The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

 Xbox One
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 412 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 321 out of 412
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 412
  3. Negative: 55 out of 412
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  1. Sunscour
    Nov 26, 2016
    10
    Having a grand time, installed some MOD"s just to see how it works. MOD's were very easy to install and uninstall. If you like fantasy settings, this game is for you. Comes with all of the DLC.
  2. Jspotter89
    Dec 2, 2016
    10
    There's not really much more that needs to be said. Skyrim is one of the best games ever made, so they could update it for every console that is ever made and I'd probably buy it.

    Is it fundamentally different from the 2011 last-gen version? No. It has mod support and upgraded visuals, but there's nothing here that anyone who's put 200+ hours into it would see as game-changing. I assume    There's not really much more that needs to be said. Skyrim is one of the best games ever made, so they could update it for every console that is ever made and I'd probably buy it.

    Is it fundamentally different from the 2011 last-gen version? No. It has mod support and upgraded visuals, but there's nothing here that anyone who's put 200+ hours into it would see as game-changing. I assume this is where all the low ratings are coming from, as if Bethesda releasing a next-gen port with few changes is compelling any of the naysayers to put down the price point they are charging.

    But it still has one of the most detailed and lovingly crafted game worlds of all time, an amount of quests and goals that is nothing short of staggering, and a testament to what a studio at the top of it's game can put together when they're firing on all cylinders.

    If nothing else, it makes the wait for TES VI bearable.    … Expand
  3. PDNexus
    Nov 21, 2016
    10
    I'm writing this review pretty late and you have probably made up your mind about the game so I will just share a spoiler free experience with you that convinced me that this game was well worth the money and definitely with my time.

    I'm a level 3 Nord and about 3 quests into the game when this happens... I walk into a village and a strange shadow passes over me. I look around and up    I'm writing this review pretty late and you have probably made up your mind about the game so I will just share a spoiler free experience with you that convinced me that this game was well worth the money and definitely with my time.

    I'm a level 3 Nord and about 3 quests into the game when this happens...

    I walk into a village and a strange shadow passes over me. I look around and up into the sky to see nothing. Then the village police draw there bows for no apparent reason. They run behind one of the houses and then you hear it. The dragon roars, and then it gets epic.

    I switch from my sword to my bow and sprint around the house to get my first glimpse of a dragon just toasting these villagers with his breath and I put two arrows in him. He then shoots up into the sky and circles around me.

    The villagers are in a panic and I find myself a soldier among soldiers protecting a town I'm only just discovering from a truly awe inspiring danger. Two minutes and 10 well placed arrows later the dragon plunges to the ground with a crash of dirt and rock and deteriorates in front of my eyes. And I feel like I could conquer the world.

    This wasn't scripted either. These things happen randomly and the number of dragons in the world is infinite.

    Skyrim is a game that will suck your life away as any Elder Scrolls game worth it's name will do. The difference between Oblivion and this is huge. Easily one of the best games I have ever played, maybe ever. Check it out if you have the time.    … Expand
  4. jsharbour
    Feb 17, 2017
    10
    I rarely give out 5-star or 10-point (100%) ratings on movies and games since there's always something wrong with even the most masterful work of art. But in the case of Skyrim, I can't bring myself to take off any points for any flaws in the game. I first played it in 2012 on the Xbox 360, with the expansions, and it absorbed all of my free time for several months. Easily 150 hours intoI rarely give out 5-star or 10-point (100%) ratings on movies and games since there's always something wrong with even the most masterful work of art. But in the case of Skyrim, I can't bring myself to take off any points for any flaws in the game. I first played it in 2012 on the Xbox 360, with the expansions, and it absorbed all of my free time for several months. Easily 150 hours into it. Then I bought the PC Legendary edition and did the same thing again in 2014 (and another 100 hours)! You'd think I would have had enough by now, and I thought I had enjoyed this game as much as I needed to. Yet, I found myself buying Skyrim for Xbox One, despite getting the Special Edition upgrade for free in my Steam account. (I'm a sucker for console games). Played it all the way through again, with all expacs, and loved every minute of it. I can only hope Bethesda puts as much TLC into TES 6.

