» Thu May 03, 2012 5:19 am Let me start off by saying that I think Bethesda has gotten its RPG element to a near perfect state. There could definitely be some improvements that could be made in that regard, but overall it's amazing with incredible replay value. However, the story element is lacking. Which is unfortunate, because while their games are very fun they could be a much more engaging experience if they put more effort into their story.
Character Creation
As I said in the title, Bethesda could learn a thing or two from Mass Effect. This includes character creation. While it's not the most important aspect, it definitely helps immersion to have your characters look like real people, which is something that Skyrim even struggles with. If Bethesda implemented a character creation with more complexity, more options, and more realistic facial features, I, as well as many others, would be very grateful. Perhaps they could even use the Eve Online character creator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO21LfBkcVA
Relationships
Now, I'm not just talking about intimate relationships; this includes friendships as well. I was disappointed with the lack of personality your followers had in Skyrim. Bethesda, you can do better. I think Bethesda could even go a step further than Mass Effect. Basically, followers should each have their own unique persona with one or maybe even two personal quests attached to them. They should all have plenty of dialogue options that give a chance to really explore their personalities. At first, some could be very open with you, while with others it will take work to get them talking.
As for intimate relationships, it should take much more than just doing them a favor in order for them to like you. Doing them a huge favor, like the personal quests I mentioned earlier, should obviously help, but shouldn't entirely dictate whether or not they are intimately interested in you. Your dialogue should help dictate whether or not you want just a loyal follower, a friend, or a husband/wife. Once you marry someone, I think they should do more than just cook for you and follow you around. Perhaps the second personal quest could be activated?
Story
I don't think I need to go into detail here. Bethesda just needs to put more time and effort into their story, and hire better writers. Basically, here's what needs to be done:
1. We have to care about the characters involved
2. We have to care about the conflict
3. We have to make some tough decisions
4. The decisions you make need to have a tangible effect on the world
5. This is another thing Bethesda can learn from Mass Effect; make good endings that are significantly different than each other. There needs to be a possible negative outcome and positive outcome, and everything in-between with varying degree of positive or negative. This ending should really reflect the decisions that you made in game.
Do this for future Fallout and Elder Scrolls games, and you'll get a much more positive reaction from the hard-core fan-base.
