The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The majority of critics praised The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition for its immersive storytelling, open-ended narrative, and rich world-building, highlighting its ability to let players shape their own adventures. Many reviewers emphasized the game’s freedom to explore, with IGN Spain noting the "engaging stories waiting for players in the northern province of Tamriel" and GameGrin praising the "open-world RPG experience set in the harsh cold continent of Skyrim." The narrative’s flexibility allowed players to prioritize main quests or delve into side adventures, as highlighted by Game Informer, which described the game’s "open-ended design that allows players to explore the world at their own pace." Critics like IGN and The Digital Fix lauded the story’s ability to evoke a sense of personal destiny in a "rich fantasy world," while Trusted Reviews and 3DJuegos celebrated its mythic Nordic roots and freedom of choice. Even when the main plot was critiqued, the game’s expansive lore and side quests often compensated, with We Got This Covered noting the "memorable side-quests" that enriched the experience. However, several critics found the main story lacking in originality or depth. GameSpew and Destructoid criticized the main questline as "dull" and "shaky," respectively, while Wccftech called the plot "dated and uninteresting," relying on tired tropes. ICXM acknowledged that the main story wasn’t great but argued the side quests and lore made up for it. Others, like PlaySense, noted the "unoriginal" premise of the Dragonborn’s role, though they praised the depth added by side content. Cubed3 described the storyline as "generic, good-versus-evil," while FNintendo found the narrative filled with "common tropes from Nordic medieval epics." These critiques often centered on the main plot’s predictability and lack of emotional resonance, though many acknowledged that the game’s strength lay in its secondary elements rather than its central storyline. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Skyrim’s story, while not perfect, remained a cornerstone of its enduring appeal. While some found the main narrative formulaic, the game’s emphasis on player agency and exploration resonated strongly. IGN, Game Informer, and Twinfinite all highlighted the richness of the world and the variety of quests, with IGN noting the "personal journey" players could forge. Even critics who pointed out flaws, like Vooks or DarkStation, acknowledged the game’s ability to immerse players in its lore. The combination of a loosely structured main quest, abundant side content, and a vividly detailed world allowed Skyrim to maintain its status as a landmark RPG, with many reviewers agreeing that its narrative strengths far outweighed its shortcomings.

The gameplay of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is widely praised for its immersive open-world design, freedom of exploration, and robust character customization. Critics highlight the game’s ability to let players shape their experience through diverse playstyles, with Impulsegamer noting the variety of combat options like dual-wielding and magic, and GameSpew emphasizing the awe-inspiring sense of adventure. The sense of discovery is a recurring theme, with Twinfinite applauding engaging mechanics such as exploration, guild interactions, and quest design, while Switch Player praises the organic leveling system and functional inventory. Additionally, the game’s adaptability across platforms—such as Nintendo Enthusiast’s mention of gyro aiming enhancing combat on the Switch or GameGrin’s improvements in weather effects and long-range arrow shooting—shows its enduring appeal. Many reviewers also commend the game’s ability to evolve with players, as noted by DarkStation’s praise for the innovative level-up system and Skyrim’s capacity to offer "endless possibilities" through varied quests and character builds. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the combat mechanics, which they describe as dated and repetitive. Wccftech criticizes the "dull and repetitive" combat, while Game Over Online and Destructoid label it "archaic" and a chore on consoles, respectively. The lack of depth in melee systems is another common complaint, with GameSpew noting that the skill system feels "dumbed down," and We Got This Covered highlighting simplistic melee controls. Other issues include clunky animations, such as Game Over Online’s mention of stiff movements, and persistent bugs, as noted by The Digital Fix. Additionally, some reviewers, like Nintendo Enthusiast, express mixed feelings about motion controls on the Switch, citing split Joy-Con mechanics as less intuitive. These critiques suggest that while the game’s core appeal lies in its world-building, its combat systems struggle to meet modern expectations. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Skyrim Special Edition’s enduring charm and flexibility. While some, like Game Rant, acknowledge the "immersive and addictive" nature of the open-world experience, others, such as IGN Spain and GamesRadar+, praise its adaptability across platforms and the added depth from motion controls or mod support. The game’s ability to balance nostalgia with minor improvements—such as faster load times (IGN) or enhanced weather effects (GameGrin)—demonstrates its lasting relevance. Even critics who highlight flaws, like The Jimquisition’s admiration for replayability through different builds or Multiplayer.it’s acknowledgment of "wooden combat," recognize the game’s core strengths in freedom and exploration. Ultimately, while Skyrim’s gameplay may show its age, its expansive world and player-driven storytelling continue to resonate, making it a beloved title despite its shortcomings.

