General Malaise "vs." reading comprehension ; also some talk of skyim and the elder scrolls (10 Viewers)

[jwb]

everybody seems to building a similar guy.What is the advantage of daggers over swords? Can you not backstab/critical hit with a sword?

I guess it's because the dagger can utilize that 15x damage perk. Although I don't use one (I prefer the bow as my stealth weapon).

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

everybody seems to building a similar guy.What is the advantage of daggers over swords? Can you not backstab/critical hit with a sword?

I notice the same thing. Seems like we have a lot of creepy backstabbing thieves running around in here.

I think part of that is the bow is so much more effective than it was in Oblivion. I gave up on the bow early on that one.

 

[The Flying Elvis]

everybody seems to building a similar guy.What is the advantage of daggers over swords? Can you not backstab/critical hit with a sword?

I notice the same thing. Seems like we have a lot of creepy backstabbing thieves running around in here.

I think part of that is the bow is so much more effective than it was in Oblivion. I gave up on the bow early on that one.

I do it mainly because it just adds another sense of challenge to the game and you have to plan an attack strategy rather than running straight into battle. I played as a mage for a bit but it got monotonous just casting fireball after fireball... Plus the dagger assassination animations are great and fun to see.

 

[Smoo]

Speaking of which, I'm reading online that black smithing is super easy to level - just acquire a bunch of ore/ingots and make a ton of daggers. Apparently you level the same amount for a dagger or necklace as you do a set of steel armor. I've been very inefficient in forging the most expensive stuff I could make so far.

Very true. I spent a good hour yesterday levelling Smithing, Enchantment and Alchemy using all of the crap I'd picked up since I started.

 

[Claydon]

Is it just me or does there seem to be an eerily abundance of embalming tools laying around?

 

[fasteddie_21]

My guy is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades kinda toon. I seem to be the only one going the 2-handed weapon along w/ a bow/some spells.

The 2-handed weapons are awesome.

 

[Card Trader]

My guy is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades kinda toon. I seem to be the only one going the 2-handed weapon along w/ a bow/some spells. The 2-handed weapons are awesome.

I'm using a 2 handed warhammer. Kill many things in one hit, and others I stun enough to finish them off.

 

[dharmapunk]

Just took down my fifth dragon.

Spoiler

Fought two dragons back-to-back with the Blades woman. It was pretty tough until I figured out the best way to kill them is to whirlwind rush when they land and just slice away with my daggers. Shooting arrows in the air is practically worthless.

 

[dharmapunk]

My guy is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades kinda toon. I seem to be the only one going the 2-handed weapon along w/ a bow/some spells. The 2-handed weapons are awesome.

I'm using a 2 handed warhammer. Kill many things in one hit, and others I stun enough to finish them off.

I've been thinking of playing this build. Maybe for my third character.

 

[Drifter]

My guy is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades kinda toon. I seem to be the only one going the 2-handed weapon along w/ a bow/some spells. The 2-handed weapons are awesome.

I'm using a 2 handed warhammer. Kill many things in one hit, and others I stun enough to finish them off.

I've been thinking of playing this build. Maybe for my third character.

My second run through is usually a two handed wielding orc tank.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Dark Brotherhood engaged. spoilerish question here:

Spoiler

Which one of the three captives did you kill / why? I'm about to save before I move ahead here but wondering if there's perks/penalties for the 3 different chars.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Dark Brotherhood engaged. spoilerish question here:

Spoiler

Which one of the three captives did you kill / why? I'm about to save before I move ahead here but wondering if there's perks/penalties for the 3 different chars.

Spoiler

I killed all three just to see what would happen. This turned out to be fine, and the conversation it triggered with the Dark Brotherhood chick was pretty funny.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Just in case anybody else has missed this... (XBOX360)

In 3rd person mode:

If you depress the right thumbstick and then move the left thumbstick up/down it zooms in/out.

