Just Another Mediocre FTP

User Rating: 6 | The Elder Scrolls Online (Imperial Edition) PC

The Elder Scrolls Online is a title that I really want to like, because there are some elements of this game that are very well done. However, the game is first and foremost an MMO, and needs to be judged as such. As an MMO there is little about this title that recommends it against its competition. Some absolutely wacky design choices make the game frustrating to play at nearly every turn.

On the surface, the class system is flexible, unique and refreshing. Beneath the surface, the reality is that only a few cookie-cutter builds are particularly viable. The system is not intuitive and the game itself provides very little useful information about creating effective builds.

The same thing holds true for the crafting system. At first glance, the system seems to hold great potential for depth and rich complexity. A wide variety of traits can be applied to each item, but in reality, only one or two of them are actually useful, and learning the rest of them is just an artificial time sink.

The group content is challenging, but finding groups to run it is even more challenging. The in-game group finding tool is poorly designed and therefore not widely used.

Crafting could theoretically be rewarding, because players can create gear that is on par with the best drops in the game. The lack of a functional auction house, the sheer volume of crap that needs to be collected, and the nightmarish inadequacy of the game's inventory system all make the endeavor an exercise in frustration though. I spent far more time dealing with the inventory mess than I did engaging in the fun parts of the game. To put it in perspective, crafting is one of the things that I enjoy about MMOs. I did not enjoy it in TESO.

If I ignore the MMO elements and treat it as a single player RPG, the quests are different enough to merit a play through. There isn't much replay-ability though, and the inherent flaws limit the long term appeal of the title. I would recommend it for it's short term entertainment value, if it can be purchased on sale. I would give it a pass at its full retail box price. I would not under any circumstances recommend it for a long term subscription. It just another mediocre FTP, and I've had much more fun with some of TESO's competitors.