The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4435 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,744 out of 4435
  2. Mixed: 344 out of 4435
  3. Negative: 347 out of 4435
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  1. Torino
    Nov 27, 2011
    9
    Unfortunately I haven't got to play this game as much as I would have liked to but so far I enjoy what I've seen. I didn't buy this game for Xbox I only borrowed it but I guarantee you the first chance I get I will be purchasing this game for PC (sry I love to mod). What I found ingenious is the use of some mods from Oblivion used in the game instead of having to add them on. The size ofUnfortunately I haven't got to play this game as much as I would have liked to but so far I enjoy what I've seen. I didn't buy this game for Xbox I only borrowed it but I guarantee you the first chance I get I will be purchasing this game for PC (sry I love to mod). What I found ingenious is the use of some mods from Oblivion used in the game instead of having to add them on. The size of the map is a little daunting at first but as soon as you unlock a few fast travel locations it becomes easy to navigate across the entire map. Some of the early bosses seem to throw you in the deep end others seem to be pushovers with very little in the middle but otherwise it is a very very good game.… Expand
  2. mheys01
    Nov 27, 2011
    10
    I am currently on my second play through, having finished all of the main quest and most of the guilds, and I must say that this game is amazing! The graphics are most definitely an upgrade from the already beautiful oblivion. The addition of jobs and skill trees is a fresh change from the restricted leveling found in oblivion. The few minor things that I found don't even warrant to bringI am currently on my second play through, having finished all of the main quest and most of the guilds, and I must say that this game is amazing! The graphics are most definitely an upgrade from the already beautiful oblivion. The addition of jobs and skill trees is a fresh change from the restricted leveling found in oblivion. The few minor things that I found don't even warrant to bring my rating down! This is possibly the most perfect game that I have ever played, and I plan to continue playing it for a long time to come… Expand
  3. aadms
    Nov 27, 2011
    9
    If you were new to the Bethesda RPG games, this game would be a ten because you'll be amazed out how this game is so huge. If you have already experienced and loved the Elder Scroll series, then this game is a nine because basically it is Oblivion tweaked. Graphics aren't really that much updated or revolutionary; nothing we haven't seen since 2008 from other AAA games. The characters areIf you were new to the Bethesda RPG games, this game would be a ten because you'll be amazed out how this game is so huge. If you have already experienced and loved the Elder Scroll series, then this game is a nine because basically it is Oblivion tweaked. Graphics aren't really that much updated or revolutionary; nothing we haven't seen since 2008 from other AAA games. The characters are not as hideous looking as before and the girls actually look attractive this time around. But I swear, Bethesda and Bioware must have a running bet on who can make the ugliest elves in their games. The storyline is just as long as Oblivion's, and the numerous sidequests are about on the same level and uniqness. The combat is as unimpressive as before with the exception you now get, more often than not, pretty cool finishing moves. That's kind of disappointing because today it is possible for some RPG franchises to blend in well the combat action into their RPG games without turning them into hack-n-slashes; Fable and the Witcher come to mind. I was really hoping for an epic battle against a dragon in this game, but it was not so. But those are just small issues considering how impressive Oblivion was five years ago that this game's overall experience is far from dissappointing.… Expand
  4. Rimsie
    Nov 27, 2011
    5
    Well, I'm enjoying it but shocked at the low resolution, it really looks dated and detracts from the emersion. After Oblivion I was expecting a step up on the graphics but its pretty similar. Should have waited for Borderlands two, the original has far better textuals than this venture.
  5. redtheftauto
    Nov 26, 2011
    9
    i like this game a lot. there are tons of quests to do and the leveling up system is pretty cool. the map is huge and the graphics are good. the one thing ive seen is the giants are glichy when they hit you you into the air. but other than that it is a well made well rounded game.
  6. demolish
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    My favorite RPG of all time. I've only played about 10, but I still love this one. I have over 80 hours logged on this game, and I still have lots to do. There are a few bugs, but nothing that can't be patched. it's fun.
