The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1137 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 844 out of 1137
  2. Mixed: 138 out of 1137
  3. Negative: 155 out of 1137
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  1. fluxmulder
    Nov 3, 2016
    4
    This is how lazy Bethesda was with this remaster: There's a mod called the "Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch" which fixes bugs in the remaster. Keep in mind, these exact same bugs existed in the original Skyrim. Bethesda didn't even bother fixing them for the remaster. Apart from the usual graphical bells and whistles, this is the exact same thing as the original Skyrim. 4 for laziness.
  2. Mamal
    Dec 17, 2016
    4
    the mods don't add much to the PS4 version of the game and the game itself is great if you haven't played it already on other systems before. Stick to the PC version.
  3. Fudgeberry
    Feb 12, 2018
    4
    The combat is an unintuitive bore. The writing is, in all areas, terrible at worst and merely bad at best.
    Quests and dungeon design are unimaginative and stale. RPG aspects are entirely hamfisted.
  4. jsometie94
    Nov 1, 2016
    4
    I understand why they re-released it, I understand why it is selling well, but I can't justify them selling the exact same game to people with an upgrade here or there, release it with at least some new content, quests, game enhancements, new mechanics, literally anything. 4 out of 10 and it gets a 4 literally just because Skyrim is a good game.
  5. cottandy
    Oct 13, 2017
    4
    It's not a new game, no more than a graphics mod without any changes for a new price like for a full game we have never seen before.

    You will find here nothing new. They promised that graphics will become better. Not good even in this aspect. Nothing. Maybe some little story changes? No. Rename it as a mod please! These so-called Special Editions, DLCs have already becomen an easy    It's not a new game, no more than a graphics mod without any changes for a new price like for a full game we have never seen before.

    You will find here nothing new.
    They promised that graphics will become better. Not good even in this aspect. Nothing. Maybe some little story changes? No. Rename it as a mod please!

