Subm.:The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

[Tagaziel]

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, 2002
Bethesda Softworks
Windows PC, Xbox
Steam

{representative screenshot}

The Elder Scrolls is one of the oldest series on the market, started in 1994 with the humble, linear Arena. Morrowind is the third game in the series, set on the island of Vvardenfell in the titular province of Morrowind. Recently opened for settlement and migration to non-Dunmer races, this beautiful volcanic island is populated by hundreds of characters, aligned with a dozen factions, all vying for control of its resources, people, trade or religion (or everything at once in some cases), with an ancient, evil god lurking behind the scenes, slowly realizing his plan of conquest.

Morrowind's scope is massive. Vvardenfell is divided into several distinct geographical regions, featuring a variety of settlements, ruins, temples, crypts and caves to explore, tens of quests to solve and a great variety of loot to plunder, use and sell. And, for the junkies among us, the game features an immense amount of lore. Oh Gods, the lore. Morrowind contains hundreds of lines of dialogue, whose only purpose is explaining the setting, the social and political landscape of the province, the economy of the island and just about anything. Even drinks.

Why is it a classic?

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is an example of an open world game done right. Apart from hundreds of locations, aforementioned loot, lore, factions and an unique, well realized setting, it's simply a good game. It features by far the most complex and varied gameplay in the series, especially when compared to Oblivion and Skyrim. Statistics play a crucial role in every aspect of the game, from combat to faction advancement, there are no unkillable NPCs, you need to pay attention and watch out for quest-related items and events...

What may annoy?

The same problems other The Elder Scrolls titles have: it is quite possible to max out most statistics and skills by mid-to-late game (depending on one's affinity for powergaming) and achieve the highest position in nearly every faction, reducing the potential for making distinct characters with an unique list of accomplishments. The lack of a proper dialogue system and somewhat clunky combat may also be irksome.

 

[Lich]

Am completed Daggerfall using solution (dont known if its possible without it, mostly because labirynths are mad) Then ofcourse later try Morrowind where make some progress, then jump for something better Oblivion (and ofcourse later to Fallout3) Now when compare I can say that morrowind was huge steep forward after daggerfall but oblivion seem to be steep back is few ways, for example presented world have less fantasy feeling, atmosphere, equipment is limited etc. but ofcourse also steep forward in other parts, so dont known which actualy is best game, oblivion have great quests, but for sure both games boring me more than Fallout3, which I think is best result from elder scrolls games.

 

[BigBoss]

Despite what most people think, I actually liked Oblivion. I know it wasn't a "true classic", but nonetheless it was a good game. Now, would I say it is better than Daggerfall, or even Arena; no chance in hell.

 

[Sub-Human]

Despite what most people think, I actually liked Oblivion.

The biggest problem with Oblivion was that it had a wide array of problems that came down on you one by one the more time you put into the game. If any one of them was present, perhaps it would be somewhat plausible. But the way it is, Oblivion is simply very near unplayable.