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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Item: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 27, 2016

PlatformPC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperBethesda Game Studios

Overview

Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose. Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.

Elsewhere

9.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally praise the story of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition for its immersive and expansive world-building, offering players a vast and detailed narrative experience. Impulsegamer highlights the exciting and terrifying sequence at the beginning of the game, setting the tone for the player's journey as the Dragonborn. RPG Fan appreciates the interesting story content and the ability for players to shape their character's personality through dialogue options. GameGrin and DarkStation commend the game for its rich side content and the freedom it provides in choosing different paths and quests within the narrative. On the flip side, some critics express reservations about the story of Skyrim. Wccftech criticizes the plot for relying on tropes and clichés, feeling dated and uninteresting. Destructoid finds the campaign unimpressive and the writing shaky, while COGconnected mentions that the story remains the same as the original game, lacking new quest lines or characters. Cubed3 describes the storyline as generic, focusing on a simplistic good-versus-evil narrative. Overall, despite some criticisms, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of Skyrim's story. The game is lauded for its vast open world, rich lore, and diverse quests that allow players to forge their own legend, as noted by Telegraph and USgamer. While there are mentions of clichés and dated elements in the narrative, the majority of critics appreciate the immersive experience, player choice, and engaging side quests that contribute to the overall depth and enjoyment of the storytelling in Skyrim. The game's ability to offer a sense of awe, freedom, and exploration, as highlighted by Metro GameCentral and NintendoWorldReport, adds to its enduring appeal and status as a beloved RPG title.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Skyrim for its immersive world and narrative, with exciting sequences and character development. Some criticize clichés in the plot, but overall, the game's vast open world, rich lore, and engaging quests make it a beloved RPG title with enduring appeal.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition has received praise from several critics for its vast open world, immersive exploration, and diverse character progression systems. Critics like Impulsegamer and Twinfinite commend the game for offering a variety of combat options, customizable playstyles, and engaging mechanics like exploration and guild interactions. The ability to tailor perks to suit individual playstyles, as highlighted by RPG Fan, adds replay value to the game. Additionally, the freedom to create unique characters, choose from various races, and level up skills based on playstyle, as noted by Hardcore Gamer, contributes to a high fantasy playground experience. The inclusion of motion controls on the Nintendo Switch, as mentioned by CGMagazine and Forbes, adds a new dimension to gameplay and enhances combat immersion. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out shortcomings in the gameplay of Skyrim Special Edition. Wccftech and Game Over Online criticize the combat mechanics for being dull, repetitive, and lacking depth, with little variation beyond mashing attack buttons. PlayStation Universe and Gaming Age highlight issues with clunky combat, archaic animations, and poorly designed characters that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, Game Rant mentions that while the core campaign may not be Bethesda's strongest offering, the game still suffers from rough character models, stiff animations, and dated combat mechanics. These criticisms suggest that the gameplay may feel outdated and in need of more significant improvements to enhance player engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition offers a rich and immersive gameplay experience with its expansive world, customizable character progression, and engaging exploration elements. While some critics acknowledge the dated combat mechanics and technical issues like glitches and stiff animations, the majority appreciate the game's depth, freedom of choice, and replay value. The ability to play on different platforms like the Nintendo Switch, as highlighted by various critics such as NintendoWorldReport and MMORPG.com, further expands the game's accessibility and appeal to a wider audience. Ultimately, Skyrim Special Edition continues to captivate players with its vast sandbox experience, diverse gameplay options, and the freedom to carve out unique adventures in a high fantasy setting.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Skyrim Special Edition for its vast open world, diverse character progression, and immersive exploration. They appreciate the customizable playstyles, combat options, and replay value. However, some critics criticize the dull combat mechanics, clunky animations, and outdated aspects. Despite its flaws, the game offers a rich, immersive experience with expansive world-building and engaging exploration elements, making it a popular choice for fantasy RPG fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition are varied and offer a comprehensive view of the game's graphical improvements. Several critics, such as Game Over Online and PlayStation Universe, praise the enhanced lighting effects, improved textures, and overall graphical enhancements that make the world of Skyrim more immersive and visually appealing. Game Revolution and Twinfinite also highlight the upgraded graphics with crisper lines, enhanced lighting effects, and vibrant colors, which contribute to a more modern look for the game. Additionally, critics like Telegraph and Game Informer appreciate the improved landscapes, draw distance, and overall stunning visuals that make exploring Skyrim a visually pleasing experience. On the other hand, some critics point out the limitations and drawbacks of the graphical improvements in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. Critics like Wccftech and Attack of the Fanboy mention the dated character models, lower resolution textures, and reduced draw distances, especially when compared to the PC version or other platforms. Additionally, Game Revolution and Nintendo Enthusiast highlight the muddier textures, lack of detail in character animations, and overall visual downgrade on certain platforms like the Nintendo Switch. These criticisms suggest