Showing posts with label Skyrim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skyrim. Show all posts

Monday, November 28, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Tired of corpses showing up at your Skyrim wedding?

Well fret not. Bethesda has announced, via their blog, the changes that will be made to Skyrim with the patch that is set to hit this week. It's already live for PS3 users in the UK and will likely be live for North America soon. The patch for PC and Xbox is set for November 30th. So what changes will this patch make? Here's the list!

  • Improved occasional performance issues resulting from long term play (PlayStation 3)
  • Fixed issue where textures would not properly upgrade when installed to drive (Xbox 360)
  • Fixed crash on startup when audio is set to sample rate other than 44100Hz (PC)
  • Fixed issue where projectiles did not properly fade away
  • Fixed occasional issue where a guest would arrive to the player’s wedding dead
  • Dragon corpses now clean up properly
  • Fixed rare issue where dragons would not attack
  • Fixed rare NPC sleeping animation bug
  • Fixed rare issue with dead corpses being cleared up prematurely
  • Skeleton Key will now work properly if player has no lockpicks in their inventory
  • Fixed rare issue with renaming enchanted weapons and armor
  • Fixed rare issue with dragons not properly giving souls after death
  • ESC button can now be used to exit menus (PC)
  • Fixed occasional mouse sensitivity issues (PC)
  • General functionality fixes related to remapping buttons and controls (PC)




Wednesday, November 23, 2011

NN REVIEW: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

How can I even begin to write a review for a game like Skyrim? I've played roughly 24 hours of the game and so far I've completed probably less than half of the main quest line, become the new Arch Mage of the College of Winterhold, slain about 10 dragons, crafted armor, bought a house, become a Thane of both Whiterun and Falkreath and so much more. I still have not joined the Thieves Guild, gotten married, passed level 30, used a bow and arrow, or even traveled to all of the main cities. I was struggling with deciding when and how to write this review since if I waited until I completed all of the game's content it's likely this review wouldn't come out for at least a year and possibly never. But my time with Skyrim has revealed a few things to me. It was in no way overhyped, it is likely the best game of the year and it is possibly my favorite game of all time. So let's jump in.

I can't ever remember playing a game in which I stopped so frequently to simply gaze at the world I was standing in. Skyrim looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm playing it on the Xbox 360 and the graphics are fantastic. With the mountains shrouded in mist constantly hanging in the distance, weather that changes with the seasons, vast plains that open up before you and more, this game not only offers countless areas to explore but it invites you to take the time to wander into its farthest reaches. The other day I was on my way to a dungeon to acquire an amulet and halfway there I crossed a bridge with a river gushing beneath it. From my perch I could see distant waterfalls leading up to a mountain peak covered in snow. Naturally I diverted from my quest and explored the terrain only to come across a bandit hideout. I smote my enemies, took their supplies, and began to head back towards my original destination to recover the amulet. This is what Skyrim is all about. Bethesda has spent so much time making a game that encourages you to explore and discover new places that it's almost an insult to the makers if you simply stick to the main quest.


The main quest is certainly intriguing enough if you do decide to spend some time with it. Although I haven't done all of it I can tell you the basics. Dragons have returned to Skyrim after being absent from the land for hundreds of years. This has put the people of Skyrim on edge because the monsters can cause massive amounts of damage and wipe out entire civilizations. You quickly discover that you are a Dragonborn. Meaning you have the power to absorb the souls of dragons when they are killed which allows you to speak their language and use their powers. Killing dragons will give you souls and finding specific walls throughout the world will teach you words from the ancient language. Combining the words with the souls lets you unleash the powers of the dragons which include slowing time, sending your enemies flying through the air, freezing everyone around you and other incredible feats. In short, you are the only one with the ability to keep Skyrim safe from the dragons and you must find a way to solve the mystery of their return. Definitely awesome.

Magic. There is something quite satisfying about pouring two molten streams of fire from your hands until your enemies start to run in fear before you chase them down to finish them off. I've been playing as a mage focusing on Destruction and Conjuration with some dabbling in Restoration. In the last Elder Scrolls game, Oblivion, the combat for magic was lackluster and not truly a viable option for doing damage. This is not the case with Skyrim. The developers have taken the time to make sure that no matter what style of combat you choose whether it be magic, massive two handed weapons, the classic sword and shield or the stealth based archer with daggers for close combat you will be a real threat to your enemies. I've been talking to friends who are also getting lost in the world of Skyrim and it quickly becomes apparent that no two people will ever have the same experience...not even close. The new talent system makes it easy to improve the skills that you use most, awarding you a talent point each time you level which you can spend in trees that are aimed at specific aspects of the game. Simply put, whatever you use the most is what you will become the best at.