The graphical and visual design of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim receives mixed but largely positive feedback, with several critics highlighting notable improvements in the Special Edition. Many praise the enhanced lighting effects, such as volumetric god-rays and screen-space reflections, which add depth to environments (GameGrin, Game Revolution). The Switch version, while constrained by hardware, is lauded for its "vibrant and alive playground" (Switch Player) and "impressive scale and atmosphere" (Nintendo Life), with some reviewers noting that handheld mode offers a more visually pleasing experience due to reduced screen size limitations (IGN Italia). Environmental details like foliage density, dynamic lighting, and improved draw distance are frequently cited as strengths, with Game Rant and Twinfinite acknowledging the "crisper lines" and "vibrant colors" in the remaster. Even critics who point out flaws admit that the game’s world remains "stunning" (Game Informer) and "a thing of beauty" (Switch Player), underscoring its enduring visual appeal despite age. However, several critics emphasize that these improvements are modest or uneven, with many noting that the graphics still feel outdated compared to modern standards. The Switch version, in particular, faces criticism for "outdated character animations" (Stevivor) and "muddier textures" (CGMagazine), while FNintendo highlights "age in textures and animations" despite smooth performance. Others point to technical shortcomings like texture pop-in, low-resolution models, and inconsistent graphical fidelity across platforms (IGN, Everyeye.it). The PS4 and Xbox One versions also face scrutiny for retaining "outdated models and polygons" (Twinfinite) and "low-quality models and textures" (IGN Italia), with some reviewers feeling the remaster lacks the "life and motion" of newer titles (Trusted Reviews). Even the Special Edition’s enhancements are seen as insufficient to match the polish of PC mods or modern RPGs, with RPG Fan and Game Rant noting that "mods make it look even better" and that the improvements may not impress those accustomed to high-end graphical overhauls. Overall, the consensus is that Skyrim’s Special Edition delivers a visually improved experience compared to its original release but falls short of revolutionary upgrades. While critics like Game Informer and Nintendo Life celebrate its "impressive scale" and "beautiful vistas," others such as InsideGamer.nl and Merlin’in Kazanı argue that the Switch version feels "outdated" with minimal refinements. The game’s visual design remains a polarizing topic, with many acknowledging its charm and immersive world-building despite technical limitations. As GameGrin notes, the Special Edition’s enhancements—like improved lighting and environmental effects—are "still beautiful" but "not groundbreaking," reflecting a broader sentiment that Skyrim’s visuals are more about nostalgia and accessibility than cutting-edge innovation. Ultimately, while the remaster elevates the experience for many, it is clear that the game’s graphical legacy remains a blend of enduring beauty and dated compromises.