    No, I'm not a fanboy, I'm a fanman.    … Expand
  5. GamingPoptartTV
    Dec 26, 2016
    10
    I really dont know what to say when it comes to Skyrim Special Edition. Literally its Skyrim with Mods.... That may not be very informative but its true. You have the amazingly fun gameplay of Elder Scrolls and great story with 200+ granted hours.

    Now new comers to the Elder Scrolls Universe, hell even vets of Elder Scrolls V now get to have the experience of mods. Even though they    I really dont know what to say when it comes to Skyrim Special Edition. Literally its Skyrim with Mods.... That may not be very informative but its true. You have the amazingly fun gameplay of Elder Scrolls and great story with 200+ granted hours.

    Now new comers to the Elder Scrolls Universe, hell even vets of Elder Scrolls V now get to have the experience of mods. Even though they where available for PC some are pure console players who never got to feel the communities imagination with 1000s of hours of fan made content. Hell you even get all the past DLC for free. This game is a 10/10 and is a must buy.    … Expand
  6. x6po6go6x
    Oct 28, 2016
    10
    This is the best "console" version of one of the greatest open world RPG's ever. What else needs to be said? It's an amazing game with an insane amount of content. And now console users are gaining access to mods as well. This is imo, an important step in console gaming. As a PC user I would like to apologize for all of the jaded "Supreme master race" PC users who are gonna talk crap.This is the best "console" version of one of the greatest open world RPG's ever. What else needs to be said? It's an amazing game with an insane amount of content. And now console users are gaining access to mods as well. This is imo, an important step in console gaming. As a PC user I would like to apologize for all of the jaded "Supreme master race" PC users who are gonna talk crap. We've been playing modded Skyrim for years and while it's true that the Special Edition doesn't offer anything new to PC users, it's free for anyone who already owns the content included in this version of the game. So there is absolutely no reason for PC users to be spreading any negativity about this remaster. For console users this is an amazing value and certainly worth it.… Expand
  7. BigEvilSquirrel
    Aug 12, 2018
    10
    5 out of 5.
    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is open and expansive, giving you the tools to truly play the way you want. The variety of quest lines will keep you busy for quite some time. Leveling doesn’t penalize you as previous entries in the series, and that is a welcome change. Combat is excellent. The stories are great with some hard decisions as to which side to take, while making you    5 out of 5.
    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is open and expansive, giving you the tools to truly play the way you want. The variety of quest lines will keep you busy for quite some time. Leveling doesn’t penalize you as previous entries in the series, and that is a welcome change. Combat is excellent. The stories are great with some hard decisions as to which side to take, while making you feel uneasy either way. The world is vast, you will be hard pressed to run out of things to do. If you’ve played a Bethesda game, you know what to expect, and this game is their masterpiece.    … Expand
  8. reverentlion
    Oct 30, 2016
    10
    what can I say, the negative reviews are utterly stupid. the game has MODS!!! did you hear me it actually has MODS!! do you know what a big deal this is??? its HUGE!!! the graphics on the se are much sharper draw distance is vastly improved, aliasing is excellent, framerate is fabulous even in markarth, new effects like god rays foliage water look wonderful. it makes the game amazing towhat can I say, the negative reviews are utterly stupid. the game has MODS!!! did you hear me it actually has MODS!! do you know what a big deal this is??? its HUGE!!! the graphics on the se are much sharper draw distance is vastly improved, aliasing is excellent, framerate is fabulous even in markarth, new effects like god rays foliage water look wonderful. it makes the game amazing to play......don't call the company greedy....theyre giving it the pc gamers for free if they had the orig. they make the mods. remember you don't HAVE to buy it, but if you do , try forgotten city mod its outstanding!!!!!!… Expand
  9. PaulDubya
    Oct 30, 2016
    10