Let's go questing! The sheer number of quests in Skyrim is overwhelming. A couple hours into the game you'll already find your quest log packed to the brim with missions. Some, more important quests will have their own tab while smaller quests will be bunched into the miscellaneous category. By selecting a quest from your menu, you can activate it to show on your map. This makes it easy to tackle one quest at a time when your log may seem a little cluttered. Assuming you're ever able to focus on one task long enough to finish a quest I can promise you that there is very little repetition in this game which is an astounding feat. Some of the quests I've completed so far have involved killing bandit leaders in camps, retrieving artifacts from dungeons, following a talking dog to a temple where he and his master (a god stuck in a statue) seem to be at odds, collecting bear pelts for a woman who simply hates animals and a few even stranger tasks. Some quests are extremely quick and will be completed within a couple of minutes while others will send you across the world, deep into the wilderness to reach your goal. It is a testament to how much time Bethesda put into making Skyrim that the quests never feel tired or tedious despite the fact that there are hundreds upon hundreds of them in the game.

For all its glory there are a few minor issues with Skyrim that are actually quite amusing at times. With such a massive world there are bound to be a number of glitches and there are certainly some issues within Skyrim. Players have encountered issues such as flying mammoths, disappearing heads, quests that won't load for some time and some terrain issues. In my personal play through my head has disappeared a few times and one of the quests I was on led me to a dungeon where I was supposed to meet a man outside who never showed up. Eventually I left to do some other quests and upon returning a couple days later he had miraculously arrived. Bethesda is already working on some patches to resolve these issues but to be honest they are so minor that it never feels like they truly take away from the experience.

It's absolutely incredible how much more I could talk about here. I didn't even cover things like becoming a werewolf or vampire, buying a horse, settling the civil war or decorating your house. The sheer amount of content in Skyrim is glorious and it ensures that hours into the game you will still be discovering new vistas and unlocking new powers. Everyone will find something to enjoy from the combat, to crafting, to simply walking through town talking to people. Bethesda has accomplished something truly marvelous with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and it's an experience that I think everyone should have. Skyrim is easily my favorite game of the year and it is steadily becoming my favorite game of all time. A remarkable feat.

MY RATING: 10/10

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: That's a lot of dead dragons.

After only two days on shelves, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim sold over 3.5 million copies! This number is insane considering it doesn't even take into account digital sales which are also enormous. This week Skyrim has been the best selling game on Steam easily beating out Modern Warfare 3 and other top titles for the number one spot. I'm so happy that this game is doing well. Not just because I've been obsessing over it for the past 6 months, or because having spent much of my time playing it over the past week I can attest to how brilliant it is, but because it's nice to see a game get such high praise when it isn't a mass appeal game like WoW. Not to say anything against WoW, but Skyrim is a game that I think some people could have a hard time getting on board with at first sight. There's no online multiplayer, the story is anything but linear and the game could literally take hundreds of hours to complete. While some may see this as a major deterrent it sounds like plenty of people are excited with the concept of creating your own experience in a game. No two people will play this game the same way and to me that's the coolest thing about it. Skyrim has also been one of the most searched topics on Google over the past couple of weeks and I'm sure that trend will continue as we all jump to the internet to learn a new recipe, find out how to defeat a dungeon boss or simply watch Youtube videos of flying mammoths and horses which are awesome. So if you haven't gone out and bought Skyrim yet....go do it now.

Friday, November 11, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Enter the world of Skyrim.

So last night I was third in line to pick up my copy of Skyrim. A game I've been looking forward to for nearly a year now. I raced home, tore open the package and had the game in the system by about 12:15. The rest has been a blur of awesomeness.

