As some of you may already know, I compiled an album of 27 hi res stills taken from the HD trailer, captured in VLC. These should be about as good quality as you can find anywhere, at least until Bethesda releases official screenshots of the same events. Here is http://throwmeaway.imgur.com/ if you want to browse through it. What follows is my own anolysis of each shot in the order they were shown. I know that at this point, a lot of my observations have already been noted, but perhaps some people will find some new information here. I certainly hope so!

Also, I'm sorry that it may look a bit bland/imposing, just a wall of text... Unfortunately I don't know what I can do about that; I don't think it's possible to post images directly... So please forgive me for the structure. Alright, let's get started then.

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http://i.imgur.com/FBhbc.jpg ~ Several things stand out here. Firstly, the lush green forest provides a stark contrast with the rest of the trailer, which primarily features craggy, barren mountains and caverns. It's nice to see these distinctly varied environments in the game. Also of note is the unique features here, including the broken head of an old statue (I wonder who it could be... A Daedric prince perhaps, or a great king from the past?). Also notable are the fallen trees, and the presence of small saplings on the right. These subtle touches help to make this forest more unique and lifelike. Oh, and look at the scope too. That buck is minuscule compared to the towering pines and even the head of the statue.

http://i.imgur.com/LAMMe.jpg ~ Fantastic light effects. Rather than the slightly bright windows of Oblivion, these interiors seem to emanate a glow that reaches out into the dark exterior. The fog/smoke effects are also gorgeous. And the structures look so wonderful. I hope we see intricately designed buildings like these all over the world. Notice the two women on the far right, and how small they are compared to that massive building behind them? Same goes for the night watchman on the left side. I'm glad to see a larger scope to the buildings and environments.

http://i.imgur.com/mAJQ0.jpg ~ Another example of fog/smoke, on a lighter scale. Also an example of a massive building, in this case it appears to be a chapel. Also notice those gargoyles — great detail there. I wonder if those are symbolic of anything to this town? I also really like the sky in this image. It looks like the aftermath of some sort of storm...

http://i.imgur.com/d9LjM.jpg ~ Lots going on here. First, we have the horse next to the porch. This doesn't confirm horseriding, as others have pointed out, but it's definitely a good sign. Also of interest is the man on the right, in the middle of chopping some wood. This looks like a nice new animation, and since woodcutting has been mentioned as a new activity, I assume the player can join this man if he/she felt so inclined. This wood presumably helps to fuel something in the mill. I can't wait to learn more about these operations, and how the player can contribute to them. Also, note the birds in the sky. I hope they can land and perch like birds in Red Dead Redemption. I also hope they have cries and that they can be killed with projectiles (or, dare I say it, Levitation).

http://i.imgur.com/G4aLM.jpg ~ Pretty much an extension of IMG #4... Again we have birds in the sky. My favorite part of this picture is the scope. As with a couple earlier images, we see just how massive this world is. The draw distance is wonderful for a 360. I personally cannot wait to go out to those buildings on that outcropping, and maybe try jumping off into the water below. Also note that there appears to be a ship in the harbor beyond the cliff. It's hard to tell for sure though...

http://i.imgur.com/AE21E.jpg ~ Fairly basic image here. I believe this may be a segment of the 7000 steps to High Hrothgar. If you look up on the mountain, you can see that the snow seems to be built up well. There appears to be a small drift on the right side, about 2/3 of the way up. I'm a bit concerned about the falling snow effects; it appears as though it is still movement-based... I really hope they fixed the precipitation so that it no longer falls through overhangs.

http://i.imgur.com/4mGPo.jpg ~ Sweet giant. I wonder whether we can loot his club? (If so I assume it'd be a two-handed weapon, maybe even only wieldable with a perk.) The sky again looks nice. Very clear and blue, with some wisps of cirrus clouds.

http://i.imgur.com/R72fa.jpg ~ Some nice animations here. Note the person on the right, leaning on a railing. I can't tell whether it's an old woman or just a person wearing a cowl... I saw in another thread that someone claimed it was an old woman, but personally I'm not so sure... (Anyone have any idea?) Also note the man with his right arm raised. I wonder if this is some sort of interaction, like a wave to the guard or something? (Several posters have corrected me here: the person in question is carrying something, probably a basket or a bundle of wood. Also, he is probably an elf judging by his ears. Thanks to those of you who pointed this out!) Also note that a couple of these buildings have signs outside, so they must be inns or shops. Check out the water to the left too. It's a bit hard to see, but personally I feel that it looks quite nice. Lastly, look at the player character. Cloth animations look improved; note the wrinkling and shading on the hood. Also note the satchel on his waist. I wonder whether that is an item itself, or if it's just there by default to serve as a visible inventory. Either way, I like it.