  7. jettman0
    Nov 26, 2011
    9
    This game truly is the closest to perfect I have ever seen. It does have certain moments in which bugs, or difficulty spikes may harm the experience, but otherwise, perfect. I loved every minute of this game, and I plan to enjoy far, far more. The graphics, are good, not amazing, good, but matters little. My favorite game in existence as of now, definitely a buy.
  8. Troz3
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    How can some of the negative reviews say the graphics are barely better than Oblivion? This game has the best graphics of the year. The bugs aren't nearly as bad as other people are saying, and the combat has been much improved. Their are actually stats in your skills, and I really don't mind the loss of classes and attributes. It actually makes it more like an RPG, since the Role(R)How can some of the negative reviews say the graphics are barely better than Oblivion? This game has the best graphics of the year. The bugs aren't nearly as bad as other people are saying, and the combat has been much improved. Their are actually stats in your skills, and I really don't mind the loss of classes and attributes. It actually makes it more like an RPG, since the Role(R) you're playing (P) in the game (G) completely shapes the way your character progresses. There are lots of weapons and quests, dungeons are incredibly varied and unique. Dragons are a blast to fight, and so are most of the other enemies. 10/10 for sure, one of the greatest games ever made, EVER.… Expand
  9. superturtle
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    After playing this game for about 2 weeks, Skyrim still manages to amaze me. It may not have the best graphics, or the best sound effects or the best non-glitchy gameplay, but by far it is an accomplishment in its own terms. The depth of this game is absolutely unparalleled. The landscapes are astonishing in detail. The musical score is exceptional. To me, this is definitely Game of theAfter playing this game for about 2 weeks, Skyrim still manages to amaze me. It may not have the best graphics, or the best sound effects or the best non-glitchy gameplay, but by far it is an accomplishment in its own terms. The depth of this game is absolutely unparalleled. The landscapes are astonishing in detail. The musical score is exceptional. To me, this is definitely Game of the Year. There's an abundancy of quests to do, and a lot of new things that has been added to make this the best Elder Scrolls (possibly best Bethesda) title yet. Visually, the game features the best graphics of the series, and a huge scope of lands to explore. The voice acting is very well done, as well as the musical score which adds to the immense world. Down to mechanics, Skyrim gets everything right, from the intuitive interface and hand to hand combat. There are occasional glitches, but none large enough to render certain quests undoable or places impassable. Even if you aren't a huge RPG fan, Skyrim is a world to experience and is quite possibly one the best games ever created.… Expand
  10. SolidLinkSnake4
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    Elder Scrolls Skyrim is the best RPG game since Mass Effect 2 or Elder Scrolls Oblivion. This is definitely Game of the year material . This game has breathtaking world to explore, drastically improved combat, great graphics, amazing soundtrack, and Skyrim is an epic game overall. There are some bugs ,but I recommend this to anybody who likes open world games and rpg's or just wanting aElder Scrolls Skyrim is the best RPG game since Mass Effect 2 or Elder Scrolls Oblivion. This is definitely Game of the year material . This game has breathtaking world to explore, drastically improved combat, great graphics, amazing soundtrack, and Skyrim is an epic game overall. There are some bugs ,but I recommend this to anybody who likes open world games and rpg's or just wanting a fantastic experience in a game. OVER 9000!/10… Expand
  11. AndrewWinters
    Nov 26, 2011
    6