I actually play zoomed out quite a bit, switching to first person when sneaking around. Looks PHENOMENAL.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Not Skyrim related, but thought I'd ask for those that have a 360:

I hadn't turned my 360 on for a couple of months prior to Skyrim (playing Demon's Souls and such on my PS3)...when I first turned it on, the screen (dashboard and just in general) was...fuzzy? Almost like there was a bad connection. No weird colors or anything, but just squiggly lines/jaggies all over the place. The screen was still totally readable and such, but it was annoying. After about an hour, it's like the 360 warmed up and everything looked great.

This happened again tonight, then, after an hour of being turned on, all clear.

Anyone experience this and/or have any idea what's up? I've checked and moved around connections which has made no difference....

 

[dharmapunk]

Just in case anybody else has missed this... (XBOX360)In 3rd person mode:If you depress the right thumbstick and then move the left thumbstick up/down it zooms in/out.I actually play zoomed out quite a bit, switching to first person when sneaking around. Looks PHENOMENAL.

Just tested this on the PS3. It works. Great tip.

 

[WalrusMan]

Had a crazy battle with Krosis earlier today. Used a lame gimmick to kill him because otherwise I was dead. Save before you fight this guy.

On books: I've found that the skill books are always worth at least 40 bucks. So if you mouse over a book and it's worth that much or more, be sure to read it.

The other books worth less money are not skill books, but sometimes reading them helps. For instance, two different books started quests for me, and another book helped me solve a dungeon.

Some books are really common and after awhile you'll recognize them and know not to bother.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I don't remember how they handled this (or did they?) in Oblivion, but I'm really annoyed with the tactics of my companions when I'm trying to sneak. In Fallout they had passive and aggressive assignments you could give to your lackeys -- am I missing a way to do that here? Is the "I need you to do something" option good for anything except "wait there" ? If so, I can't seem to figure out what it is. I know you can tell your idiot to WAIT HERE while you go sneaking, but it's really dull to keep moving them from spot to spot, especially with Lydia's #####y attitude. I want her to follow me, but don't go running ahead if you see an enemy. possible?

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

FYI- I decided to just stash stuff in barrels at Hod's crib in Riverrun. Seems to work for the time being. I guess this might only work if you escaped with the storm cloak.

 

[Smoo]

Hod's crib in Riverrun.

They still flying the Tully banners?

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Hod's crib in Riverrun.

They still flying the Tully banners?

Oops, er, Riverwood. Flying the lion now.

 

[Smoo]

Holy bad bad bad video lag on horseback on the PS3. Wowzers.

 

[JGalligan]

First off, a huge to everyone who's participated in this thread. I thoroughly enjoyed following along as I played through Skyrim myself. I would have joined in on the discussion but was signed into another alias and apparently was too lazy to sign-out and then sign back in again. Or something...

Anyway, I write for a video gaming site and just finished my Skyrim review. Figured I'd post in here for you's guys's enjoyment and whatnot. I've just copy-pasted it here since I don't have any Adsense ads or anything on the site where I'd actually benefit from shamelessly spamming the link up in here. Although if you like it, feel free to head on over (links at the end) and enjoy all my other masterpieces. Seriously, feel free to comment on there if you do pay a visit. I'm sick of chattering back and forth with comment bots...

Drumroll please!

- - - -

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Review

NOTE: This review is for the Xbox 360 version.

While I haven't completed nearly enough of Skyrim to give it the all-encompassing, in-depth review it truly deserves, the fact of the matter is that this review probably wouldn't be posted until the Summer of 2012 if this was the case. The game is absolutely, positively frigging massive in every conceivable way. Honestly, I don't even know where to start...

What's that? The graphics? Ah... okay.

GRAPHICS

There's been much hubbub and debate about which of the console versions of Skyrim possesses the better graphics. And while I haven't played the game extensively on a Playstation 3, I did log about 10-15 minutes on one and I must say, trying to declare a "Best Graphics Winner" out of the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Skyrim is like trying to declare which of two similarly-sized trees is older. It's just a waste of time and will probably end with you coming down with poison oak or something.