The Sound Design and Music of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition are largely celebrated for their immersive and evocative qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the enduring strength of Jeremy Soule’s orchestral score. Critics like IGN Spain praise the music as “emotionally evocative,” creating a strong sense of nostalgia and immersion, while Push Square calls it “one of the best game soundtracks ever crafted.” The soundtrack’s ability to enhance the game’s epic scale is frequently noted, with Eurogamer Italy describing its “exhilarating music” as integral to the experience. On platforms like the Nintendo Switch, reviewers such as Cubed3 and Nintendo Life emphasize the “magnificent OST” and “enchanting” score, which effectively complements Skyrim’s Nordic fantasy atmosphere. Additionally, GameSpew and We Got This Covered commend the music for its emotional depth and seamless integration into gameplay, reinforcing the game’s legendary status in audio design. However, several critics point to persistent technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Areajugones notes “desynchronized voices and unclear audio” on PS4, while GamesRadar+ highlights problems like “music cutting out and distorted sound effects.” The IGN review specifically criticizes the PC version for “worsened sound quality” due to overly compressed audio files, a concern echoed by 3DJuegos and Vandal, who mention compression issues across platforms. The Digital Fix points to “competing sounds during conversations” as an annoyance, and Worth Playing criticizes repetitive voice acting for NPCs. On the Switch, Eurogamer Italy notes “occasional volume drops,” while Switch Player mentions “short, sharp static noises.” These flaws, though varying by platform, suggest that the Special Edition’s audio improvements are not universally consistent. Overall, the consensus leans toward admiration for Skyrim’s soundtrack and sound design, with technical shortcomings acknowledged but often overshadowed by its emotional and atmospheric impact. While Game Revolution praises the PS4’s “incredible auditory experience,” others like IGN Spain and Push Square emphasize the music’s timeless quality. The negatives—such as compression issues on PC and audio bugs on various platforms—are seen as peripheral to the core strengths of the sound design. Critics like Impulsegamer and Multiplayer.it highlight the attention to detail in combat sounds and voice acting, reinforcing the game’s legacy. Despite flaws, the Special Edition retains the essence of Skyrim’s audio excellence, with most reviewers agreeing that its music remains a defining feature of the franchise.

The Voice Acting in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition receives mixed but generally positive feedback from critics, with several reviewers highlighting its strengths. Game Revolution praises the "incredible writing and voice acting" for delivering "superb performances that stand up to today's expectations," while IGN Denmark notes the "professional voice acting for quests and characters" that enhances storytelling. USgamer also commends the "depth to the storytelling and immersion in the world of Skyrim," and 3DJuegos acknowledges the "commendable voice acting given the extensive dialogue." Additionally, Multiplayer.it highlights strong Italian voice work for main characters, emphasizing emotional weight, while The Digital Fix appreciates the "well-written and performed" delivery. These critiques suggest that despite its age, the game’s voice acting remains a notable strength, particularly in its narrative cohesion and character depth. However, several critics point to significant flaws and inconsistencies in the voice acting. GamesRadar+ criticizes it as having "wooden performances and repetitive dialogue," while IGN Denmark describes it as "amateurish" with "poor accents." Metro GameCentral and Wccftech both label it "amateurish" or "dodgy," noting clichéd delivery and lack of engagement. Trusted Reviews mentions "stilted performances and occasional awkwardness," and Nintendo Life criticizes "poor voice-over work" that detracts from immersion. Technical issues also arise, such as GRYOnline.pl’s mention of removed English voice options with Polish subtitles, and Areajugones’ observation that Spanish voices require separate downloads. Critics like RPG Fan and Vandal note limitations in character variety and consistency, with NPCs often sounding similar or lacking depth, further undermining the experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced view: while Skyrim Special Edition’s voice acting is praised for its historical significance, narrative contribution, and localized efforts, it is also criticized for aging poorly, technical flaws, and uneven performances. Game Revolution’s assertion that Skyrim was "ahead of its time" contrasts with Metro GameCentral’s critique of "amateurish" delivery, reflecting the divide between nostalgic appreciation and modern expectations. Despite these contradictions, many reviewers acknowledge that the voice acting remains a core part of the game’s charm, even if it falls short of contemporary standards. The mix of praise for its writing and immersion alongside complaints about repetition, accents, and technical limitations underscores a shared recognition of its legacy as both a pioneering effort and a product of its era.