that while there are improvements, there are still noticeable shortcomings in the game's graphics that may impact the overall visual experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards acknowledging the positive aspects of the graphical enhancements in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition while also recognizing the limitations and areas for improvement. Critics like USgamer and Game Rant appreciate the efforts to update the visuals and make the game more visually appealing, especially for console players who did not have access to mods. However, the general sentiment, as echoed by critics such as Metro GameCentral and RPG Fan, is that while the game shows signs of aging in certain aspects like character models and textures, the overall graphical improvements contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable experience for both new and returning players. The mix of positive feedback on the enhanced visuals and constructive criticism on the remaining shortcomings indicates that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition strikes a balance between modernizing its graphics and retaining the iconic look and feel of the original game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition's graphics. Some praise the enhanced lighting and textures, while others criticize dated character models and lower resolution textures. Overall, the game's graphical improvements are acknowledged positively, but there are still noticeable shortcomings that may affect some players' visual experience. The consensus leans towards recognizing the efforts to update visuals for console players, despite some areas needing improvement. The game strikes a balance between modernizing graphics and retaining the original feel.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The critics unanimously praise The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition for its exceptional sound design and music. Game Revolution highlights the increased audio fidelity on the PS4, providing an incredible auditory experience. Impulsegamer commends the soundtrack for effectively capturing the RPG atmosphere and enhancing immersion, with impressive sounds during combat and interactions. RPG Fan and Push Square both specifically mention the superb and gorgeous soundtrack of the game, with Push Square even calling it one of the best game soundtracks ever crafted. DarkStation and USgamer emphasize how the music and sound design contribute to the immersive experience of exploring Skyrim, with DarkStation mentioning updated sound effects in mods for the Xbox One version. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are a few criticisms regarding the sound in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. CGMagazine mentions minor sound glitches on the Nintendo Switch version, although they do not significantly impact the gameplay experience. Switch Player notes occasional audio issues like short, sharp static noises, detracting slightly from the overall immersive experience. Gameplanet's mention of "crappy voice acting" raises concerns about the consistency of the sound design across the game, highlighting a potential area for improvement. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. The praise for the game's soundtrack is consistent across multiple reviews, with critics like RPG Fan, Push Square, and Nintendo Enthusiast specifically highlighting its excellence. The immersive sound design, attention to detail in combat sounds, and overall contribution to the atmospheric experience of exploring Skyrim are widely appreciated by critics like Impulsegamer, DarkStation, and USgamer. While there are minor issues mentioned by some critics, such as sound glitches and occasional audio issues, they do not significantly detract from the overall high quality of the sound design and music in the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition's exceptional sound design and music, with praise for its immersive soundtrack and atmospheric experience. While some minor sound glitches were noted, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting the game's superb soundtrack and detailed sound effects as standout features.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The Voice Acting in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition has garnered mixed reviews from critics. Game Revolution commends the game for its incredible writing and voice acting, stating that the performances stand up to today's expectations and showcase Skyrim's ahead-of-its-time quality in this aspect. USgamer also praises the professional voice acting for quests and characters, emphasizing how it adds depth to the storytelling and immersion in the world of Skyrim. These positive reviews highlight the strong performances that enhance the overall experience of the game for players. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the Voice Acting in Skyrim. Metro GameCentral, in both their PS4 and Nintendo Switch playthroughs, criticizes the voice acting as amateurish, filled with clichés, and distracting due to a variety of accents used in the game. Wccftech describes the voice acting as dodgy and not engaging, while Telegraph mentions flat voice acting with stiff character models and animations, indicating a lack of depth and immersion in character interactions. These critiques point out the shortcomings in the voice performances that may detract from the overall immersion and quality of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Voice Acting in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is divided. While some, like Game Revolution and USgamer, appreciate the performances for adding depth and enhancing the storytelling experience, others, such as Metro GameCentral and Wccftech, highlight issues like amateurish delivery and lack of engagement. The differing opinions suggest that the quality of voice acting in Skyrim is subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences. Game Informer's mention of bad voice acting being part of the game's charm at this point adds an interesting perspective to the discussion, indicating that flaws in voice acting could be perceived as part of the game's unique appeal for some players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are split on the voice acting in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. Some praise it for enhancing storytelling and immersion, while others criticize it as amateurish and lacking engagement. Ultimately, opinions vary on whether the voice acting adds to or detracts from the overall gaming experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PlayStation 4, several critics highlighted positive aspects. Metro GameCentral praised the Special Edition for its locked frame rate, improved visuals, and