» Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:07 pm
I don't think Skyrim is an empty shell at all.
I told a non-gamer friend to start listing random activities from life, and it took him about ten tries before he listed something you can't do in skyrim (smoke weed; but there is skooma)
When I think 'empty shell', I think sparkling graphics with a super simplistic plot and limited character options/development. Not only is Skyrim's plot interesting, but gamers are divided on which side to take, which side is just. Many people still haven't decided. I've seen 40 page threads devoted to the Imperial/Stormcloak/Thalmore discussion. Oh yeah, and the developers threw in a set of well-written, informative books- ya know, in case you find the time to read them (I will).
I'm probably coming off as a fan*** here, and that's accurate, because I am.
but let's take a look at what Skyrim has to offer. What components make up this "empty shell" of a game:
-stunning landscapes/scenery (with few limitations on where you can venture)
-ability to interact with everything in environment
-interesting, ambiguous plot (w/ literature)
-a level-up/perk system that feels natural
-the ability to travel solo, or have a multi-species entourage
-fun, intuitive combat (sometimes clunky, but usually enjoyable)
-ability to be whoever you want. Sure, you can fulfill you destiny to become the heroic Dragonborn- but if you crumble under pressure, you can become a drunk at the Winking Skeever, or a farmer in the rural countryside (ok, so you can't technically own farmland, but you sure as heck can spend every waking hour wherever you choose, and if it's with the chickens then so be it.)
-varied characters -likeable characters, bland characters, eccentric characters, evil characters, back-stabbing characters (I'm talking to you Al-Jazeem lighthouse mothaf******) The voice acting is far too limited and half the men sound the same, but the NPC appearance and dialogue is quite varied: some characters I want to befriend, some characters I want to kill, and some characters I want to bone. The truth is here my friends.
Frankly, I consider Skyrim the greatest video game ever made. Looking beyond nostalgia and technological developments, Skyrim is simply the most complete video game package; the magnum opus of the gaming world.
Maybe I'm overreacting, but that's what Skyrim does to me. It makes life feel bigger and better than it was before. Skyrim is a hell of a place to visit.
I recommend taking a trip back in time and playing some of these "better" games you speak of. I think you'll find yourself back in Whiterun sooner than you think.