    When I went to GameStop, bought The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and put it into my Xbox 360 disc drive, I was really excited. I thought, this is going to be one hell of an epic game! It turns out, it was not. From the minute I started the campaign, I thought, "The graphics aren't nearly as good as they were hyped up to be." It felt like all the quests were just "Talk to Grumio," "Talk toWhen I went to GameStop, bought The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and put it into my Xbox 360 disc drive, I was really excited. I thought, this is going to be one hell of an epic game! It turns out, it was not. From the minute I started the campaign, I thought, "The graphics aren't nearly as good as they were hyped up to be." It felt like all the quests were just "Talk to Grumio," "Talk to Isabella," "Talk to Grumio again," "Fetch this object," "Go back to Grumio," and so on. It's not the kind of game I thought it would be. It's not the kind of game where you do all the exploring. A lot of times, you have to rely on game guides or online Elder Scrolls Wikia pages, etc. The Radiant Quest System, as well as the AI, isn't nearly as intelligent as it seems on paper. If they added online multiplayer and made this one of the first console MMORPG's, I would love Bethesda. I still love Bethesda, but this isn't the kind of game that keeps your excited if you spend hours on end with the game. That's what I did, and it just made me get bored and realize how overrated the game is. Even more so perhaps than CoD.… Expand
  12. FattyMooMooMan
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    An amazing game, though the game is not entirely bug free as is normally the case with bethesda role-playing games I have had very few issues and nothing that could be called a game-stopper. what the game does offer is a massive world with lot of things to do and a lot of freedom in how you design your character and how you explore the world. With the reduction of scope for mostAn amazing game, though the game is not entirely bug free as is normally the case with bethesda role-playing games I have had very few issues and nothing that could be called a game-stopper. what the game does offer is a massive world with lot of things to do and a lot of freedom in how you design your character and how you explore the world. With the reduction of scope for most role-playing games in recent years (many feel short and channel you down a set game path) this is a breath of fresh air. Well worth a purchase.… Expand
  13. konda210
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    Just too epic for its own good. Easily, hands down GOTY and then some. Even the score gets in your brain. Wow. Bethesda I was starting to doubt with a so-so New Vegas IMHO. Skyrim just does everything right - well maybe a rare crazy-overpowered Dramora throwing fireballs at me. Other than that, WOW. Okay enough time posting this review. Back to Skyrim. Totally addicted. You willJust too epic for its own good. Easily, hands down GOTY and then some. Even the score gets in your brain. Wow. Bethesda I was starting to doubt with a so-so New Vegas IMHO. Skyrim just does everything right - well maybe a rare crazy-overpowered Dramora throwing fireballs at me. Other than that, WOW. Okay enough time posting this review. Back to Skyrim. Totally addicted. You will be too. You'll see.… Expand
  14. wastelander75
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game. I love the audio score here. It has that sort of viking-ish "classic thunder" when you're in battle, or level up, or find a word of power, great great stuff there. My only gripe is that is does have a few very small bugs from time to time (i.e. NPC's holding invisible cups, people sitting on thin air instead of the chair that's about 2 feet away, etc), butAbsolutely fantastic game. I love the audio score here. It has that sort of viking-ish "classic thunder" when you're in battle, or level up, or find a word of power, great great stuff there. My only gripe is that is does have a few very small bugs from time to time (i.e. NPC's holding invisible cups, people sitting on thin air instead of the chair that's about 2 feet away, etc), but considering how buggy and glitchy that previous Bethesda/Gamebryo Engine games have been (more specifically Fallout New Vegas), that's a minor flaw in an otherwise perfectly cut diamond of a game.… Expand
  15. Merkvah
