SKyrim Overall Rating: 14/20
![Picture](/uploads/4/9/3/6/49361479/7857375.jpg?463)
The fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls is probably the most commonly known of all. This 2011 release was much anticipated in the gaming community and did not disappoint. Die-hards and passive fans alike easily clocked over a hundred hours in game. The intro, however, lacked what the previous two installments utilized so effectively: clear instructions.
Visual Design Rating: 5/5
Skyrim’s visual design is spectacular. The graphics are one of the crowning glories of the game. That being said, however, the visual design of the gameplay intro was focused on active player participation. NPC (non-player characters) dialogue keyed the player into the background information needed before starting the game and gave directions for progressing through the intro. Not much can be analyzed besides the stellar graphics since Skyrim did not rely on written text to give instructions.
Instructional Clarity Rating: 1/5
Though the game is hailed as staple game for the avid gamer, Skyrim’s intro relies almost solely on spoken word to direct the character. Rarely, classy white text on a black textbox will appear after a keystroke and explain the less obvious points of gameplay. The intro counts on the player being familiar with prevalent game controls and gravitating to the use of them. The NPC directions only offer in-game suggestions, such as, “Check those chests over there for a weapon” or “We should try to sneak past her.” For the savvy gamer, the vague instructions take little time to puzzle out. However, for those less familiar with the gaming system, the introduction can result in frustration and confusion.
Visual Design Rating: 5/5
Skyrim’s visual design is spectacular. The graphics are one of the crowning glories of the game. That being said, however, the visual design of the gameplay intro was focused on active player participation. NPC (non-player characters) dialogue keyed the player into the background information needed before starting the game and gave directions for progressing through the intro. Not much can be analyzed besides the stellar graphics since Skyrim did not rely on written text to give instructions.
Instructional Clarity Rating: 1/5
Though the game is hailed as staple game for the avid gamer, Skyrim’s intro relies almost solely on spoken word to direct the character. Rarely, classy white text on a black textbox will appear after a keystroke and explain the less obvious points of gameplay. The intro counts on the player being familiar with prevalent game controls and gravitating to the use of them. The NPC directions only offer in-game suggestions, such as, “Check those chests over there for a weapon” or “We should try to sneak past her.” For the savvy gamer, the vague instructions take little time to puzzle out. However, for those less familiar with the gaming system, the introduction can result in frustration and confusion.
![Picture](/uploads/4/9/3/6/49361479/4185772.jpg?463)
Appeal Rating: 5/5
Perhaps the most famous of The Elder Scrolls, this fifth installment touts fame and graphics as well as a marvelous storyline. Dragons have reemerged in the land. Truly, it is every fantasy enthusiasts dream. Skyrim gives you the ability to gallivant around this dragon (among other fantastical creatures) infested world, shouting in an overpowered dragon voice. If that’s not appealing, you should reevaluate your life.
Length Rating: 3/5
The dungeon attached to Skyrim’s intro allows the player to get a feel for the many dungeons that inhabit the game’s universe. Yet, intro was a bit longer than necessary, taking the player from the prisoner cart to the underground dungeon (which seems to be a recurring factor in the series) to the outskirts of the attacked village. In that span of time, the game throws situations at the player that force them to learn the controls, though no actual button controls are specified in-game.
Conclusion
Skyrim has a lot going for it: great graphics, storyline, and, not to mention, dragons. Yet it falls short of the mark with its instructional delivery and length. The length waxed on the long side and, though the dungeon is compelling, the ratio between instructional learning and dungeon adventuring was lopsided. The instructions was negatively affected by a predominantly speech-based set up. While the commands were clear, how to complete the tasks was left for the veteran gamers to know and the newbies to google.
Perhaps the most famous of The Elder Scrolls, this fifth installment touts fame and graphics as well as a marvelous storyline. Dragons have reemerged in the land. Truly, it is every fantasy enthusiasts dream. Skyrim gives you the ability to gallivant around this dragon (among other fantastical creatures) infested world, shouting in an overpowered dragon voice. If that’s not appealing, you should reevaluate your life.
Length Rating: 3/5
The dungeon attached to Skyrim’s intro allows the player to get a feel for the many dungeons that inhabit the game’s universe. Yet, intro was a bit longer than necessary, taking the player from the prisoner cart to the underground dungeon (which seems to be a recurring factor in the series) to the outskirts of the attacked village. In that span of time, the game throws situations at the player that force them to learn the controls, though no actual button controls are specified in-game.
Conclusion
Skyrim has a lot going for it: great graphics, storyline, and, not to mention, dragons. Yet it falls short of the mark with its instructional delivery and length. The length waxed on the long side and, though the dungeon is compelling, the ratio between instructional learning and dungeon adventuring was lopsided. The instructions was negatively affected by a predominantly speech-based set up. While the commands were clear, how to complete the tasks was left for the veteran gamers to know and the newbies to google.