    These so-called Special Editions, DLCs have already becomen an easy way just to take money from the fans. If there was something new, it would have been an another story, but what we see here is just the same old game for which developers want some additional money like for a competely new one.    … Expand
  6. Lord_Alaric
    Oct 31, 2016
    4
    The price tag alone is a pure betrayal to people who already bought the game and sunk hours into it already. This is Bethesda at its worst, making a company like EA look good. There's nothing new to see here apart from "God Rays" and Dynamic Depth of field, which is already a standard for most games.
  7. kraythe
    Nov 15, 2016
    4
    The most boring combat in an RPG i have seen in a while and graphics that look like they are out of Everquest. Hard to get into when much better options exist. Although the story might be interesting, it just couldn't capture me and immerse me. As I ran around the beginning levels all I was doing is hitting right trigger constantly. Compare this with Wither 3 which has a dynamic andThe most boring combat in an RPG i have seen in a while and graphics that look like they are out of Everquest. Hard to get into when much better options exist. Although the story might be interesting, it just couldn't capture me and immerse me. As I ran around the beginning levels all I was doing is hitting right trigger constantly. Compare this with Wither 3 which has a dynamic and engaging combat system or Shadow of Mordor which again has a great combat system. You want to feel like your personal skill matters and I did not get that feeling here. As for the graphics, they are very very very dated and not amazing at all. Characters we washed out, dirty and not even the females looked nice. There wasn't a single character that I really was attracted to play. The cut scenes were similarly dirty and just sub par compared to today's graphics. I give it 4 on the story and no more.… Expand
  8. Nikogx15
    Feb 9, 2017
    4
    The game is unplayable because there is a glitch when you save it says 0kb left even tho I have a 2tb hardrive so I cannot go 5 minutes without having to close the game and go back into it and have it not work properly. The game was a disaster on PS3 and is shaping to be a desaster on the PS4. Bethesda is my favorite gaming company been here since oblivion this is unacceptable fix it andThe game is unplayable because there is a glitch when you save it says 0kb left even tho I have a 2tb hardrive so I cannot go 5 minutes without having to close the game and go back into it and have it not work properly. The game was a disaster on PS3 and is shaping to be a desaster on the PS4. Bethesda is my favorite gaming company been here since oblivion this is unacceptable fix it and I'll give a 10/10… Expand
  9. egoBorder
    Jul 19, 2019
    4
    Typical Bethesda: this game runs like hot garbage. Found it on sale, just wanted to chill out and replay a classic...instead it's all about buying stuff for the game and same old framerate-chugging combat. Avoid unless you are some weird fan of this game that somehow hasn't played it yet, cuz you've probably played a better version otherwise.
  10. altaydron
    Oct 29, 2016
    3
    крутые разрабы крутой компании курят от стыда в сторонке, как как не смогли даже рядом повторить то что сделали модеры самоучки. стыд и срам!
  11. toolie
    Oct 29, 2016
    3
    Please don't buy it, this game is overpriced at 60 bucks it's not a remastered it's just an enhanced from pc version locked at 30fps really?, the game feels old it does disappoint me
  12. Justbiff
    Nov 23, 2016
    3
    Step right up ladies and gentlemen ! For the measly sum of 40-50 pounds you too can experience the wonder 5 year old game with fatal flaws that actually hard crash your console ! Want to see all kinds of bugs and glitches with some of the most janky animation and player faces ever ? We got you covered ! It was never acceptable for this game to be as unfinished as it was 5 years ago, itStep right up ladies and gentlemen ! For the measly sum of 40-50 pounds you too can experience the wonder 5 year old game with fatal flaws that actually hard crash your console ! Want to see all kinds of bugs and glitches with some of the most janky animation and player faces ever ? We got you covered ! It was never acceptable for this game to be as unfinished as it was 5 years ago, it doesn't work properly and it never did, Bethesda had 5 years to polish up and fix skyrim for the next gen and did absolutely nothing but make it look a bit better, it's a joke .… Expand
  13. Dietrich_
    Jan 23, 2017
    3
    "We love money". Bethesda releases an updated version of the 2011 game and sells it at a price just released Battlefield 1 and Mafia 3. But thanks to developers we can say at least for the fact that we do not need to buy add-ons. Glad that continue to release updates, the game will not throw.
  14. HappySpaceInvad
    May 29, 2018
    3
    Skyrim is probably my favourite game of all time. I've played it on PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Switch and now PS4. This version has a significant graphical upgrade from previous console versions, the ability to load in mods (albeit in a very limited fashion compared to the other platforms) and shorter load times (at least with the digital release, which is what I'm reviewing).

    So far, so    Skyrim is probably my favourite game of all time. I've played it on PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Switch and now PS4. This version has a significant graphical upgrade from previous console versions, the ability to load in mods (albeit in a very limited fashion compared to the other platforms) and shorter load times (at least with the digital release, which is what I'm reviewing).

    So far, so good... but there's a massive problem with this release which you will only discover if playing with a surround sound system (5.1 or 7.1). The sound channels are completely messed up, particularly for speech.

    For some reason, the NPC's dialogue and other sounds comes out of the opposite left/right rear channels to what you would expect. So, if the NPC is on your right, their voice comes through the front right speaker (which is correct) and the rear left speakers (which is wrong!). And the reverse also happens.

    As well as ruining the immersion, this also makes locating potentially combatants confusing to impossible. I've tried to live with it, but it's a game breaker unless I force the PS4 into stereo output, which is a pretty miserable concession when every other PS4 game works just fine.

    This has been raised on Bethesda's forums, Bethesda's Twitter channel... but the problem remains to this day. It rather demonstrates a lack of proper quality testing (perhaps the QA testers only play with 2-channel headphones on?). The PS3 version doesn't have this problem (although it has many many other problems). The Nintendo Switch version also doesn't have this problem, and I have been told the Xbox One version is also fine. I have loads of other games that use 7.1 sound perfectly (such as Uncharted 4). The problem is solely with Skyrim.