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    Utter brilliance. It's easy to pick on bugs, glitches, or flaws, because they call our attention away from the pure genius of the game. It's like sitting in Central Park, listening to the Philharmonic, and being annoyed by a mosquito who finds you tasty. The mosquito is there, and he's persistent, but the more you focus on him, the more you miss the magic of the orchestra. Skyrim isUtter brilliance. It's easy to pick on bugs, glitches, or flaws, because they call our attention away from the pure genius of the game. It's like sitting in Central Park, listening to the Philharmonic, and being annoyed by a mosquito who finds you tasty. The mosquito is there, and he's persistent, but the more you focus on him, the more you miss the magic of the orchestra. Skyrim is that concert. The world is MASSIVE... I've easily surpassed eighty hours played and have just barely scratched the surface of the game. I've completed the main quest, and ONE of the faction quests (Mage guild / College of Winterhold). I'm eager to play through it again, now that I understand the mechanics, but to try a different play-style altogether (trying to decide between thief or warrior). The story is compelling and complex... there are different factions vying for your attention, and when you please one, you will upset several others, so no choices are clearly cut and dried. Even when I finished the main quest-line, I wondered if I could have gotten a better outcome by doing something differently. I aim to find out. The night before ES5 launched, I was playing ES4. That was a 5 year lifespan for Oblivion. I can very easily imagine myself playing ES5 the day before ES6 launches. The game deserves the high scores that it gets. I play on a 360, and the interface is fantastic... when my friends ask me which platform they should buy it for, I recommend the consoles; the pc users all complain about (and, those who rate the game poorly do so because of) the UI. Definitely a 10. Definitely worth my $60. Definitely worth the money I will gladly pay for DLC. Could not be happier.… Expand
  16. briankong196
    Nov 25, 2011
    9
    This is my first Elder Scrolls game and i say it really good, offers hours and even days of fun. Complete character customization, weapon and armor customization, and even make and enchant your own weapons and equipments. Skyrim offers a grand wide map for players to adventure and explore. The battle system works great, dragon battles is so much fun, the music in the background matches theThis is my first Elder Scrolls game and i say it really good, offers hours and even days of fun. Complete character customization, weapon and armor customization, and even make and enchant your own weapons and equipments. Skyrim offers a grand wide map for players to adventure and explore. The battle system works great, dragon battles is so much fun, the music in the background matches the scene perfectly. There are factions to join and a civil war that needs you to end it. The are some glitches and bugs but a game like would contain some inevitable bugs. The only thing that i pull this game down to a 9 for me is that the companion AIs are sometime being very stupid and dumb. Most of the time while im exploring, i often have to look back to see if my companion is still following me or does he/she wander somewhere else. Other than that, this game offers alot of fun and is definitely worth your money.… Expand
  17. DragonTrinity
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    Can't begin to describe how big, immersive, beautiful, crazy and just in general how awesome this game is. If a game can capture not just your attention but your imagination it is well deserving of its score and praise of not more. The only thing I can say is.........listen to the music and look at the landscape......and try to tell me that this game isn't worth playing.
  18. Adanedhel
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    I can only say that Bethesda has done a great great job!
    Skyrim´s world is so rich in many way, that will atracts pep even if they dont like RPG games.

    and experience that cant be pass out
  19. jamesicus
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    This game is beautiful. without a doubt one of the best games I have ever had the pleasure to buy and play. From the first few seconds you are thrown into a rich story line and beautiful graphics. This is a game that is perfect for any type of player. Whether you want to be a light armored archer or assassin. A heavily armored battle Mage or anything in between you can do it.