http://i.imgur.com/3Saz5.jpg ~ Some nice stuff here. First of all, I love the birch trees. The leaves and trunks look beautiful. Also, we have a view of sneak mode. I'm assuming that in the final game, we'll have some sort of indicator of the enemy's awareness... If you watch the clip, you'll see the animal (I think it's a buck?) raise its head as if it senses a presence... I don't know whether this is simply a coincidence, or an indicator of awareness, but if it's the latter then I really like it. There's a lot of discussion as to whether this is a man or a woman, and personally I really cannot tell... I can see how people are seeing a bosom, but also note that the "bosom" in question may be an illusion caused by whatever that is on the player's side... It's really impossible to know for sure. Also note the band on the player's right arm. Is that part of the torso armor, or is it a part of its own armor slot?

http://i.imgur.com/lk0CX.jpg ~ Bottom line here: Dragons are gnarly. That thing looks absolutely beastly. I cannot wait to try fighting one for myself. The teeth, the eyes, the horns, the scales, the wings, the size, the movements... Everything is just perfect. I also really like the blood spatter.

http://i.imgur.com/mcWKG.jpg ~ Our friend the troll. It looks so much more intimidating than the trolls in Oblivion. I always found them to be rather cartoonish. Here we have an example of a spell in the left hand, and a sword in the right. Battlemages are going to have their hands full choosing between shields, swords, spells, and staves. But with the right combinations, their power will be devastating. Also note the fort/ruin in the background. There appears to be a rickety staircase on the left side, over a pretty sharp drop. On the right, there is a stone bridge for people to enter the fort on a higher level. If my eyes are seeing that correctly, it's a pretty cool idea for a dungeon exterior.

http://i.imgur.com/o6L7t.jpg ~ Another image with a lot to address. Firstly, we have an example of a stealth kill. The animation looks great and the mere presence of this feature makes stealth much cooler IMO. It's unclear whether [a] the NPCs here simply don't see the player, or [b] only the target is oblivious, and the other NPCs simply don't care that the player is sneaking/killing. (Some people have suggested that the patrons simply haven't had enough time to react, which is very reasonable. Thanks guys) Also note the bard playing a lute. I wonder whether the player can request songs from him, or maybe even buy a lute himself... There's also a pretty nice-looking fire pit, with some great smoke effects. Note that the benches' shadows are all directed away from this main light source. Last, we have a couple of mer here. On the far right, there is a Dunmer barmaid, and in the chair, we have either a female mer of some sort. The sharper features are encouraging signs that mer will be a bit more distinct in appearance. I can't wait to get some higher quality looks at the mer.

http://i.imgur.com/Z02Ex.jpg ~ Here we have the player smashing a Draugr's head in the an axe. This shot is cut very quickly so it's hard to tell whether the head is simply knocked backwards, or completely decapitated. Either way, it's a nice physical reaction to an attack with that much force. All the armor in this picture looks great too. I'm not sure whether we'll be able to loot the Draugr's armor, but I sure hope so. The axe looks awesome too. I love the perk trees that Bethesda has added; this may be the first ES game where I specialize in a melee weapon other than swords. Oh, and note the hole in the ceiling. This appears to be a crumbling ruin of an old dungeon or chamber of some sort. So far we haven't seen two identical dungeon environments... In fact I don't think there are any two identical dungeon environments in the whole trailer, which is amazing news.

http://i.imgur.com/PokqE.jpg ~ Another shot of the player fighting a dragon. This just shows some more detail of the dragon's head, as well as the sheer size of the beast. Also check out the blood spatter still present on the player's upper torso.

http://i.imgur.com/rrYEf.jpg ~ The "before" shot of a spell being cast in a cavern. I love the color of that orb of light that preempts the spell itself. Also check out the water here. It's a bit hard to tell from just looking at screen captures, but the effects in this shot are fantastic. The babbling brook running through the cavern over rocks, and the cascading waterfall on the right. Both look phenomenal. Also note that there is some sort of glowing light source in the alcove at the far end of the cavern next to a chest. It's unclear what that light source is, but I expect the chest contains some nice loot.