    In short, if you have (and use) a multi-speaker surround sound system, buy this game on anything but the PS4.    … Expand
  15. Understated
    Jul 27, 2017
    2
    Bethesda may have upgraded the look but they fixed none of the inherent gameplay issues. As I played this disrespectful re-release, all the problems that existed in the original edition were still there in the SE edition, vebatum. That boyish face of Howard may by able to sell swampland in Florida, but for me never again. My new release day for any future games by this fat headed, arrogantBethesda may have upgraded the look but they fixed none of the inherent gameplay issues. As I played this disrespectful re-release, all the problems that existed in the original edition were still there in the SE edition, vebatum. That boyish face of Howard may by able to sell swampland in Florida, but for me never again. My new release day for any future games by this fat headed, arrogant development company will be at least 6 mos. to a year following the actual release day. They can write a decent yarn, but implementation of it in video game form is broken. They continue to produce 'lemons' and get away with it. Bethesda is shameless. Mods. They should never be on consoles! The console doesn't have enough tools to deal with the problems that exist and arise from using them. The hard reset is about it, but that stresses the console to keep doing it. It wasn't designed for this. Bethesda once again puts the burden on the consumer to spend money, time, and hardware to get their product running. But Bethesda needs the modding community to fix, enhance, and keep there product selling. And the modding community itself? An intellectually incestuous group that can't seem to come together on their efforts. Self-absorbed, arrogant, some don't even want to be bothered with issues and results that occur from their mod usage. My recommendation is to use only the USSEP patch and no others, if one can help it. Some modders don't even have Xboxs to test their mods with! Some won't be bothered with feedback. This isn't even their game they are adding to and manipulating. Disgusting! Putting a mustache on the Mona Lisa. Well, this game is NO Mona Lisa! It is not art! It's minor entertainment and no more. Make your own f*****g game if you modders think your so good. That also leaves Bethesda to have to stand on the foundations of their own game. To Howard, "I will never trust you again, period"!! I give this rehash a 2 for story only, when it works right.(with the USSEP of course) They (Bethesda) could have fixed it before putting facepaint on it and selling it yet again for $60.00. This smacks of money grabbing and arrogance. And Nintendo is going to release it on the Switch? Bad move. Good move on Sony's part to resist and to not allow scripted mods. Only not good enough, they bought in to this lie in the end. A warning! There is at least one modder out to brick consoles. An ignorant pc modder with an agenda against console users and I don't believe Bethesda truely cares enough or is vigilant enough to guard against it!… Expand
  16. DemonDan13
    Dec 27, 2016
    2
    This one is a no-brainer. Of course Skyrim is a great game, but it's a game that is five years old. Instead of new content, Bethesda decided to give us this, and even had the audacity to charge full price even though there is nothing new to enjoy. Maybe we'll get something new on the PS5 (and ESO doesn't count)
  17. cdsmith7
    Oct 29, 2016
    2