The game starts with you being brought to a town for your imminent execution. Before they sentence you to death they ask you your name and you plunge into the character creation process. This alone took me roughly thirty minutes to finish. You can customize each and every feature about your character to make them appear however you wish. I ended up creating an Imperial since they're a pretty well rounded race to pick. As you approach the block to have your head severed for the crowd...it happens. A dragon swoops in from the mountains and begins burning everything and everyone to bits. Through the chaos you escape to the underground tunnels with a fellow prisoner who's not too keen on getting caught. Together you brave the underground maze and step out into the open world of Skyrim...it's at this point where you simply stand and marvel.


Standing atop a small peak you look out over just a portion of Skyrim's world. With high reaching mountains in the distance, a forest to your left, the sound of running water coming from a nearby river and so much more it finally sinks in that this is a world you can explore every single inch of. Your partner tells you to meet him at his home in a village just up the road and he trots off. The world is now your oyster. I took a few steps towards his town, Riverwood, but then decided to wander off into the forest on my left. I picked some herbs that could be used for making potions, startled some unsuspecting deer whom I didn't have the heart to burn to bits, caught some butterflies whose wings I inspected to find crafting traits and eventually stumbled across an empty camp. A fire was still burning and there was plenty of goodies just sitting there. Naturally I helped myself and started grabbing some bread, fruit, leather and tried to pick a lock on a chest. Suddenly I heard voices. I knew whoever owned this camp was almost home so I turned to run...I was too late. Three bandits rounded the corner and stopped dead upon seeing me. Apparently they weren't too interested in asking questions as they drew their swords and charged. I dodged to the side and began blasting them with a stream of fire from both my hands. Eventually I thwarted my enemy and was left to freely pillage the rest of their loot. I justified my actions by deciding they were labeled as "Bandits" since they had in fact stolen these goods in the first place.

This type of encounter is exactly what Skyrim is about. Yes, I have spent a couple hours following the main story line learning about my place in the world as a Dragonborn. But more importantly I have wandered aimlessly through the mountainous regions of Skyrim. The beauty of the game is that it is a completely freeing experience where you can literally do whatever you feel. These are just my first impressions from the game but I am already hooked and can't wait to continue discovering hidden secrets in this world. Once I complete more of the game I'll write a full review, but for now I'm going to take my time exploring, crafting, battling and simply living in the world of Skyrim.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Prepare yourself.

The reviews for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are in. This has been my most anticipated game for about 6 months now and tonight when the clock strikes midnight we will all finally have the chance to wander aimlessly through the world of Skyrim. If the videos, interviews, articles and all that weren't enough to convince you that this is likely the top contender for game of the year, perhaps a 9.5 from IGN, 9.5 from Gameinformer, 5/5 from Joystiq, 9.0 from Gamespot and an A- from 1UP will persuade you. This is a game that promises over 100 hours of gameplay without breaking a sweat. A world that you can completely become a part of packed to the brim with discovery, adventure, betrayal, crafting and of course...dragons. This is going to be the longest day ever.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: I need to borrow $30

I promise to pay you back at my convenience, but I really really want the Skyrim soundtrack. The thing comes on four discs and if you place your order before December 23rd then you get a copy that is signed by the conductor Jeremy Soule. In the description it states, "Features a breadth of music from the icy sounds inspired by the game's highest mountain peaks to the powerful themes capturing the magnificence of the dragons." Sound good enough? Yea it does. The thing can be pre-ordered now over at Direct Song!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Yes, this is another Skyrim video.

Deal with it. This one is a trailer for the documentary "Behind the Wall" that will come with the collector's edition of the game. It gives an in depth look at the process and the people behind creating a game with the scope and magnitude of Skyrim. I wish I had the money for the collector's edition because this video alone seems completely intriguing. I suppose this trailer will have to suffice for now.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Ready your wallets and clear your schedule!

Well Battlefield 3 has hit stores nationwide and for the most part it's blowing peoples' minds. Although there has been some server problems and minor glitches with the game (this is why you don't rush release dates) the feedback from those who have been playing BF3 has been nothing but positive. So there you have it! There's nothing else to look forward to this year...oh wait. Actually there's so much to look forward to before this year finishes that it literally keeps me up at night. Like seriously, there are so many games coming out within the next couple months that are going to be incredible.

Here's my list of what I think are the most notable games hitting shelves before the end of 2011!

