Over 200 hours played and it was released 18 days ago.

That is the only detail I needed to read, did not bother with the rest.

If you were unhappy with it overall, you wouldn't have had more than a few hours, period. Whatever is your dissatisfaction is just down to your personal preference and nitpicking.

I don't really agree with the 'plot holes' that are mentioned in the OP, a lot of that IS mentioned if you ask the right questions.

It is well established that being dragonborn is simply a blessing from Akatosh, there isn't anything else to know. As for the dragonrend shout, it's supposed to force a Dragon to land, not to instantly be defeated; that is why you need it, as you don't have wings.

The only thing not fully explained is why Alduin can be defeated in Sovngarde and not in the mortal realm.

The 60x figure is from a YouTube video I saw weeks ago, explaining how to achieve the best results with sneaking. Although I don't find this number in the game, with the Shadow Warrior perk, you can basically use 30x sneak attacks repeatedly.

That the armor cap is achievable with both armor types was exactly my point: They are too similar. Maybe I only didn't find the stamina regeneration useful because of my Respite perk in Restoration, but there are so many ways to regain stamina, I see little value in a 50% regeneration bonus to allow for a unique playstyle with light armor.

Don't be sad if this is your first Elder Scrolls game and you enjoy it. It is an amazing game, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be better in some aspects.

becuase i am a noodle head i havent been able to find the right words to say what you did so yeah [censored] THANK :bowdown: YOU!

becuase i am a noodle head i havent been able to find the right words to say what you did so yeah [censored] THANK :bowdown: YOU!

Oh I wasn't trying to insult your findings. Unless you've spent hours discussing the game mechanics and picking apart the game I totally see where you could think 60x damage was possible. I certainly thought so until I stumbled across forum posts after having played through the game once.

Yeah, I understand on armor. Do you know if the steed stone cancels out the stamina difference on sprinting for the different armors? And alongside that, will the perks that make them weightless do the same?

Oh, I'm certainly not sad, I love it! I can see areas that would be nice to have improved, but I love it anyway! For instance, when I run into a room and take out three out of four bandits before they have a chance to draw a dagger, I don't want that fourth guy running at me. I want him to decide to run away to more of his bandit friends, for reinforcements. Then if I let him get away, I'd love for the entire cave to know I'm there now.
Or when somebody pleads for mercy, if I could sheathe my weapon and tell them to get the hell outta there without having to kill them, I'd like that. I wanted to do a playthrough where I was mostly a good guy, similar to Luffy. Kick ass, let them go if they apologize sorta thing. Unfortunately I found it to be impossible and had to do killing here and there.

Regardless of these things I wish I could see though, I can still see the game is awesome, and well worth my $60 even if it means I've gotta take it easy on the beer for a few weeks : ).

But OP! Look at my original post again, I posted something specifically for you!

I just want to point this manner of thinking out and congratulate anyone who talks like this about a game, because you've become the video game equivalent of an annoying hipster.

You were into something before everyone else was, and now that everyone else is into it, too, it's become too casual for someone like you.

Because having a larger audience enjoying the same thing is the most terrible thing, and it should only just be you and whoever apparently qualifies as part of your "elite" group.

Good job.

Well, if you had read if, you would know I wasn't unhappy with it overall. Still, even something you do for hundreds of hours can be improved further to your liking.


Maybe I didn't give the best examples of holes and loose ends there, but it is difficult to get into more detail in a rather generalized review. Besides, spoilers.

thats just the same stupid [censored] a lot of people write here... oooo your criticising the game so youre a hater and dont understand it...must be nice living in your little black and white world...

well guess what, playing 200 hours and knowing previous games makes him a perfect reviewer... and criticising something doesnt mean you dont like it, it means you see its potential to be better

You categorically should stop posting on these boards for posting such an inane response. The OP gave a detailed thorough review of the strengths and weaknesses/flaws of the game and this is your rebuttle? You fail at the internet.

