'Awesome' is, without doubt, one of the most widely overused words in the English language these days. It is used to describe everything from the most awful TV reality show, through the annual linear and repetitive Call of Duty hyperbole from Infinity Ward or Treyarch, down to the simple taste of a ham sandwich. The problem with this overuse is of course that when something comes along that really is deserving of the word, it loses its true strength.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on PC is one such thing.

From the moment I stepped out from the caves beneath Helgen Keep and into the frozen wilderness, took in the surroundings, smelled the pine forests and heard Jeremy Soule’s sublime music, I knew at that moment that I was playing what will probably turn out to be the finest game I’ve ever played.

I said the same thing in 2006 as well. It was when I stepped out from the Imperial Sewers into Cyrodiil. I swore then that the experience could never be bettered and I was wrong. It was.

The amount of work and devotion that the developers have put into this game is staggering and I can only salute them. I haven’t got far into the game yet because I like to go slow, explore and take it all in at my own pace, but I already believe that Bethesda totally deserve the praise being heaped on them by all the reviewers and can only hope that the next Game of the Year trophy will be firmly under lock and key where it belongs - in Tamriel.


Stannie

Sorry for the shameless bump, but I'd really like to hear some similar (or even opposing) views.

I love love love love this game, i just want to go straight back on when i switch it off. Is that healthy?

Too bad they let this amazing game down with some really awful design decisions.

Skyrim is great sure... but its not without its flaws.

Cosign, game is just awesome

May you care to elaborate please.

I had so many high expectations for this game and they have all been surpassed. This game is possibly one of the most well made and thought out games I have ever played. Truly phenomenal. Good work Bethesda, my hat is off to you.

I'm really not crazy about the inventory management. I think it's just flat out bad. I'm also finding it incredibly cumbersome. I can't seem to exit after reading a book in inventory or when accessing some bags and such. It's without a doubt one of the worst inventory management systems ever and feels more like I'm running a computer data base than accessing a back pack. The combat somewhat fails as well because I always felt no Elder Scrolls game ever did master rpg combat but that's just me. I was hoping for something a little more inspiring but combat is a really difficult thing to deal with as you can make it too hard or way too easy. I'm playing a PC version and sorry but Elder Scrolls has always been a PC game and should always be a PC game ported to these consoles. And the Oblivion inventory system where you saw your character actually don the armor and weapons as you moved them back and forth--if there's an avatar in inventory I'd sure like to know where.

Gotta say this is the first time in a while a games lived up to my expectations completely. Granted my expectations were pretty realistic but it's still an accomplishment. Nice work Todd and team.

Edit: I should note that I play on the PC and while I have noticed some of the very minor glitches involving the mouse and inventory screens it really hasn't effected how much I'm enjoying the game. Guess some folks just need a perfect product out of the box to be satisfied.

It need DX11 compatibility, the intro cinematic lagged for me.

But yes, everything the OP said is.also my thoughts.

Whilst I agree that there are a few niggles with the PC interface (mouse y axis, some buttons not clickable, etc), for the most part the mouse works fine for me. I wonder if some of the complaints regarding virtually nothing clickable (like in the YouTube video that was posted yesterday) are from people playing ... shall we say ... not entirely 'legitimate' copies of the game?

I'm just bummed out by the UI and the lack of variation in armour/weapons.
Currently lvl 12, 18 hours into the game and every bandit looks the same and has always looked the same...

QTF
It may have its flaws, but good sir, when we stand by it as a community we all grow a little bit.

apparently you havent played many games.

I have. Hundreds! And I totally agree with what he said.

Yeah, this is one of the greatest single player RPG experiences I've had in a loooooong time.

I love the background world art, the water effects, the music, the whole atmosphere of the game.

The combat, the dialogue and the game mechanics (UI, hotkeys-fav system) are just horrible.

Once they are patched and modded things will be sweet.