http://i.imgur.com/942wA.jpg ~ The "after" shot of the same spell. I love flipping between these two pictures to see the light contrast. Look at the water, the sword, and the cave wall on the left. The way they light up is so natural and so vivid. If you watch this sequence in the trailer, you get to observe the path of the projectile as it shoots across the cavern. As the light source movies, shadows move. It's a beautiful shot. And again, just look at that water...

http://i.imgur.com/lgRP3.jpg ~ A nice action shot of a dual. The man on the left is in the middle of an attack, which looks completely awesome by the way, and the man on the right is defending himself. I love the stances of both men here; both seem to be using their full bodies in a believable manner. Both men have shadows as well, with a light source somewhere behind the "camera" — presumably the sun... Also observe what seems to be war paint on the defending figure. And note in the background the presence of some sort of barricade, presumably the wall of some sort of fort. Maybe the stronghold for a faction?

http://i.imgur.com/rtb3K.jpg ~ A hooded mage about to cast an explosive spell. The undead immediately on his left and right are wielding pretty cool two-handed swords. There is a defeated enemy on the ground to the right. At first I thought his leg was cut off, but looking closer, it appears that it's just angled directly at the camera but still intact. (Any opinions here?) I love the wall of vines behind that corpse, and the waterfall behind the player — even more unique dungeons.

http://i.imgur.com/omv5g.jpg ~ The player in what appears to be Elven armor, drawing his sword as he faces 3 (?) ice wraiths. Apparently these creatures can be damaged by physical weapons (perhaps only some weapons though, e.g. silver/daedric). The rock on the right is a bit concerning to me. The way it intersects with the ground is pretty odd, and it doesn't really look like the snow on its surface fell dynamically... Could just be the frame though or something... The ice wraiths looks great though, as do the armor and the distant peaks.

http://i.imgur.com/HL0Ss.jpg ~ I've seen a couple people complaining about the content of this picture. Personally I think it looks great. That wolf looks much more wild and ferocious than the wolves in Oblivion. I wonder if all wolves will be black, or if perhaps there will be gray wolves as well... More variety in enemy types is always a plus IMO. I can't tell what the glowing/smoking thing is at the top of the screen; after looking at each frame it's still difficult to make anything out up there. Also note that there is no crosshair. Again, I'm not sure whether it was removed specifically for the trailer, or whether this is a part of the plan to eliminate as much HUD as possible. I'm going to assume the former though... Also, check out the shadow. Looks pretty good, especially compared to Oblivion's shadowing...

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OK, I'm not quite done yet, but I need to be somewhere. I will finish these tonight. In the meantime, please post your own thoughts! I posed a few questions in my anolysis — things that may have been unclear, things that beg other questions, things that may suggest possible gameplay features and mechanics... I'd love to see what you guys think about my anolysis, and any responses you may have to those questions I posed. Or at least just let me know if you appreciate my efforts! Thanks for reading.

2x zoom of the NPCs
http://i.imgur.com/6XIHz.png

http://i.imgur.com/R72fa.jpg

Is the guy walking away from the character an elf?

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/1130/skyrim1080p11.jpg

http://media.pcgamer.com/files/2011/02/Skryim-Trailer-anolysis-12-Lute-Kill.jpg

Possible proof of Morrowind level of customization.

I believe it is an old woman.

Nothing else to add, except a thanks for taking these.

Here's some anolysis: There's only ever 2 light sources, similar colored objects like the grass blend together and almost everything in shadows looks flat because there's no indirect lighting almost at all, the sky is blown out because they're using much cheaper HDR on consoles, most of the textures are absolutely flat and those rapids look god awful. Bethesda artists, good job! You've proven some talent and imagination, despite the technical side the places look intriguing and neat. Howard, hire some new graphics programmers. Two guys did http://vimeo.com/20155857 entire reel on an integrated graphics board. That's not even a good integrated one, but one of the mediocre new Intel ones. and that's with crappy programmer art (as in, not artist art).

In Image twelve of the bar scene what is left of the dark elf?

Looks like some kind of....I don't know what it is. At first I thought it was a person looking the other way sweeping or something behind the bar. :shrug:

I must admit, whereas the Mass Effect 3 trailer had me a little cheery, this trailer brought me to a sense of genuine awe that I haven't felt since... Well, Oblivion (Granted, hoping the game fairs better this time 'round). Image #8 really piqued my interest, as did the aerial segment of the town. Still skeptical of a few choices made by the devs, but the trailer really did alleviate some fears.

