interactivity. The combat is always changing,the world is enormous, the Pvp is epic and the story and lore is brilliant. This isn't skyrim, don't expect it to be and you'll have a blast.
  6. Jun 29, 2015
    8
    This game is not a 10, it is not perfect but it is also not bad enough to give it anything under a 7. It does nothing revolutionary, but its a fun game and the pvp is awesome. This game is not for everyone, and some will expect it to play like skyrim and they will be mad and give the game a 0 and thats fine, but if you go in expecting an average mmo experience and you have friends to playThis game is not a 10, it is not perfect but it is also not bad enough to give it anything under a 7. It does nothing revolutionary, but its a fun game and the pvp is awesome. This game is not for everyone, and some will expect it to play like skyrim and they will be mad and give the game a 0 and thats fine, but if you go in expecting an average mmo experience and you have friends to play with then you will enjoy this game. Expand
  7. Jun 28, 2015
    4
    Worth having a stroll around in. Played until veteran 5 level. Castle sieges are a novel multiplayer experience unlike any other in any game.

    That being said, playing as a healer being unable to select who you heal and having to rely on game AI is frustrating. This point alone for a "class" ( i have to quote it since this game is essentially classless) that's key in any mmo is so bad I
    Worth having a stroll around in. Played until veteran 5 level. Castle sieges are a novel multiplayer experience unlike any other in any game.

    That being said, playing as a healer being unable to select who you heal and having to rely on game AI is frustrating. This point alone for a "class" ( i have to quote it since this game is essentially classless) that's key in any mmo is so bad I would, if this was any other game by any other developers have dropped it the moment I realized it.