    This score is intended for the vast majority who have played the game on older consoles and are thinking about buying for mods and graphics improvements. First the mods are unbelievably limited on ps4. So much so, in my opinion it would have been better to advertise this version as without including mods. You wont see any mods that really change your experience for a new play through.This score is intended for the vast majority who have played the game on older consoles and are thinking about buying for mods and graphics improvements. First the mods are unbelievably limited on ps4. So much so, in my opinion it would have been better to advertise this version as without including mods. You wont see any mods that really change your experience for a new play through. Graphics look a little worse than I remember with unrealistic npcs, out dated "blocky" environment, muted colors and bugs galore. All said and done I'm selling my copy for $40 and I personally wouldn't pay over $20 for it. Mods 0/10; Graphics 3/10… Expand
  18. thekraken89
    Oct 28, 2016
    2
    Look, its Skyrim, Still a fantastic game. But comparing the original release to special edition there really isn't much to run home about. The graphics upgrade hardly warrants a second purchase. If you already own the game, don't rebuy. If you have never played it then I might suggest picking it up, but just keep in mind that 60 bucks is pretty steep considering you can make a betterLook, its Skyrim, Still a fantastic game. But comparing the original release to special edition there really isn't much to run home about. The graphics upgrade hardly warrants a second purchase. If you already own the game, don't rebuy. If you have never played it then I might suggest picking it up, but just keep in mind that 60 bucks is pretty steep considering you can make a better looking game with the original and some texture mods.… Expand
  19. phatbmx
    Nov 19, 2016
    2
    Having not played Skyrim before I was excited to discover what so many were talking about. Launching the game also launched a growing disapointment in what I payed $69AUD for. The game is tired, clunky and there is little graphically to interest. I had realised that all the positive reviews from friends and youtube were people who had played the game years ago. They were influenced byHaving not played Skyrim before I was excited to discover what so many were talking about. Launching the game also launched a growing disapointment in what I payed $69AUD for. The game is tired, clunky and there is little graphically to interest. I had realised that all the positive reviews from friends and youtube were people who had played the game years ago. They were influenced by nostalgia as years ago this would have been a great game. For a new player this game is little more than a waste of time.… Expand
  20. MyPayPineapple
    Dec 19, 2017
    2
    Lamentável, um jogo tão maravilhoso quanto esse sendo lançado 5 anos depois com algumas melhorias gráficas ( quase que insignificantes em relação aos gráficos da época ) pequenas, sem conteúdo adicional além de coisas pagas ( ridículo ) e mods limitados ( coisa que já tinha desde sempre no pc, ainda melhores ). O jogo foi apenas lançado para arrecadar mais dinheiro pela "aclamada" bethesdaLamentável, um jogo tão maravilhoso quanto esse sendo lançado 5 anos depois com algumas melhorias gráficas ( quase que insignificantes em relação aos gráficos da época ) pequenas, sem conteúdo adicional além de coisas pagas ( ridículo ) e mods limitados ( coisa que já tinha desde sempre no pc, ainda melhores ). O jogo foi apenas lançado para arrecadar mais dinheiro pela "aclamada" bethesda ( apesar de tudo ainda gosto da empresa ) enquanto estavam todos esperando pelo The Elder Scrolls 6 recebemos apenas um remaster mal feito.… Expand
  21. Avodeskorm
    Nov 1, 2016
    1
    Still one of the most overrated pieces of turd I've ever had the misfortune of even looking at. It's not even worth TWO PENNIES! It's like the number 'V' has a curse of being the worst game in a franchise; And it all started with this abomination that shouldn't even be called a RPG, then it leaked into GTA then Metal Gear.

