Difficulty:

Easy

Time Spent:

10 Hours or Less

The Bottom Line:

"Mixed reactions"

I never played Morrowind, but I loved Oblivion. Loved it. Spent 3 years playing it, and even dove in again before Skyrim's launch for some nostalgia. I enjoyed the little details, like that the map appeared to be written on parchment, or the sense of accomplishment I would feel when achieving the next mastery level of a skill (the on-screen prompt that would explain to me my new skill perks) or when leveling up. I liked that the leveling system was unique and complicated, because once I figured it out, I could shape the gameplay the way I wanted. I liked that I could only influence my health, magicka, or stamina through my attributes. I liked being able to cast spells while carrying a sword and shield. I liked the music, I liked reading books, and I even liked that the PC version's system requirements were extremely high (at time of release), because if you had a system that could run it, it looked GORGEOUS.

For me, all of these things are gone.

3D map, skill perks are "bought" at every level, no sleeping for leveling up (and no cool little written text spurring you on). Leveling system is extremely simplistic eliminating all need for thought, no attributes, just directly increase your health, magicka, or stamina with every level. I have to dedicate a hand toward a spell (I only have just the 2 of them, sheesh), which means constantly accessing the favorites menu to swap things out, which in turns means breaking the flow of combat. I'm early into the game, but I've yet to experience any sort of grand musical score as Oblivion had...the music is much more subtle in Skyrim. Graphically, picking up and reading a book looks terrible, as if I'm suddenly playing a PS2-era game. I'm sure I can find a mod for that, but I digress. And graphically, the game is completely underwhelming. It looks good at times, but Oblivion looks nearly as good with the right mods installed. And frankly, I think Oblivion looks better and more realistic at times.

I really expected to love this game. I wanted to love this game. I'm not very far in it yet, so maybe I will end up loving it. But I can say for sure, even with just a few hours under my belt, that the series is being dumbed down for the sake of the masses, and it's not a good thing. I'm sure it's especially bad for you Morrowind vets out there.

Not sure I agree with the critics this time. The 9.0's and 9.5's these reviewers are handing out are awfully generous. I may have to fire up my PS3 and get my Dark Souls action back on.