Elder Scrolls: Skyrim Preview

Amazing. That is one word I could use among many when describing how the new Elder Scrolls: Skyrim looks. After playing through Morrowind and Oblivion twice, I have long awaited the next Elder Scrolls.

As always, you can choose between a male or female character but there has been no mention of races. Looks like there are fully customizable classes as before. One difference is you are Dragonborn meaning you can obtain legendary powers from dragons. These powers can be anything from breathing fire like dragons to calling forth a powerful thunderstorm for smiting down your foes with lightning strikes. Another interesting addition are finishing moves. In the gameplay video below, a finishing move is demonstrated with the character jumping on a dragon’s head and slicing into it’s skull. Both these features seem to add to combat rather than the typical hack and slash, shoot your bow and run, or blast your spell and run.

Speaking of combat, a new aspect has been added. Just as in the older games, you have control of both the right and left hands.Usually one for attacking and one for blocking. In Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, you still have control of both hands but can now duel wield using two of any one handed weapons in the game, hold a sword in one hand and have a spell primed in the other, have a weapon and shield, or both hands can contain a spell. If you choose to use a spell in both hands and press both buttons at the same time, it results in a more powerful spell.

Saving the best for last: Dragons. Dragons appear all throughout the game, you won’t see them at the very start of the game but they do appear way before end game. Also, they can appear out in the wildress or attack and destroy towns. It is up to you to destroy these beasts and once you do, you can then harness their soul for your own power. There are several types of dragons rangingin difficuly as well, from frost to fire dragons.

Look for Elder Scrolls: Skyrim in stores on 11/11/11.

Gameplay video (skip to 1:00 for actual interview/gameplay):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTURc3Fv8Xs

Trailer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjqsYzBrP-M

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