    As for other classes , everyone basically specs for dps. You hardly find a decent tank , nobody can hold aggro , people claiming to be healers .. aren't. If you get into a Pug to do an instance you can pretty much expect the equivalent of a bunch of pre-preschoolers at playtime. And it basically isn't the people's fault. it's the way the game is designed. "Jack of all trades , master at none" gets everyone killed.
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  8. Jun 28, 2015
    7
    I have spent over a 100 hours in this game so far and I am thoroughly enjoying it! The best thing about the game in my opinion is the PvP, I have never played anything like it and playing with friends just makes it all better. DO NOT go into this game thinking its skyrim online otherwise you will just be disappointed. Instead, think of it as a new MMO on consoles and keep an open mind. TheI have spent over a 100 hours in this game so far and I am thoroughly enjoying it! The best thing about the game in my opinion is the PvP, I have never played anything like it and playing with friends just makes it all better. DO NOT go into this game thinking its skyrim online otherwise you will just be disappointed. Instead, think of it as a new MMO on consoles and keep an open mind. The graphics are nothing special but each area is huge and the variety of scenery makes questing interesting although some side quests may feel repetitive at times. The lore is detailed and voice acting makes quests a little more interesting than other MMOs ive played and taking the time to read a few of the details does give some perspective to my characters role in the grand scale of the game. The class system really does shine in this game as I never feel limited to a specific role and working out which skills and loot best suits my playstyle is a joy. This game would get a 8/10 from me if it wasnt for the awful server issues. I understand most MMO can have this problem shortly after launch so hopefully it will be sorted but nothing breaks immersion more than staring at a loading screen for 20 minutes when all you want to do is get right back into the action then you get kicked to the title screen, not acceptable. Good game with huge amounts of content at a reasonable price, unlike most games on the market today, that can appeal to all sorts of players. Expand
  9. Jun 27, 2015
    8
    When I first heard the Elder Scrolls universe was going to become a mmo I was intrigued by the endless possibilities that come with the territory. Straying from the formula that made it a juggernaunt among it's peers, Bethesda decided to cash in on the mmo craze. It's pc counterpart never lived up to expectations and many wondered if it would ever hit consoles after a lengthy delay. Don'tWhen I first heard the Elder Scrolls universe was going to become a mmo I was intrigued by the endless possibilities that come with the territory. Straying from the formula that made it a juggernaunt among it's peers, Bethesda decided to cash in on the mmo craze. It's pc counterpart never lived up to expectations and many wondered if it would ever hit consoles after a lengthy delay. Don't let the pc version detract you from giving this one a shot. The console version improves on many of the issues that plagued the pc one. MMOs are a dime a dozen on pc, but many console owners have yet to experience a mmo due to the lack of games that are offered. Final Fantasy A Realm Reborn proved that it can work. It was up to Bethesda to deliver an experience that stands toe to toe with the top console rpgs, and for the most part they did. The shear size of the world can be overwhelming at first, but in a good way. Once you get settled into your character and figure out what works for you everything else falls into place. The difficulty did discourage me a little at first, I died multiple times getting worked over by mobs. When I learned how to play my class the correct way that was all a distant memory. I leveled to 50 in less than a month and was left wanting more, little did I realize that was only the beginning. This game easily has hundreds of hours of content, you get what you paid for and then some that's for sure. PvP alone could be a seperate game, it's impressive the amount of stuff that is going on. Like any other mmo you grind on endgame content grouping with others along the way to make your toon an unstoppable force. The graphics do kinda suck, it looks like a last gen game, an early one at that. Gameplay and replayability is where it shines. Do yourself a favor a give this one a shot, you may be surprised. Expand
  10. Jun 25, 2015
    8
    Go over there, beat up some guys and then come back here and tell me all about it.
    Sounds pish doesn't it? It's not though. It's really good. No idea why but it is.
    I'm not even a particularly big fan of previous elder scrolls game.
  11. Jun 25, 2015
    9
    I'm liking the game, this is my first time playing an Elders Scrolls franchise game, and the experience is exciting like i had in WoW some years ago. I'll give a 9 because the idea of "late game" of PvE is a little empty to me at the moment, maybe is because there isn't, much players in high levels now.
  12. Jun 25, 2015
    0
    What a disappointment! Everything I loved about the Elder Scrolls experience just thrown away - who in their right mind thinks that entering a dungeon and having other unknown players appear out of nowhere and run past you *makes any sense in the world*? Maybe today's dungeons are like shopping malls. I returned the game on the 2nd day. I can only hope for the next real installment inWhat a disappointment! Everything I loved about the Elder Scrolls experience just thrown away - who in their right mind thinks that entering a dungeon and having other unknown players appear out of nowhere and run past you *makes any sense in the world*? Maybe today's dungeons are like shopping malls. I returned the game on the 2nd day. I can only hope for the next real installment in Elder Scrolls. Expand
  13. Jun 25, 2015
    9
    Great game, only thing stopping it being a 10 is the lack of consequence for dying. Otherwise, best MMORPG out the at the moment. Great looking and full of atmosphere.
  14. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Game in which everyone will find something for you. No matter how much time you can dedicate to game, you can fully enjoy it. I think this is what make it completely different from other MMO games.
  15. loe
    Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Having put countless hours into Elder Scrolls Online, I can now say with confidence that this is the MMORPG that stands the best chance of dethroning World of Warcraft. It's also one that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Guild Wars 2 is the modern MMORPG that offers a more streamlined and comfortable experience in open-world exploring and PvP for players of all skills/experience. And instead ofHaving put countless hours into Elder Scrolls Online, I can now say with confidence that this is the MMORPG that stands the best chance of dethroning World of Warcraft. It's also one that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Guild Wars 2 is the modern MMORPG that offers a more streamlined and comfortable experience in open-world exploring and PvP for players of all skills/experience. And instead of ignoring players who want to be crafty or explorative, ESO rewards them Expand
  16. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    The game is astonishing, I have played WoW for 6 years and every other MMO I haven't even bothered to try, all of them have been the same. Finally a game breaks the mold.
  17. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Most fun I've had in an MMO. The game is beautiful, tons of fun and addicting for all! The pve, pvp, and AvAvA is all amazing and really well done. Finally a game where you can do whatever you want.. Explore, do dungeons, pvp, AvAvA, and more! Also, this game is harder than your average MMO. Which is good! Who doesn't like a challenge?
  18. Jun 25, 2015
    5
    Such a disappointment. Long time fan of the Elder Scrolls, and this game is one of the worst I've played on PS4.

    The combat is very bland, boring, and frustrating. They did a good job with immersion, but at the expense of playability -- I need to know what status effects are on myself, my allies, and my enemies. The game is pretty short for an MMO, there's not much to do once the
    Such a disappointment. Long time fan of the Elder Scrolls, and this game is one of the worst I've played on PS4.

    The combat is very bland, boring, and frustrating. They did a good job with immersion, but at the expense of playability -- I need to know what status effects are on myself, my allies, and my enemies.