As for the Xbox 360 version of Skyrim, the graphics are a sight to see. It's more than just the graphics engine that's running behind-the-scenes and more the atmosphere and design of the world that is truly stunning. Vast, cragged, snow-caked mountains litter the terrain at every turn while rolling hills and valleys open up into everything from dense, lush-looking forests to rushing riptides and serene waterfalls. It's enough to literally cause you to stop everything you're doing at times and just look around with a look on your face reminiscent of the first time you visited a strip club. Seriously.

Since an HDMI cable ultimately led to the demise of my last Xbox 360 (it was my third... keep up the great work Microsoft!), I've steadfastly held firm towards being completely content with a simple HDTV component cable hookup. And you won't hear any complaints from me. Granted, I've never really got those people who literally seem unable to enjoy a game if the pebbles existing well off-screen in a place that was never even meant to be visited don't look like full-on replicas of actual pebbles, but whatever. I don't think I really want to.

Skyrim is frigging beautiful. That's really all there is to it...

And if you're shallow like me, you'll likely linger at certain points in the game where the view and landscape is nothing short of jaw-dropping in the hopes that someone will walk by and go, "Whoa, what the #### are you playing? That's amazing!" Unfortunately, I fell quite short of this goal with the only feedback on the graphics of the game coming from my three year-old daughter who commented, "Daddy, it looks SO natureous!" (Props for that newly-invented word apparently should be credited to a one Moose E. Moose on Sprout TV and not my daughter. Damn him...)

GAMEPLAY

It's already been confirmed: Skyrim is so entertaining and enjoyable to play, that many people have found themselves perfectly content to simply wander the world and take in the vistas. To call the game an open-world RPG would likely be the understatement of the eons as it's more akin to an open-world-fantasy-real-life-simulator.

Want to chop wood for hours on end and make some nice, honest pay? Sure. Make it happen!

Care to wander the world and assassinate every person who makes a snide remark about your character's race? Of course! That's actually a pretty good idea!

Or maybe you just want to go and collect (see: steal) every troll skull that exists in the world, stopping only to steal other macabre things that strike your fancy to add to your repertoire? That's kind of ####### creepy, but hey -- whatever floats your boat, friend!

And this isn't even mentioning the main quest. The combat system is so deep and varied that you'd probably have to make 4-5 different character builds to experience it all. I created a dual-wielding dark elf (aka "Dunmer" in Elder Scrolls speak) who specialized in stealth and killing things extremely quickly. This eventually got kind of old though (which isn't to say it stopped being fun -- I just have ADHD and am attracted to new, shiny things), so I created a new ridiculously-large, greatsword-wielding mammoth He-Man of an orc who specialized in just Hulk SMASH'ing peeps. Even as I write this I'm getting an itch to create some kind of master archer and snipe my way to legendary status in the Skyrim world.

There's just so much to do -- it's almost daunting trying to think of it all. The replayability on this game is obscene. It's astronomical. It makes me excited and giggly and causes me to act like I'm 8 years old again. And mark my words -- it's likely going to be the driving force behind many of a divorce in the coming months. Write that #### down in red crayon.

Combat-wise, Skyrim's engine is a lot more capable and fluid than Oblivion's. And although it still feels a bit clunky at times in close-up melee, it certainly isn't a detriment to the point where it becomes a hindrance on you continuing onwards with your Hulk SMASH'ing. (Thank goodness!)

And wow, we haven't even mentioned the magic system yet either. You see what I mean about this game?

For the magic system, you can pretty much take two parts of Bioshock's magic-wielding system and mix it with a heavy dose of the feeling you got when you first dual-wielded guns in Halo 2. Sprinkle in some inspiration from the Star Wars Force and you've essentially got yourself the Skyrim magic system. I didn't use it very much and this only reminds me to make yet another character-build in the straight-up mage vein, but from what I did use I can say with great confidence that it will be many, MANY people's favorite part of the game.