I'd also like to note that while I didn't really care about the finisher moves at first (I find they tend to be gimmicky), the trailer made them feel incredibly fluid and natural. Has me thinking they could turn out pretty cool too.

I'm thinking maybe bosmer? Hard to say, but he does seem short. Soo yes?? Lol

In pic #8 that npc is carrying something in his arms/hands I don't think he's waving. Great job on the pics though they are great.

Thank you SO much for this anolysis! Great effort and well worded, thank you!





I'm actually fairly certain that it IS a person behind the bar sweeping...

Image #8 looks awesome! Especially because it may suggest robes can be worn over armor, and the player has a bag!!!!

Pic #3 what is that glowing white looking thing in the upper right?

Why do you think the NPC's in the bar scene should be reacting so fast? The only clip we see is the stealth just starting to slit the NPCs throat. Nobody would've reacted yet.

Exactly! Plus it even looks like the female mer sitting down flinches right as the scene cuts away.

Yes,he is definitely carrying something,most likely a basket.

Man, we need some hi-res pictures of other races already.

It's a gorgeous trailer, no two ways about it. The spell effects look much improved upon, as do the monsters, design et al.

@ OP: Thankyou
Your effort is appreciated.....great pics and a good read too.....well done sir :thumbsup:
I like threads like this.

There's also the man picking up a box next the mill.



I absolutely love this scene.



In the very beginning of this segment, you catch a quick glimpse of a man at the bottom left. http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k352/Driver1830/Skyrim_3.jpg?t=1298696832



The club also appears to be a bone, I think the Tibia. It's a huge tibia, it must be from a dragon, because a mammoths tibia is a bit shorter, or thicker than that.



The guy with the raised arm is carrying something, maybe a chest.



I like that building against the cliff as well. It's very unique and really shows how well they've focused creatively. This little building really reminds me of Myst's architecture.



http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k352/Driver1830/Skyrim_2.jpg?t=1298697528

Also note some of the problems with this segment, although minor. The fingers of the player go through the axe-handle, and the blood splatter comes from the abdomen and not the point of impact which is the head.

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k352/Driver1830/skyrim_1.jpg?t=1298697675





One of my favorite parts of the trailer!

Great job mate. Nice descriptions as well.

First of all; great post! Really love the detailed insight and even reasonable skepticism, all understandable and much appreciated. Now...

#1 - I just love it... I've always loved forests, and the little 'hidden' details that can be seen here, along with the rest I've spotted throughout the pics... definitely make the land seem like it will feel really fun to explore. But at the same time, the depth and scale mentioned kind of make me weary... as if I won't want to get lost out there come nightfall. A very cool feeling after prancing merrily anywhere like king of the wilderness in Oblivion.

#2 - Totally agree about the lighting. Really makes you feel colder outside, and really want to get in beside the warmth of the fires flourishing within. Apparently a lot of people have been complaining about this one, though, because the night is 'not dark enough'... but looking here, I see this city as set awfully high up in the mountains. Perhaps a full moon is shining down on the open streets? In any case, it really shows off the design of the buildings; which is amazing, as you stated. There are apparently 5 cities and at least 10-15+ towns all around the world... so cannot wait to gaze upon the rest of the architecture.

#3 - That does appear to be fog... maybe lingering smoke, after watching it float a few times in the video. A nice effect either way! It covers the apparent massive chapel's front arches some, but you can still really see the detail and everything put into them. Along with that, at the stone wall right below the chapel... you can see a whiteness flowing out of it. Looks like pouring water, which just sounds awesome in a city.

#4 - Everything about this one flows with the new life Skyrim's NPCs should have in comparison to many games, especially Oblivion of course. The horse is in a spot that makes sense... and I actually believe I see a black rope tying it up to the post in the video! Ehehe, cool... the lady possibly just out for an evening walk, the two men working... (yes, I'm pretty sure the man to the left is picking up logs or something... which interests me very much as well as to what extent WE will be able work)... plus the guard is making his rounds... the mill turning... and, the birds. I love the birds and have seen a good amount in a lot of the video actually. I too hope they can interact with the world to some extent.