    I'm from the UK and this game is around £30-£35 here(I paid just under £31 using flubit) which is cheaper than most brand new games. US gamers being charged $60 = to about £45 I can agree is too much for this remaster but as its cheaper here in the UK I have no qualms giving this game a 10. The graphical upgrade is impressive(just go watch watch some lets plays on youtube to see it inI'm from the UK and this game is around £30-£35 here(I paid just under £31 using flubit) which is cheaper than most brand new games. US gamers being charged $60 = to about £45 I can agree is too much for this remaster but as its cheaper here in the UK I have no qualms giving this game a 10. The graphical upgrade is impressive(just go watch watch some lets plays on youtube to see it in action, screenshots don't do it justice) especially all the outdoor locations. You get so much game for your money and could easily spend 200+ hours in Skyrim and still not have even touched any of the DLC which comes with the special edition(plus mods will extend the life of the game even further). Just make sure you either start as an archer/thief build or a mage as those are the most fun classes to play as. The biggest downside to this game is that the combat for normal weapons like swords, axes and maces etc is very stiff and awkward and not very satisfying but if you limit that type of combat to a minimum by playing as a mage or thief then the combat is great fun. Never gets old headshotting mobs from stealth with a bow and arrow and watching them topple over like chopped tree.........TIMBER! Quests galore, seemingly endless amounts of recipes to create anything you could need, blacksmithing, enchanting weapons and armor with magical effects, alchemy to create potions, guilds to join, property to buy, get married and have kids if that's your thing and build your own homestead from scratch, grow crops, keep animals and probably so much more that I have forgotten to include. If you didn't play it first time around and you like RPG's this is a must buy. If you did play it before then you already know if you like it or not and so it's up to you to decide whether to re-buy this remaster. A 10 from me as even with its faults its still one of the very best games I have ever played.… Expand
  10. Batman29
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    This game keeps better and better the longer you play it you are hooked in it. I put never gets old cause there is so much stuff to do. PACKED WITH CONTENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  11. MarvelJoe
    Nov 5, 2018
    10
    This game is really top notch. I started playing non-stop and I have to say this is the best RPG on top. I'm planning to do Oblivion if I get the chance, but for now, Skyrim is A+ in my book.
  12. SkyrimGod
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    I fell in love with Skyrim when it first came out and I still love it. The sheer amount of content
    packed into this game is amazing. I often find myself lost in this game for hours on end.
    It's a game I still come back to and play. I mean it just never gets old. If you have not experienced
    Skyrim before do yourself a favor and buy this game.
  13. ungoverned187
    May 2, 2018
    10
    This is the best "console" version of one of the greatest open world RPG's ever. What else needs to be said? It's an amazing game with an insane amount of content. And now console users are gaining access to mods as well. This is an important step in console gaming.
  14. klrdana
    Oct 30, 2018
    10
    Skyrim holds up among the best games ever made, even in modern-generation gaming.
  15. Megablitz35
    Nov 3, 2018
    10
    Install and open fallout 76, make my character, leave the vault, screen is completely white, then I hear a voice "Hey, you're finally awake, you were trying to cross the border, got caught in that imperial ambush same as us and that horse thief over there." My heart stops "Todd you've done it again." I say as I sink another 100 plus hours into skyrim. Great game 10/10 would buy 3 moreInstall and open fallout 76, make my character, leave the vault, screen is completely white, then I hear a voice "Hey, you're finally awake, you were trying to cross the border, got caught in that imperial ambush same as us and that horse thief over there." My heart stops "Todd you've done it again." I say as I sink another 100 plus hours into skyrim. Great game 10/10 would buy 3 more special editions on PC and new consoles… Expand
  16. gentlebenno
    Jan 27, 2022
    10
    You know you've made one of the greatest games of all time when it still has emotional replay value a decade later. You the player know what's going to happen, yet you still feel when you play this game. It's a masterpiece.
  17. CordingDesert95
    Nov 13, 2019
    10
    What can I say besides buy the game right now. Even without mods I got thousands of hours of enjoyment out of this game. Just because Bethesda is becoming a steaming hot pile of garbage doesn't mean this game is worse because of that. It has so much do to and you will not regret buying it.
  18. makixnishikino
    Aug 21, 2019
    10
    best game ever you can play its almost endless so many qwests end its so lovely
  19. King7637
    Jun 27, 2020
    10
    One of the better games I ever played. It is a must play to all fans of the RPG genre.
  20. Jo12danJames
    Sep 21, 2021
    10