BOTTOM LINE

All in all, Skyrim is most certainly one of the greatest games released this year. Indeed, it may very well make a strong run for the best open-world RPG of all-time mantle not long down the road. It's that good.

Which isn't to say there aren't some sour spots throughout the experience. But considering they're mostly just the small, oft-wacky glitches that have come to be expected from the Elder Scrolls series, said sour spots are quickly overrun and absolutely decimated by the pure deliciousness of the rest of the game. Thank you, deliciousness!

Oh, and the dragons. The dragons! THE DRAGONS!

Never before has a game encapsulated and represented the pure power, fury and majesty of dragons than Skyrim. Even once you've gotten the gist of how to fight them, you'll never feel truly at ease when you see a shadow fly over and above you, accompanied with an atmosphere-piercing guttural roar.

I don't want to spoil anything since I know how damn bat####-crazy some people can get with such things, so I won't say anything other than that the dragons -- in addition to just being straight badasses throughout the game -- also play an integral role in the game's main overall storyline. So there's that.

In conclusion, if you're the type of gamer who likes to get their money's worth when it comes to the games that they play, than Skyrim may very well send you into uncontrollable giggle-fits of euphoria. Seriously, with the recent announcement that the side-quests are infinitely regenerated forevermore even after you've beaten the game...

Well... let's just say that... hopefully you've got a comfortable couch.

Because you're going to be here for a while.

SCORE: 10/10

Source link/spam: Click here.

 

[Smoo]

I haven't seen a dragon since the intro. Level 20 now.

 

[dharmapunk]

I don't remember how they handled this (or did they?) in Oblivion, but I'm really annoyed with the tactics of my companions when I'm trying to sneak. In Fallout they had passive and aggressive assignments you could give to your lackeys -- am I missing a way to do that here? Is the "I need you to do something" option good for anything except "wait there" ? If so, I can't seem to figure out what it is. I know you can tell your idiot to WAIT HERE while you go sneaking, but it's really dull to keep moving them from spot to spot, especially with Lydia's #####y attitude. I want her to follow me, but don't go running ahead if you see an enemy. possible?

This is why I adventure alone.However, I think companions will be useful with other builds, like a mage or a tank. They just aren't good for a stealthy backstabber to use. This does make sense I suppose. Assassins and thieves like to work alone.

 

[dharmapunk]

Nice review, JGall.

 

[dharmapunk]

I haven't seen a dragon since the intro. Level 20 now.

I read from the designer that dragons don't become more regular until you push along a little in the main quest.

They're definitely linked to the main questline. I've killed five and have seen a sixth but didn't want to engage. This didn't start happening until I did a few main quests.That's standard for Elder Scroll games. Doing certain quests can radically change the world. Think of Kvatch in Oblivion. Before doing that quest Cyrodil was wide open to explore. After doing the Kvatch quest (part of the main storyline) the oblivion gates began popping up all over the place. This is why I avoided joining the war so far. I'm afraid it'll change the world and I'll be locked out of half the towns.

 

[dharmapunk]

Or maybe you just want to go and collect (see: steal) every troll skull that exists in the world, stopping only to steal other macabre things that strike your fancy to add to your repertoire? That's kind of ####### creepy, but hey -- whatever floats your boat, friend!

If only he had used buddy instead of friend.

 

[AcerFC]

I would have liked to have seen Ser Ulrics review

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Holy bad bad bad video lag on horseback on the PS3. Wowzers.

That's a frequent complaint on the PS3 board here.

I've read a few complaints about PS3 issues, mainly related to how the save files get bigger and bigger, but so far this has been by far the least-buggy Bethesda game I've played. I don't know off the top of my head how many hours I've put in so far, but it's probably approaching 20. Everything runs great and I haven't had a single freeze yet. By way of contrast, Fallout 3 would have frozen at least 3-4 times by now, and New Vegas bordered on unplayable at times. The worst issue I've encountered so far is a little framerate choppiness in towns -- no big deal. Having said that, I wish Bethesda could figure out a way to make the saves smaller. I'm already at 5.7 MB and I haven't done much yet. It's hard to imagine a save file of 10+ MB not having some instability.

