Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

100 or More Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Masterpiece"

It's hard to review a game that I've played years ago. In Morrowind's case however, the memories I was left with are so strong that giving it a perfect 10 is not just a testimony of how good the game was in its days, but to how bright it has continued to shine, making any RPG since look bland in comparison.

While some may prefer the Bioware take on RPG's, with a branching stroryline and multiple character that you need to babysit, I always prefer the "Thief" feeling of going alone against a cruel world, being able to do things my way, exploring and becoming powerful not through stats or gear, but by actual experience of the world of the game. I adore the overwhelming feeling of bewilderment you get when first exploring a new open world, and this only gets better as many hours later I leave the land subdued to my will, cleansed of evil, all people in all the cities hailing me as a hero. I never knew such an experience before Morrowind, and no other RPG has offered it since.

The challenge in Morrowind consists of knowing when to run away. At first you'll tackle rats and you'll be instantly killed by any guard or beggar on the street. You'll enter your first dungeons with fear in your heart, weary of your own shadow. You only know you can tackle a new foe after he falls to the ground. You only indication of his power is how fast your own health bar drops. As time goes by, you'll be able to create the perfect character, all stats maxed, all monsters and even the final boss will fall from a single hit from your sword. This is the game where you can kill immortal gods. Soon you'll find legendary overpowered items scattered throughout the world, items with personality and story, not just "better", but truly unique equipment.

But, while so many praise Morrowind's open world and wealth of features, it's the incredible story that make this experience unique. Never before or since has a game boasted such a ego-friendly story and wonderful setting. This is not just your story, you're not just some guy who needs to do a thing to save the world. Your life is so connected to the world, that after you finish the game, just speaking the word "Morrowind" will always make you think "home". And what a home it is. When you first arrive, it's as bleak and doomed as our own world, with politics corrupting everything, occupation, rebellion and discrimination lurking just beneath the fragile order, religion on the fall and a horrific and inevitable end to all things. When you finally sheath your sword, Morrowind is a free place, a new world, and one which I've waited to return to for a long time.