minimal bugs or slowdowns. Twinfinite also noted improved load times and fewer glitches compared to the original release, with a smooth gameplay experience and no crashes experienced during gameplay. Additionally, COGconnected mentioned that while the game still has some glitches, it has aged well and feels at home on current generation consoles. On the flip side, some critics pointed out negative aspects of the PlayStation 4 version of Skyrim. RPG Fan and The Jimquisition both criticized the presence of glitches and crashes, detracting from the immersive experience. PlayStation Universe mentioned that while the PS4 version fixed some issues from the previous generation, there are still glitches, bugs, crashes, and occasional stutters in frame rate. Wccftech highlighted that while loading times felt more bearable, the upgrades seemed minimal, indicating potential room for improvement. Across all gaming platforms, the overall consensus among critics leans towards a mixed bag of technical performance for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. While some platforms like the Nintendo Switch received praise for stable frame rates, quick load times, and minimal issues, others like the Xbox One and PS4 faced criticisms for glitches, crashes, and lingering technical issues. Critics like Game Revolution and DarkStation noted improvements in stability and performance, while others like GameSpot and Game Rant highlighted disappointing frame rate drops and audio glitches. The general sentiment suggests that while the game has seen enhancements in certain areas, technical issues continue to persist across different platforms, impacting the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised the PlayStation 4 version of Skyrim Special Edition for its locked frame rate, improved visuals, and smooth gameplay, but criticized it for glitches and crashes. Overall, opinions were mixed with some platforms performing better than others, but technical issues still impacting the gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of the critics praised the Replay Value of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its longevity. Critics like Impulsegamer and RPG Fan appreciated the endless gameplay possibilities offered by diverse character builds, quests, and exploration, along with the addition of mods and DLC providing great value for money. The inclusion of mods and DLCs, as mentioned by COGconnected and Game Revolution, was seen as a significant factor in enhancing replayability, offering additional content and customization options for both new and returning players. The vast open world, numerous quests, and different playstyles available, as noted by NintendoWorldReport and RPG Site, were also cited as key elements that contribute to the game's high replay value. On the downside, some critics pointed out limitations that could impact the overall replay value of Skyrim. Metro GameCentral highlighted the lack of new content as a potential limiting factor for some players, especially those who have extensively experienced the game before. Wccftech mentioned that repetitive combat could weigh down the gameplay experience, potentially affecting the desire for repeated playthroughs. Additionally, IGN Italia noted that the Nintendo Switch version lacks support for certain features like the Creation Club and recent updates, which could have added new ways to experience the adventure, potentially diminishing the replay value for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Replay Value of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. The game's vast world, diverse character progression paths, inclusion of all DLC expansions, and the ability to explore different playstyles and quests were highlighted as key factors contributing to its enduring appeal. Critics like Game Informer and Hardcore Gamer emphasized the game's addictive nature and the opportunity it provides for players to spend hundreds of hours exploring and completing various tasks. Despite some minor drawbacks and limitations, the majority of critics found Skyrim to offer a compelling and immersive experience that continues to captivate both veteran players and newcomers, making it a timeless classic with exceptional replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics laud The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition for its extensive replay value due to diverse character builds, quests, mods, and DLC. The game's vast open world, quests, and playstyles offer endless possibilities. Some critics mention limitations like lack of new content and repetitive combat, but overall, Skyrim is praised for its enduring appeal and immersive experience, making it a timeless classic with exceptional replay value.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many praised the game for its immersive gameplay, vast open world, rich narrative, and high replay value. Critics like DarkStation and Game Revolution highlighted the game's enduring appeal, with DarkStation specifically mentioning its cozy atmosphere and innovative level-up system. The improved visuals in the Special Edition were also well-received, with COGconnected and Game Over Online commending the enhanced graphics and mod support, making it a worthwhile purchase for both newcomers and returning players. While the general sentiment towards Skyrim Special Edition was positive, some critics did point out certain drawbacks. Wccftech and Destructoid noted that the game may feel dated with minimal improvements in gameplay and graphics, potentially deterring some players. Additionally, Gaming Age raised concerns about the $60 price tag for a game that is essentially a re-release, suggesting that it may not offer enough new content to justify the cost, especially amidst a competitive market with numerous new releases. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition remains a must-play title, especially for those who have never experienced the game before. The portability of the Nintendo Switch version, as highlighted by Twinfinite and NintendoWorldReport, adds a new dimension to the gameplay experience, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a different way to engage with the vast world of Skyrim. Despite some technical issues and lack of significant new content, the game's enduring quality, immersive gameplay, and overall package were praised by a majority of critics, solidifying its status as one of the best RPGs ever made.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praised Skyrim Special Edition for its immersive world, rich narrative, and enhanced visuals with mod support. While some noted dated gameplay and high price, most agree it's a must-play RPG, especially on Nintendo Switch for a fresh experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