 

[AcerFC]

Holy bad bad bad video lag on horseback on the PS3. Wowzers.

That's a frequent complaint on the PS3 board here.

I've read a few complaints about PS3 issues, mainly related to how the save files get bigger and bigger, but so far this has been by far the least-buggy Bethesda game I've played. I don't know off the top of my head how many hours I've put in so far, but it's probably approaching 20. Everything runs great and I haven't had a single freeze yet. By way of contrast, Fallout 3 would have frozen at least 3-4 times by now, and New Vegas bordered on unplayable at times. The worst issue I've encountered so far is a little framerate choppiness in towns -- no big deal. Having said that, I wish Bethesda could figure out a way to make the saves smaller. I'm already at 5.7 MB and I haven't done much yet. It's hard to imagine a save file of 10+ MB not having some instability.

I have a PS3 and have frozen twice. Once where I couldnt even reset from my controller. In terms of the saves, does it help to break it down into different files or it just saves the whole thing even if you break it down.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Anyone know if you will have any major conflicts if you belong to the thieves guild but want to join the assassins as well?

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Anyone know if you will have any major conflicts if you belong to the thieves guild but want to join the assassins as well?

I've joined both with no issues but haven't progressed much along either storyline. This doesn't seem to be like Oblivion, though, wwhere the two factions don't really like each other. The Thieves Guild is way less uptight about you killing people -- at least one NPC member used to belong to the Dark Brotherhood and one of the early quests more or less requires you to kill a bunch of folks -- and the Dark Brotherhood doesn't seem to have as many "rules" to follow.

 

[dharmapunk]

Anyone know if you will have any major conflicts if you belong to the thieves guild but want to join the assassins as well?

Only one way to find out!

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Anyone know if you will have any major conflicts if you belong to the thieves guild but want to join the assassins as well?

I've joined both with no issues but haven't progressed much along either storyline. This doesn't seem to be like Oblivion, though, wwhere the two factions don't really like each other. The Thieves Guild is way less uptight about you killing people -- at least one NPC member used to belong to the Dark Brotherhood and one of the early quests more or less requires you to kill a bunch of folks -- and the Dark Brotherhood doesn't seem to have as many "rules" to follow.

I feel too many of my talents are being wasted on the thieves guild as they ask fairly often that I do not kill anyone. Oh I have also turned into a kleptomaniac. I pick pocket almost every single person I come across. I break into every store at night and take anything that I deem useful. I am currently looking for Dr. Phil to help with my issue(s).

 

[Worm]

What are soul gems used for? So far, re-charging weapons is one use that I've found, are there others?

eta - and enchanting things

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I havent started my killing spree yet, but its been challenging considering I was a murderous thug in New Vegas.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Holy bad bad bad video lag on horseback on the PS3. Wowzers.

That's a frequent complaint on the PS3 board here.

I've read a few complaints about PS3 issues, mainly related to how the save files get bigger and bigger, but so far this has been by far the least-buggy Bethesda game I've played. I don't know off the top of my head how many hours I've put in so far, but it's probably approaching 20. Everything runs great and I haven't had a single freeze yet. By way of contrast, Fallout 3 would have frozen at least 3-4 times by now, and New Vegas bordered on unplayable at times. The worst issue I've encountered so far is a little framerate choppiness in towns -- no big deal. Having said that, I wish Bethesda could figure out a way to make the saves smaller. I'm already at 5.7 MB and I haven't done much yet. It's hard to imagine a save file of 10+ MB not having some instability.

Sorry to heart about your poor experience with New Vegas. NV is in my top 5 games of all time.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

What are soul gems used for? So far, re-charging weapons is one use that I've found, are there others?eta - and enchanting things

I havent even figured out how to recharge the weapons or disenchant them. Are these spells that are bought/learned?