  20. CodyTJohnston
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    This addition to the Elder Scrolls Series is astonishing and mind-blowing! Bethesda's new Creation Engine has made the level of realism in this game more than one could ask for. Being able to view the mountains in the distance and having the random chance of fighting dragons whilst walking amongst the wilds give the player a sense of adventure even when they are not following a particularThis addition to the Elder Scrolls Series is astonishing and mind-blowing! Bethesda's new Creation Engine has made the level of realism in this game more than one could ask for. Being able to view the mountains in the distance and having the random chance of fighting dragons whilst walking amongst the wilds give the player a sense of adventure even when they are not following a particular quest line. My player was out looking for herbs when there was a quake in the earth and then a cone of flames hit his backside. Dragons really can just drop out of nowhere. Between crafting armor, combining the casting of spells and weapons, and the storyline of having a war going on during the return of the dragons, Skyrim is beyond what anyone could've asked for.… Expand
  21. knisone
    Nov 25, 2011
    9
    They took what was good about the first game and made it a little better. They aren't the improvements by leaps and bounds over the predecessor however they are pretty decent. The only draw back that I see thus far is the menu. Normally you hit the O button to back out of a sub menu this time you are completely taken out. That takes a little getting used too. Not being able to wield aThey took what was good about the first game and made it a little better. They aren't the improvements by leaps and bounds over the predecessor however they are pretty decent. The only draw back that I see thus far is the menu. Normally you hit the O button to back out of a sub menu this time you are completely taken out. That takes a little getting used too. Not being able to wield a weapon at the same time you are using magic actually really sucks. I mean SUCKS!!!! The gameplay is nice and fluid. The character interactions are decent, and true to Bethesda history. They took enough out of character building just to keep in interesting for diehards and newbies alike. But seriously the magic thing really is a bust. Simply put I hate that aspect of the game.… Expand
  22. unknown09111
    Nov 25, 2011
    0
    I hate it when they give perfect score without even finishing i mean it has many bugs, boring battle scene, boring gameplay attack, boring story, it only has huge world but always the same they took 5 years to make it but still it has many bugs.
  23. Lacedemon
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    Simply the best game of the year, is a masterpiece in every sense, history, music, scenery, gameplay, characters, dialogues, an experience that a player can not lose, if you like rpg, action, adventure in short the good games, Skyrim is the right choice, a strong candidate for game of the year.
  24. DuskHarlekin
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    Saw LivebytheSword's review and had to give this game a 10 to balance out the bad reviews. Who happens to hate video games and I guess life and doesn't get how the user review system works.
  25. McAdooZ
    Nov 24, 2011
    7
    Skyrim is a great game, but suffers from glaring flaws. Ai is not the greatest and the game is full of glitches and bugs. The majority of these bugs are more humorous than problematic, but a few are going to cost you a lot of play of time and they occur more than anyone would like. Another issue is the lack of a strong central story. I sunk hours into this game and nothing about theSkyrim is a great game, but suffers from glaring flaws. Ai is not the greatest and the game is full of glitches and bugs. The majority of these bugs are more humorous than problematic, but a few are going to cost you a lot of play of time and they occur more than anyone would like. Another issue is the lack of a strong central story. I sunk hours into this game and nothing about the "main" quest really made me think that it was of more importance than the numerous large side quests available. The gameplay is great and the graphics are gorgeous for an rpg of this size, but a weak story and numerous bugs dull the experience.… Expand
  26. Rolando
    Nov 24, 2011
    8
    My first dip into the elder scrolls world. Love bethesdas fallout so i thought id have a go. Took a little while to get into but it's engaging, ambitious and good fun to play.
    Plus points: nice graphics, fun gameplay with tons of things to learn, immersive and mind-bogglingly huge with so much to do.
    Negative points: maybe I'm stupid but I haven't figured out enchanting weapons and other    My first dip into the elder scrolls world. Love bethesdas fallout so i thought id have a go. Took a little while to get into but it's engaging, ambitious and good fun to play.
    Plus points: nice graphics, fun gameplay with tons of things to learn, immersive and mind-bogglingly huge with so much to do.
    Negative points: maybe I'm stupid but I haven't figured out enchanting weapons and other little intricacies even after 20 hours of playing- with no instructions the game talks about this skill but gives no explanation on how to do it. I know it's "immersive" and full of back story, but it's also complicated with lots of names- I forget who I'm doing what for and why, which makes it less personal. And the damn menu seems to get unresponsive mid battle causing you to die cos for some reason it won't let you select other spells/ weapons.