#5 - A definite sign of major scale here, as you said. I'll join you in diving right off that cliff. And to support the whole ship sighting, which I agree with... if you actually look to the very far, bottom right-hand side of the image... I'm pretty sure that's a mast and sail, no?

#6 - I hadn't thought about High Hrothgar... could very well be! Certainly has the look and feel of an extremely high peak, plus the large amount of gathered snow. Just hope too that it isn't centered around the player like in Oblivion, that made me dizzy. Pretty optimistic that they have that down, though, for sure. As for the precipitation passing through overhangs... that I'm really still pulling for.

#7 - One of my favorite parts of the video; with the ground shaking and all... I hope the sheer size hasn't been too dramatized. I want giants to be giant! And would love his weapon... hahaha... perhaps after gaining enough strength and perk upgrades, indeed. Even just to fight against such a beastly weapon and handler will be awesome, though... would be cool to see them implement the same ground erosion you see when the dragon crashes, to... say... tear up the ground when your character dodges a mighty blow from his club? That'd be gnarly.

#8 - Beginning with the front of the picture; after watching this scene a few times in motion, the water looks pretty awesome. It flows with a speed to match the water mills' and everything. The person on the railing appears to me to be an old lady... with a larger nose, tighter tiny smile; as if she doesn't have much teeth and is all gums... possibly even wrinkles, but, I can't see that well. The man who you said has his arm raised, actually doesn't... he's got his arms wrapped under a basket of sorts, holding it up to his chest. Another very cool sign of NPC diversity and workings... along with them watching movements. As for the player, this guy is one of my favorites. I love the robe and texture/shadows playing out.

#9 - The image GI had of the hunter always impressed me... and to see this one, in motion, with the textures all so clear... especially on the tree trunks, is just gorgeous. I can't wait to hunt now... and do recall something from the articles about creatures not immediately attacking/running away. Instead, if you are sneaking and are detected, they will suddenly flow into search mode... probably all creatures with their own style of doing so... and go looking for you! If you watch the troll section some, you'll see it actually doesn't rise up and start screeching until it's completely spotted the player. An alarm mode? Heheheh... just might push the whole awareness thing.

#10 - Watching the whole fight, and seeing the size difference... I am honestly pretty terrified. I know Todd has pressed that a lot... that he's been wanting the dragons to really feel like an extreme threat to everything... and from the trailer, I certainly think he's nailed it! Can't wait.

#11 - Freaking awesome looking troll this time around. The previous ones just got annoying for me. This guy is a true animal and brute from the looks of it! The ability to take everything down in so many ways will be so much fun to play around with... burn an enemy to the left only to lunge directly afterwards at another with your blade, all in one hopefully smooth transition... mmh.

#12 - This one has also caused much controversy over why the NPCs aren't reacting. But the way I see it is; 1 - the player was indeed sneaking in the shadows, seemingly undetected. 2 - The assassination is awfully fast and really out of nowhere... if someone suddenly pulled that kind of thing while I was in a bar, I'm pretty sure I would have at least a few seconds worth of... "What, just, happe-''... before reacting. Aside from that, I'm liking the more realistic and rugged look of the races we can see... and more of the activities they partake in. (Which I hope we can as well!)

#13 - I watched this a few times just now, and at the very end it looks like it's head is just knocked back, and is starting to rebound back up... but with amazing force. Awesome and brutal reaction... and I too have been really pondering on that hole in the ceiling... more along the lines of just how cool it is that, if this is indeed an inside cell, we're actually going to have some things that really help tie it to the outside world it sits in. And how they're all looking so cool!

#14 - Blood splatter is just sweet. Wonder how we'll looking coming out of a brutal cave run, hahaha.

#15 - The water, blew me away here. I was a bit disappointed in the river shot, so this really redeemed it for me. It just looks so natural there, flowing nicely around/over rocks of different size, with the slope... the textures are great. The light near the end... I was pondering on that one for a while... maybe some kind of crystal?

#16 - The lighting is brilliant... also watched this one over and over. Just gorgeous. I wonder if that spell is actually just a light spell... that would be neat.


So there you go! A bit long... but your detail got me going. Keep it up!

I want to see how well the NPCs can pick up objects like that chopped wood.

i was gonna say the same thing

Pic 9 has me the most excited! I used to live in a house with a huge window looking a valley, and in the fall it was absolutely magnificent.

Combine that color palette and Skyrim's great draw distance and we can expect a truly magnificent sight to behold!