136 reviews found

100

DarkStation

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers Skyrim on the Switch to be a phenomenal game that runs well on a mobile console. They mention that it is worth buying for the pleasure of playing it on the go.

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends Skyrim on the Switch, considering it the definitive version to own. The portability of the Switch enhances the experience, and the game is praised for maintaining its quality across different platforms.

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Gameplanet

Nintendo Switch

Nov 21, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends the game, stating that it is incredible in portable form and worth buying a Switch for.

CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch is great and enjoyable, especially due to its portability.

ZTGD

Nintendo Switch

Nov 17, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Switch version is a great way to experience Skyrim, especially for newcomers or fans who want to return.

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Game Informer

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the best games ever made and that it offers a rich world with exciting things to do. The reviewer also mentions that they will have multiple playthroughs and characters on the Switch version.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Skyrim has improved with age and remains as good as it was at release, if not better. The Nintendo Switch version is praised for running well and being a fantastic way to experience the open-world wonder of Skyrim. Returning players will find it a pleasant surprise, while newcomers are in for a treat.

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Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game for its wonderfully realized world, memorable moments, and near-endless things to do. The Switch version is praised for its portability.

MMORPG.com

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Skyrim a final score of 9/10 and mentions that it is one of the best RPGs ever made and a joy to play on the Switch.

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GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Skyrim on the Switch as a welcome surprise, highlighting the ability to play the expansive game on the go and the feature completeness of the port. It mentions some drawbacks like lighting reductions, lack of mod support, and mixed reception of motion controls.

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