    But all in a great game to invest your time in and is spectacular in scope but for some reason I prefer fallout- but I have no idea why!    … Expand
  27. MusAddict
    Nov 24, 2011
    9
    Simly put: the pros outweigh the cons. Biggest pro: Aesthetics. Biggest con: Magic Constrictions. Theres more if you're willing to read. I will start by saying my vote is based on a scale of 0-10, 0 meaning "unplayable", 5 equal to Oblivion (not inherently bad, just to compare Skyrim respectively), and 6+ is an overall improvement from Oblivion. Voice Acting (+1) has been greatly improvedSimly put: the pros outweigh the cons. Biggest pro: Aesthetics. Biggest con: Magic Constrictions. Theres more if you're willing to read. I will start by saying my vote is based on a scale of 0-10, 0 meaning "unplayable", 5 equal to Oblivion (not inherently bad, just to compare Skyrim respectively), and 6+ is an overall improvement from Oblivion. Voice Acting (+1) has been greatly improved from 12 to 70+ actors, meaning you can play longer before you are driven insane by the repetitive voice of Jauffre. Aesthetics (+2) are greatly improved over Oblivion. The map itself is slightly smaller than Oblivion, but it's designed to feel 4x bigger, and it does. Filled with flowing creeks, ice caps, mountains, snow, and A LOT more. Graphics (+1) are improved, not by much tho. It looks better, for sure, but that's thanks to the aesthetics. As for clarity and detail of models, it's only a slight, but noticeable improvement. Skills (+1) have a better setup. Many people like that the skills were directly related to your use of them like in Oblivion, but perks make the game feel more survival/strategic based. They're done nicely. Professions (+1) are a wonderful addition that are a tie between skills and aesthetics, but is prominent enought to be listed as its own plus. While the only real mechanical upside of professions relates to smithing, it's still wonderful to be able to chop wood, mine ores, smelt ores, and so on to improve your gear. Dragons (+0) are an interesting replacement to Oblivion Gates. That's exactly what they are, a replacement. While epic within the story line, and fun to battle with their random characteristics, they are also as repetitive as Oblivion Gates. No matter how epic they are, I find myself only wanting to kill them only for their souls, but after the first 10, it starts to get old. That's why it's a plus zero, cause they're epic, but repetitive. Number of Places (+1) have been increased by about double, and to top it off you never feel like you explore the same place twice, unlike Oblivion. Magic (-2) has been drastically reduced... I'm not sure the number of spells in either game, but I do know they REALLY trimmed magic. They completely did away with Mysticism, and got rid of the ability to craft spells. Bethesda combated the lack of spells with the ability to dual wield spells, but it's not enough... They dropped the ball on this one. User Interface (-1) has always been a core downside for Bethesda's most recent games, even on consoles. I would have not listed UI as a downside, however I hate that they replaced the D-Pad hotkeys with a pausable favorites menu. While it's nice at first, it really pulls you away from combat when all you want to do is unequip your shield and equip a spell. So, to summarize, Oblivion is a 5 on the scale (not inherently bad, just to compare Skyrim respectively), and the improvements include Voice Acting +1 (6), Aesthetics +2 (8), Graphics +1 (9), Skills +1 (10), Professions +1 (11), Dragons +0 (11), Places +1 (12), and the downsides: Magic -2 (10), and UI -1 (9), so overall Skyrim is a +4 compared to Oblivion.… Expand
  28. woodsymoments
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    Skyrim is a brilliant game that takes the best parts of Morrowind and Oblivion and then correct the problems that both games had. Of course a game this size has a couple of problems but compared to other large RPG's they are few and far between. The most common glitch i have encountered is where you cannot open doors for some odd reason but all you need to do is just either sleep for a daySkyrim is a brilliant game that takes the best parts of Morrowind and Oblivion and then correct the problems that both games had. Of course a game this size has a couple of problems but compared to other large RPG's they are few and far between. The most common glitch i have encountered is where you cannot open doors for some odd reason but all you need to do is just either sleep for a day or exit somewhere else and the problem goes away.… Expand
  29. throwback8