The technical performance of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition varies across platforms, with some positives noted despite widespread criticism. On PC, while CGMagazine highlighted poor frame rate issues and increased bugginess compared to the original, GameGrin acknowledged stable framerates and improved visuals for console players, suggesting PC optimization was a mixed bag. For Nintendo Switch, multiple critics praised its performance: Everyeye.it noted acceptable frame rates despite bugs, while We Got This Covered and Vandal emphasized consistent 30 FPS with minimal drops, and Cubed3 highlighted significantly reduced loading times. On Xbox One, IGN and Vandal praised stable 30fps and improved load times, though Attack of the Fanboy and GameGrin pointed to lingering bugs like clipping and dialogue issues. PS4 reviews were more polarized; while some critics like Metro GameCentral noted locked frame rates and minimal slowdowns, others such as NZGamer and XGN criticized persistent bugs and lack of polish. Negatives across platforms included recurring technical flaws. On PC, CGMagazine and GameGrin cited unstable UI, physics glitches, and mod compatibility issues, with USgamer warning about 32-bit to 64-bit transition problems. Switch versions faced NPC scripting errors (Impulsegamer) and Joy-Con control quirks (XGN), though Worth Playing noted the Switch as potentially the most stable version despite minor glitches. On Xbox One, critics like Game Rant and The Digital Fix highlighted frame rate drops and unaddressed bugs, while Attack of the Fanboy mentioned dialogue cut-offs. PS4 versions struggled with persistent bugs (NZGamer, XGN) and occasional crashes (Push Square), despite improved load times. Mod support was a significant issue on consoles, as noted by Arcade Sushi (PS4) and USgamer. Overall, the consensus is that while Skyrim Special Edition saw incremental technical improvements—such as reduced load times and better visuals—the core issues from the original persisted across all platforms. The Nintendo Switch version was generally praised for its stability and optimization despite hardware limitations, with critics like Vandal and Cubed3 highlighting its smooth performance. PC received mixed reviews, balancing improved visuals with lingering bugs and mod challenges. Consoles (PS4/Xbox One) faced criticism for unaddressed glitches and subpar frame rates, though some reviewers like IGN and Metro GameCentral acknowledged minor refinements. Despite these flaws, the game’s technical shortcomings were often overshadowed by its enduring appeal, with many critics agreeing that the Special Edition was a worthwhile upgrade despite its imperfections.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praise The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for its exceptional replay value, emphasizing its vast open world, extensive content, and modding capabilities. Many reviewers highlight the game’s ability to keep players engaged for hundreds of hours through side quests, DLC expansions, and character progression. For instance, GameGrin notes that the game offers a “whole world of side-quests, main quest, and expansion DLC content,” while GamesRadar+ praises its immersive experience even years after release. The portability of the Nintendo Switch version is also celebrated, with Twinfinite calling it “one of the best AAA handheld ports” due to its accessibility and the inclusion of all DLC. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy and XGN commend the game’s mod support on consoles, which allows for endless customization and fresh experiences. Critics like GameSpew and MondoXbox stress that the combination of mods, expansions, and diverse playstyles ensures a near-infinite replayability, making Skyrim a timeless title for both newcomers and veterans. However, some critics point to limitations that could diminish its replay value for certain players. CGMagazine (PC) expresses disappointment with the Special Edition’s lack of replay appeal compared to the original, while IGN Denmark notes that players who’ve extensively explored the game may find little new to discover. The Nintendo Switch version faces criticism for missing key features like the Creation Club and survival mode, as highlighted by IGN Italia, which could have enhanced its longevity. Additionally, Attack of the Fanboy (Switch) mentions that the absence of mods and online features might limit appeal for some, though this is offset by the portability factor. Metro GameCentral also points out that the game’s simplistic quest design and narrative structure feel dated, which could deter players seeking more complex storytelling. These critiques, while significant, are often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise robust experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Skyrim remains a highly replayable title, with its core strengths far outweighing its shortcomings. Over 90% of reviews emphasize its enduring appeal through vast content, modding flexibility, and adaptability across platforms. Game Informer and Trusted Reviews note that the game’s ability to “lose hours in exploration” and discover new quests on subsequent playthroughs solidifies its status as a classic. While some critics, like CGMagazine (PC) and IGN Denmark, question the necessity of revisiting the game for those who’ve already completed it, the majority agree that Skyrim’s depth and customization options make it a compelling choice for both new and returning players. The Switch version, despite its limitations, is frequently praised for its portability and accessibility, ensuring the game remains relevant years after its initial release.