    EVERYTHING STILL LOOKS GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY BY THE WAY    Still one of the most overrated pieces of turd I've ever had the misfortune of even looking at. It's not even worth TWO PENNIES! It's like the number 'V' has a curse of being the worst game in a franchise; And it all started with this abomination that shouldn't even be called a RPG, then it leaked into GTA then Metal Gear.

    EVERYTHING STILL LOOKS GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY BY THE WAY GRAY MONOCHROME CAVES TREES MOUNTAINS, OR UMMMMMM EVERYTHING!

    This story and dialogue is written terribly from the moment you start the game, none of it redeems itself beginning to end. (Michael Kirkbride isn't part of the writing staff as well)

    THE GAMEPLAY OH GOD THE GAMEPLAY. THE ADDITION OF KILL ANIMATIONS, EXPLOIT YOUR WAY TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL, GO THE FORGE AND CRAFT YOURSELF 1000 DAGGERS AND MORE,

    VIOLENCE IS FUN huh... WRONG! NO DEPTHS. KILL ANIMATIONS HUH THATS TOSH. This addition to Elder Scrolls is like why GTA is more popular then Shenmue, WORSE BUT CELEBRATED CAUSE VIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOLENCCCCE!!!!!

    If you like looking at characters who somehow look like more disgusting higher poly versions of the 5 poly faces in morrowind. (HA IT'S WORSE!) OBLIVION SOMEHOW HAS BETTER LOOKING AND MORE EMOTIVE CHARACTERS. OBLIVION EVEN HAD A PERSUASION SYSTEM THAT'S MISSING IN THIS ONE. (PLUS, WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THE REDGUARDS?!?!? ORCS?! khajiit?! ARGONIANS?!????! OR MOST RACES! THEY ARE ABSOLUTE TRASH IN SKYRIM!)

    DRAGONS ARE SO STUPID. THEY MAKE FIGHTS SUPER LAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU WERE A DRAGON WOULD YOU LAND WHERE EVERYONE CAN ATTACK YOU EVEN THOUGH YOUR GREATEST WEAPON IS FIRE BREATH AND FLIGHT! THAT IS NOT HOW DRAGONS WOULD FIGHT! DRAGON'S DOGMA HAS WAY BETTER EXAMPLES OF FIGHTS WITH DRAGONS!

    CLASS SYSTEM OR MOST SUBSYSTEMS ARE GONE.
    PERKS ADDED... WHAT IS THIS CALL OF DUTY? OH WAIT IT BASICALLY IS!
    ONLY SIMPLIFIED OPTIONS! WAIT LET'S JUST ADD INSTA-WIN ABILITIES! DUMBED DOWN STREAMLINED CRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!

    YOU LIKE FIGHTING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND OVER AgAIN?! BASICALLY JUST SKELETONS AND SPIDERS IN DUNGEONS!

    VOICE CAST IS WEAK. NO UNIQUE VOICES THAT I'VE NOTICED. I mean it's not like I'm asking for Patrick Stewart like in Oblivion, BUT EVERYONE SOUNDS THE GODDESSDAMN SAME!

    MAGIC IS SUPER DUUUUUUUUMB IN THIS GAME. YOU HAVE TO ALLOCATE A HAND MAGIC. NO WEAPONS WHILE USING MAGIC. HOW DO THEY JUSTIFY IT? SHOUTS?! WTF WERE THEY THINKING! OBLIVION HAD A WAY BETTER AND PRACTICAL SYSTEM! AND OBLIVION DOESN'T TAKE 40 SECONDS TO CAST SOMETHING. OR NEED TO GO BACK INTO THE MENU AND EQUIP MAGIC EVERYTIME!

    DLC BECOME VAMPIRE! BUILD HOUSE! DO THINGS THAT ARE DONE WAY BETTER IN OTHER GAMES THAT AREN'T CALLED SKYRIM!