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    Bethesda deserves all the lavish praise that is and will continue to be laid on their new masterwork, skyrim. The improved graphics combined with one of the most meticulously and beautifully created worlds ever comitted to video game form help to further hammer home the feeling that you are choosing you're destiny, and skyrim is you're canvas. The sheer amount of content is indeedBethesda deserves all the lavish praise that is and will continue to be laid on their new masterwork, skyrim. The improved graphics combined with one of the most meticulously and beautifully created worlds ever comitted to video game form help to further hammer home the feeling that you are choosing you're destiny, and skyrim is you're canvas. The sheer amount of content is indeed staggering and even overwhelming at times. As you explore, random conversations will bring a healthy list of quest ensuring that you always feel as though you are shaping you're own experience. Whether you choose to progress the main story, hunt for bears, clear out caves full of witches, join a guild, or engage a frost dragon head on, Skyrim never let's up, and you will always feel as though you're actions are shaping a much bigger overall picture. Player choice is integral to the immersion, and Bethesda has nailed it here with aplomb. I need to go have thanksgiving but I needed to write this because people need to realize how lucky we are to have such talented developers like Bethesda to deliver one of the best experiences this generation.… Expand
  30. Paperl0l
    Nov 24, 2011
    8
    Skyrim is beautiful game that has captivated me on many levels, it's breathtaking visuals, innovating character progression and great customisation. It is by no means perfect, although it excels through it's many problems. The world of Skyrim has lovingly crafted, there were no areas that I found to have no reason to be in the game, the lands atmosphere creates a believably hostileSkyrim is beautiful game that has captivated me on many levels, it's breathtaking visuals, innovating character progression and great customisation. It is by no means perfect, although it excels through it's many problems. The world of Skyrim has lovingly crafted, there were no areas that I found to have no reason to be in the game, the lands atmosphere creates a believably hostile environment with every town and every location you can feel the hostility of the land. There is plenty of options for your character, there are several races to pick each with their own abilities, however unlike previous elder scrolls titles they no longer affect your skills. Your skills are instead determined entirely through your choice in play, using a skill will cause it to level up, when you have leveled up various skills 10 times your character levels up allowing you to pick if you want to boost your magic capacity, health or fatigue as well as the ability to give yourself a perk for a skill such as doing 20% more damage or being able to craft a certain item. The system is simple and works well but I feel I have lost much of the customisation freedom I had before now I no longer have the ability to level up specific traits. I also found many of the perks were somewhat unbalanced and could perhaps have done with moving around with very powerful boosts being able to be taken early with little effort and some of the final perks adding very little to the skill. It's very easy to become underpowered if you spread out your perks over several skills rather than focusing on one. The game is rather lengthy however this is a good thing, there are a near endless amount of things to be done that can be done in quests or by random jobs from villagers, you will never have a moment where you do not have anything to do however I found that many of the faction quests (i.e. thieves guild, mages guild etc.) were rather short in terms of main quests but heavy in side missions, it was possible to become the guild master of certain guilds in a matter of hours. Skyrim has a fair amount of bugs in game but with it being such a huge game its hardly uprising, you can get trapped in rooms, objects will float in mid air and menus will freeze, however it isn't frequent enough to cause too many problems, and the games frequent auto saving means you can easily back track if an error does occur. All in all this a great game and well worth any bodies time, its spectacular, but occasionally lets itself down.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
2
#2 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
1
#1 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 89 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 89
  3. Negative: 0 out of 89
  1. Gamer.no
    Feb 6, 2012
    100
    This epic role-playing game might be Bethesda's best game yet, and offers an unique and spectacular world filled with fun. The freedom ensures a great experience for both the casual and hardcore gamer, as you're free to play the game how you like.
    Read full review
  2. GameFocus
    Dec 16, 2011
    97
    Skyrim is the largest, and most compelling work that I've had the opportunity to play this year. It's engaging, engrossing, and will take over your gaming life for many months to come. Not only is Skyrim among the best that 2011 has to offer, but for me, this is, without hesitation, the Game of the Year.
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  3. Cynamite
    Dec 16, 2011
    90
    Quotation forthcoming.
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