    I spent 2000 hours on this game on ps3. And then got it on xbox, since the xbox version of the gam was alot better then the sony version. Just started another play through all these years later and man its such a great game. I love collecting items, building a house, and level upo your player and gear its so satisfying, what a great game!
  21. George383
    Mar 4, 2022
    10
    The greatest game I have ever played. I first played on the PS3 back when it first came out and I am still playing today. This game is amazing and will forever be a classic.
  22. TheDovahkiin
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    It's a MASTERPIECE in world building, role-playing, soundtrack, story, side quests, etc.
  23. BlueSonic10
    Jul 16, 2021
    10
    Let's be honest don't go to the creator store(which is a choice if you won't so I'm not gonna go to a 9 for it being money you wanna waste if you wanna) but besides that I got it recently for my Xbox one and it brought me back to my childhood and a creative world.
  24. Skyplayer1507
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    masterpiece................................................................
  25. Gorila599xx
    Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Eu ja amava esse jogos antes, agora com poucos bugs, se tornou definitivamente meu jogo favorito de todos
  26. Zu343
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The elder scrolls V Skyrim is one of the best open wolrd rpgs of all time. I have this game played at least over 200 hours. We have many Quests with a fantastic Story and the history of tamriel in the secret books are very intresting.… Expand
  27. Watson0l0
    Dec 27, 2021
    10
    The best game of any year, not even of all RPG) Todd Howard will sooner or later come to everyone with the words "buy skyrim"
  28. cchenders40
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    This is a RPG masterpiece. The world, the character building, the crafting, the story it is all here. This is a game you can drain your life into. Not to mention is has some amazing DLCs. Skyrim will forever be a GOAT of gaming.
  29. RRrpgManiax
    Mar 1, 2022
    10
    The Elder Scrolls is one of the premier RPG series around the globe. Skyrim, much like its predecessors does not disappoint. The game has phenomenal lore, worldbuilding, characters, and oozes charm and freedom. The roleplaying options are vast and immersive. Do you want to be a stealthy rogue who betrays and skulks about? Do you want to be a righteous Paladin dedicated to law and order? DoThe Elder Scrolls is one of the premier RPG series around the globe. Skyrim, much like its predecessors does not disappoint. The game has phenomenal lore, worldbuilding, characters, and oozes charm and freedom. The roleplaying options are vast and immersive. Do you want to be a stealthy rogue who betrays and skulks about? Do you want to be a righteous Paladin dedicated to law and order? Do you want to be the evil necromancer and summon the undead to do your bidding? Or do you want to steal bread and eat it in your house alone with your Argonian wife? Well those are all valid and viable options for one to partake in. This game is simply put an astounding work of art and everyone owes it to themself to give this game a gander.… Expand
  30. Lesnos4r2
    Dec 7, 2022
    10
    Despite some jankiness, it's one of (if not THE) best game I've ever played. The level of immersion is unparalleled.
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Xbox One Game of 2016
19
#19 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2016
25
#25 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. GameCritics
    Dec 30, 2016
    55
    Sure, it’s still awesome in scope and there’s a ton of content in the package, but it only offers minimal visual improvements, dated gameplay, and inexplicable legacy bugs. Unless someone defines their RPG experience by sun rays and water effects, this reissue just doesn’t represent a notable improvement over the original. Still, for those who aren’t yet Dragonborn, this is the best way to become so.
    Read full review
  2. The Digital Fix
    Dec 21, 2016
    90
    If you've never set foot in the world of Skyrim then now's the time to get your feet wet. Still one of the best RPGs to date and that's not just nostalgia talking.
    Read full review
  3. DarkStation
    Nov 30, 2016
    90
    With dragons to fight, weapons to craft, a home to make, and children to adopt, Skyrim: Special Edition represents the better gaming experiences I’ve had from Bethesda. Their fantasy games are more visually and narratively interesting to me instead of the the cynicism and nihilism that lives in the Fallout series. And because of its wintery locale, Skyrim is a really cozy game to play on a cold, rainy day. Unless you’re still playing it, picking up Skyrim: Special Edition is a good enough excuse to enjoy the video game equivalent of comfort food.
    Read full review
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