 

[thecatch]

What are soul gems used for? So far, re-charging weapons is one use that I've found, are there others?eta - and enchanting things

I havent even figured out how to recharge the weapons or disenchant them. Are these spells that are bought/learned?

There is an enchanting workbench where you disenchant/enchant. There's almost always one next to an alchemy station. I assume you recharge there too though I haven't tried that yet.

 

[dharmapunk]

What are soul gems used for? So far, re-charging weapons is one use that I've found, are there others?eta - and enchanting things

I havent even figured out how to recharge the weapons or disenchant them. Are these spells that are bought/learned?

On the PS3 you can go to the item menu and select the weapon. While looking at it, press R2 to recharge it. A menu will pop up asking which soul gem you want to use.

 

[joker]

Finally fired this up last night - just wow. I'm very early on in the game, though - went with the rebel and cleared out a mine right after we escaped Helgen Keep. Just got to Riverwood and have picked up a few quests and done some stuff for the blacksmith. How easy is it to pickpocket when you're starting out? I was thinking of relieving the stores around town of their wares so I can make some startup gold.

 

[Bonfire]

I have built a mage type, so far focusing on destruction somewhat. However I'm still trying to keep fairly balanced, using archery a lot of two handed weapons etc. I'm surprised by the amount of sneak thief type builds, they seem much more popular than I would have guessed.

 

[Meat]

I had been regretting getting this on my PC; but now am LOVING it since I figured out console commands.

I haven't been using it to 'cheat' but rather try out different combat types by editing my stats/perks.

I have to say, melee (sword/shield) really is kinda... boring. I love it when I execute one hit kills but they seem so random it is frustrating. Sometimes I'll 1 shot a guy at 100% health, and sometimes *I* would get 1 shot at ~50% health. Has to be something I'm doing wrong.

Anyways; I'm loving dual-casting + bow stealth. Stealth is totally $$ in this game!

 

[WalrusMan]

I haven't seen a dragon since the intro. Level 20 now.

Really? I'm level 17 and I've killed seven or eight.

 

[orcinus]

Killed the first dragon last night, only to be quickly overloaded with the spoils. So, my evening pretty much consisted of crawling back to town and then chopping and endless amount of wood to finally get a house.

Still a bit scared to put anything really valuable in the chest, though. Especially considering the amount of crap I lift in stores and then turn around and sell back to the vendor.

Also, I had brightness turned up for a couple nights, but I reset it last night after an extended night mission. This game is MUCH creepier in the dark when you can't see and have to rely primarily on sound to get through. Initially, I thought I was hearty enough to simply charge through the darkness, cutting down the wolves and little bears foolish enough to get in my way. Figured if I could keep myself from running into a gint or mammoth in the dark, I'd be OK.

Best laid plans.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Hod's crib in Riverrun.

They still flying the Tully banners?

speaking of...any interest in looking at a Fire and Ice: Game of Thrones WW ruleset?

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Walked from Whiterun to Winterhold. It was fun. Lots of interesting stuff to revisit. Including a sunken ship (once I find a way to breath under water).

I haven't cast a spell yet. Playing a wood elf who hates going into caves. Not sure how far that's going to get me in the long run

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Finally fired this up last night - just wow. I'm very early on in the game, though - went with the rebel and cleared out a mine right after we escaped Helgen Keep. Just got to Riverwood and have picked up a few quests and done some stuff for the blacksmith. How easy is it to pickpocket when you're starting out? I was thinking of relieving the stores around town of their wares so I can make some startup gold.

Pickpocketing is hard, but breaking into houses and cleaning them out is easy. The main problem is finding a fence who will buy stolen goods.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Does every town have a house (or houses) for sale? Can you just kill the owner and take the house? Can you equip them with things like a forge?

 

[Chaka]

Interesting the number of people who so quickly jump to stealing in the RPG world. Not saying it's wrong, just interesting.

Anyone try to play the game as a law abiding citizen?