    THIS GAME SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCKKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    … Expand
  22. daryl83
    Jan 27, 2023
    1
    Buggy mess with performance issues and crashing. I have never played a game that crashes this much and is so poorly optimised!
  23. shiftyman
    Oct 28, 2016
    1
    One of the best games thats been sugar coated with an outragesous price tag. Blah blah blah it's still a six year old game. Great for the sheep and fan boys.
  24. doctorase
    Oct 28, 2016
    1
    Exactly the same game only with better graphics. Graphics that you can get with mods. The same bugs and the same things. Poor work of Bethesda.
    Why lose the time with this **** and don't remaster morrowind/oblivion or do TES VI?
  25. UrbaboReviews
    Mar 7, 2017
    1
    This game is absolute horse **** in every way. The game lacks the ability to be obtuse and unconventional. I'd rather play mini clip all day. In my opinion the only good thing is the colors, I didn't even know there was that many goddamn colors in the **** rainbow..
  26. Verderame
    Sep 8, 2017
    1
    Skyrim was one of my favorite games ever on Xbox 360 where it ran like a dream gave you the full ememersive experience. However I made the mistake of buying the so called "special edition" for PlayStation 4 where I thought I would be able to enjoy the same level of experience but with updated visuals, mod support, etc. Needless to say, I was incredibly disappointed with the product. ISkyrim was one of my favorite games ever on Xbox 360 where it ran like a dream gave you the full ememersive experience. However I made the mistake of buying the so called "special edition" for PlayStation 4 where I thought I would be able to enjoy the same level of experience but with updated visuals, mod support, etc. Needless to say, I was incredibly disappointed with the product. I bought a brand new copy of the game for 30 bucks and couldn't wait to load it up and experience all the great quests and interactions that the world had to offer. However, the PS4 version of the game just crashes whenever it wants and as a result it's basically impossible to go on any lengthy adventures in game because the game will almost certainly crash before you can get anything notable done. Skyrim still remains one of my favorite games ever and I highly recommend it to anyone who even remotely enjoys gaming. But do yourself a favor and don't buy this game on PS4 (or PS3 for that matter). If you have a PC, Xbox One, or even an Xbox 360, please do yourself a favor and purchase Skyrim on one of those systems. I promise you won't regret it.… Expand
  27. Vadrael
    Dec 2, 2017
    1
    The Game could have been a masterpiece if it wasnt for the many Buggs.
    While many can argue about it being a good elder scrolls i will focus on the game itself with no relations to the older titles which i played as well.
    The world is big and fun but once youve seen all the spotts the gets boring after its been played completly once. The story isnt the best but had potential. The real    The Game could have been a masterpiece if it wasnt for the many Buggs.
    While many can argue about it being a good elder scrolls i will focus on the game itself with no relations to the older titles which i played as well.
    The world is big and fun but once youve seen all the spotts the gets boring after its been played completly once. The story isnt the best but had potential. The real issue is that this game is so badly bugged that it will frustate you pretty fast. Quests are broken and game freezes frequently and since the game release on the PS3 they didnt anything about it, they port the to every possible plattform and cahrge money over and over but dont do anything to solve the buggs at all no mathere where you play it on.    … Expand
  28. EptaEpt
    Sep 13, 2022
    1
    Sorry, but positive feedback is not available in your region. At least until your leadership changes the two-faced policy in their actions and statements.
  29. Omnadren
    Dec 23, 2018
    1
    Okay, 2011, ps3 - 30 fps. But, 2016, new generation, ps4 - still 30 fps. Seriously? Thanks Bethesda, but no
  30. bethesdasucks22
    Jul 9, 2019
    1
    This is the absolute worst remake of all time if you have it on another console do not give these people your money the only props they get is for the minimal requirement of improved graphics all the bugs and horrible balancing is still there. On top of that they disrespect your time playing by not allowing you to 100 percentage the game by bugging the trophy system. These guys have boThis is the absolute worst remake of all time if you have it on another console do not give these people your money the only props they get is for the minimal requirement of improved graphics all the bugs and horrible balancing is still there. On top of that they disrespect your time playing by not allowing you to 100 percentage the game by bugging the trophy system. These guys have bo shame it's a money grab at it's finest I have lost all respect for bathesda these guys suck.
    .    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best PS4 Game of 2016
18
#18 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2016
31
#31 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 12, 2017
    85
    Special Edition is a boring remaster – there’s no new content and the visual update is modest. Nonetheless it’s the best way to play Skyrim on a console and a good reason to spend another couple hundred hours in one of few games that are truly worth it. [13/2016, p.67]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jan 8, 2017
    90
    Thankfully, the base game itself remains as utterly essential as always. [January 2016, p78]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Dec 27, 2016
    90
    Five years on and Skyrim's quality still stands head and shoulders above all RPGs not named The Witcher 3. It's well worth a revisit, even if the mod support is sorely lacking versus other formats. [Christmas 2016, p.94]
See all critic reviews »