Thanks for a worthy review it was interesting reading. I dont believe anything digital will ever get close to a real game of D&D complete with live players and a master. For convenience sake this game is about as good as it gets. New players who are not acquainted with this series are saying its the best game they have played. What some call dumbing down others will see as scraping tedium. Game developers can often be too clever for themselves and alienate a needed audience. With all the complex discussion I see you agree with me that even with all the bugs and changes this is a game that gives a lot of bang for your buck.

I am still enjoying the game and will for a while.
Thanks again for your review.
Cheers

I must thank you for pointing out every problem I have with this game and (surprisngly) everything that I like about this game. If I had known this is what Skyrim would be like I may have never bought it. Morrowind is why I bought Oblivion and I was disapointed in Oblivion. And now I'm extremely disapointed in Skyrim, to the point that I want to write a (most likely useless) letter to the development team telling them how unsatisfied I was with this game.

When people complain about a game becoming "casual", it's not for the reasons you listed. It's because the game has been made more accessible (hence the term casual, for casual gamers, aka a wider audience).
It's a valid complaint. I've been gaming since the early 90s (not as long as some, I know), and I've noticed a shift in a fair number of genres. Yes, some of the changes have indeed been for the good, but others are meh at best.
I know its a moot point for most, but puzzles....puzzles have fallen from such great heights. They don't have to always resemble Myst, but come on.....the EXACT same puzzle design (albeit with different "codes") is silly. I miss games that actually made you scratch your head; that were challenging.

Skyrim isn't exactly handholding, but it sure isn't freedom either.

I don't agree with everything in this review, but thanks for it - clearly a lot of thought went into it. Also, glad you were able to get at least 200 hours of enjoyment out of the game despite its flaws.

Oh, and yes - we do read the forums.

Neverwinter Nights pretty much does that with it's excellent Toolset and DM system.
Your imagination is basically the limit there.

Any chance you've been reading the threads about Destruction magic then?

All things considered Skyrim is an utterly fantastic game, one of the best ever made in my opinion. That doesn't mean that it's flawless though. There are plenty of niggles that could use ironing out - I just really hope Bethesda make these changes themselves rather than leaving them up to modders. Mods should add content, not fix imbalances that should not have been there in the first place. That's not even to mention the fact that it's incredibly unfair on console players.

you can get 60x by being an orc and activating berserker rage...

besides, it is new for me to hear that one handed improvements/enchantments do not count towards daggers, i am pretty sure this is not true...when my 1h improves my dagger damage improves

Still rather play D&D!!! Better graphics in my head =/

Good read Faulgor. As a fellow Morrowind fan, I agree with most (if not all) of your points. The two things I think are truly better are the combat system and block skill. If we could update Morrowind (perhaps in OpenMW) to allow a spellshield build, I'd be a happy camper. I also like the idea of a perk system, but Skyrim's implementation was over the top.

Nice to know!

Thank you very much for your reply!
I'm impressed that developers take the time to read a sermon like this. If I had known, I would have been even nicer, because I realize how much work you guys put into an Elder Scrolls game. Please continue to enjoy making games - adressing specific "flaws" aside, that's the best guarantee we will enjoy them as well.
I'm really looking forward to the Creation Kit and Skyrim DLC, and thanks again for your time.

Categorically wrong how?

Ive played since Daggerfall aswell (even though i never really played that much daggerfall to be honest) and in my opinion Skyrim is on par with Oblivion and yet i still prefer Oblivion over Skyrim becose its just shallow!

Skyrim is by far the most simplified out of all the former titles and for me thats a huge letdown.

So many major TES things that are just gone in my opinion.

I wrote on the first page that Hayt has been reading at least 1 thread about destru being weak. I know this as I was reading that thread myself and noticed the color of him in the reader list at the botom.

Did you guys have a rush in the end?

Seems like you missed out on quite a few things in the game. Mostly NPC recognition and relations.

I agree with everything you have written.