    The game is pretty short for an MMO, there's not much to do once the story is over. PvP is imbalanced and there's really no other end game. The guild system is pretty messed up and not having a proper auction house is inexcusable. Good luck forming new guilds down the road, everyone's going to want to be part of the biggest possible, to have access to trading.

    The crafting levels painfully slow and the gear you can make is obsolete by the time you can make it (like most, but not all MMOs). Ridiculous amount of recipes for trivial items no one wants, needs, or even has access to buy and sell.

    Personally, I'm going back to DC Universe Online, the only PS4 MMO where combat is fun.
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  19. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    I have been looking for a game to keep my attention since I got bored of WoW a couple years ago, but nothing really has kept me too entertained for very long... until Elder Scrolls Online. Within the first 2 days I had put 20 hours into the game, and I have not even scratched the surface. Tons of stuff to do, great combat system, that is very interactive and actually takes skill to doI have been looking for a game to keep my attention since I got bored of WoW a couple years ago, but nothing really has kept me too entertained for very long... until Elder Scrolls Online. Within the first 2 days I had put 20 hours into the game, and I have not even scratched the surface. Tons of stuff to do, great combat system, that is very interactive and actually takes skill to do well. If you're trying to get off the WoW train, then this is where you want to go. Expand
  20. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    I am thoroughly enjoying ESO. I can jump in and play for an hour or so, or I can play for 6, it's all easy and fun. I never feel the grind, and the world is stunning. Overall, it's just a really good game.
  21. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    This is the best MMORPG I have ever played so far. It doesn't suck your money like a hungry vacuum. Leveling is at ease. Full voice acting. Exploring is also fun and actually rewarding. Very soothing music. Please, try the game, it doesn't even need monthly subscription to play.
  22. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    The only problems I have with this title are the dungeons are a annoying, everything is a boss it seems and there are a lot of them. The rewards are, generally speaking useless and when they are good, it's not for your class. But I don't dungeon much.
  23. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Having played almost every MMO since the dawn of the genre (right back to MUDs) I've been jaded for a very long time and was almost hesitant to try yet another - the fact it was Subs-Free helped me overcome that reticence.
    I love it.
  24. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Phenomenal game. It removes a lot of the things I hate about MMOs (monthly fee, gear grinds, pointless time sinks etc) and adds a bunch of great things.
  25. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Very refreshing mmo, and with no monthly fee, it's a winner! The "quest" system is what i liked most and why I find it so refreshing. Great job Zenimax, can't wait to see where you take this game.
  26. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Don't listen to the naysayers they are just WOW fanbabies who are upset that ESO is so popular and good. It really is fantastic and the graphics are some of the best I've ever seen.
  27. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Really funny game! I already spend 300 hs on it and don't regret buying it. Some times the non-story-quest get really boring(but it always happen in all MMOs).
  28. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    The game is amazing in my own opinion. The graphics are spot on and the visual schemes are amazing. I am still playing and i feel so immersed. Besides the PvE which i can go meh at sometimes (compared to many other mmo's where the pve is just BLAH), it rescues itself in PVP
  29. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    I wish i could comment on some of these negative reviews. If you are hitting the same 2 buttons the entire game your doing it wrong. This is the most immersive game i have ever played.
  30. Jun 25, 2015
    10
    This game is the culmination of the evolution of both free to play, and subscription MMOs. The game design and art are superb, and the microtransaction/auction system is amazing. Cant say enough good things about this game. p.s. Also, lots of replayability between races in terms of story.
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Aug 16, 2015
    80
    A couple of lines of dialogue can often be all you’re given before being plunged into whatever mundane task is expected of you; rare are the significant characters and even rarer are the ones you care about. It just doesn’t maintain the same depth of exploration or profundity that the series is known for, leading to a much quicker-paced Elder Scrolls experience.
  2. Aug 12, 2015
    86
    Even simple quests cause a chain reaction of new incidents and it's possible to see how the player affects Tamriel. But if you expect something like Skyrim with coop-mode you still have to wait for another game.
  3. Aug 3, 2015
    65
    This is a nice RPG and a bad MMO. The game is playable without subscriptions and it offers a lot of content to explore. Playing together with other gamers still is not really working properly. It is too bad this game does not impress, even though the development system for characters and the PvP are fun.