November 1st:
Title: Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Platform: PS3
For any of you PS3 owners out there this is going to be an absolute must buy. The Uncharted series has been what I believe to be the posterboy series for PS3 exclusives and I'd be lying if I said I was never close to running to Gamestop to buy a PS3 almost only to play Uncharted. The absolutely rave reviews for all three games have always intrigued me and it seems that almost everyone who has played the games is in love with Nathan Drake. This one is less than a week away so get ready PS3 owners!



November 1st:
Title: Sonic Generations
Platforms: 360, PS3, 3DS (December 8)
Remember when Sonic was an awesome game? Well I barely do because I was like 6 years old when I played it on the Sega Genesis. Apparently Sonic Generations brings the beloved hedgehog back to his glory days with an impeccable combination of side scrolling and 3D gameplay. I personally can't wait to play Generations on my 3DS but I'm not sure if I'll be purchasing it as soon as it hits shelves; this may be a Christmas title for me.



November 8th:
Title: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Platforms: 360, PS3, PC, Wii
Do I really need to say anything? I'll see all you guys at Gamestop on the 8th!



November 11th:
Title: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platforms: 360, PS3, PC
I am about 99% positive that this will be my game of the year. With the promise for breathtaking landscapes, and a completely immersive world I literally cannot wait for Skyrim to come out. I have spent recent nights struggling to fall asleep as I battle with myself over what kind of character I will play in Skyrim. Will I be a lightning chucking mage, a warrior with proficiencies (not sure if that's a word) in sword and shield or two handed weapons or something else entirely? Once Skyrim hits shelves it is likely that I won't play anything else for quite a long time.



November 13th:
Title: Super Mario 3D Land
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS is finally starting to heat up. With Sonic Generations and Super Mario 3D Land both hitting within the next couple weeks and Mario Kart 7 just around the corner I am finally getting excited to play the thing consistently. Mario 3D Land promises to be a gorgeous Mario game that combines everything we love about past Mario games into one awesome experience. I mean come on, you get to use the Tanooki suit while experiencing game play like Mario Galaxy! I for one am pumped!



November 15th:
Title: Assassins Creed: Revelations
Platforms: 360, PS3, PC (on 12/29)
Now I've never gotten into the AC games so I'm not even sure which game in the series this is but I know a ton of people are excited for it. Unfortunately that's about all the information I know. So yea, if you're into being a hooded badass who roams the streets killing bad people in awesome ways then you might want to check this one out!



November 15th:
Title: Halo Combat Evolved: Anniversary
Platforms: 360
It was a decade ago when the first Halo graced Xbox systems everywhere and introduced us to what is no doubt the most popular and successful Xbox exclusive title out there. It started a series that has produced almost no weak games and has consumed hours upon hours of our lives experiencing awesome multiplayer. This anniversary edition brings back everything we loved about the first game but brings the graphics up to date offering an experience much like the one the developers imagined but couldn't give us with their current technology. I'm expecting this game to sell very well.



November 18th:
Title: Minecraft
Platforms: PC (for now)
What?? I thought Minecraft was already out? Haven't people been playing it addictively for months creating incredible worlds and such? Well yes, but believe it or not Minecraft is still in beta! Personally I have put quite a few hours into my little world and I'm excited for the game to finally actually be released in all its glory so hopefully more people can experience its awesomeness.



December 4th:
Title: Mario Kart 7
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
How could you not love Mario Kart? I mean honestly every Mario Kart game in the series has been completely awesome. Whether or not they tread new ground is irrelevant to me since the game is always so damn fun anyways. But it does look like 7 does tread some new ground with underwater portions of tracks as well as extremely customizable karts! This is one I'll definitely be getting on release date as I'm sure it's going to be completely absorbing on the 3DS!



December 20th:
Title: Star Wars: The Old Republic
Platforms: PC
Could this mark the end of World of Warcraft? A Massively Multiplayer Online experience set in the world of Star Wars? Where you can be a Sith, Jedi, bounty hunter, pilot, etc. and follow your own unique story line in a galaxy far, far away! This is perhaps the most highly anticipated game of the year and to be honest I think the expectations are getting a little high. The concept of the game is brilliant and intriguing but I can't help but feel that EA may be rushing its release like they just did with BF3 which translates into a lot of problems in the first month which is when most people will decide whether or not they'll play the game. I'll be checking it out for sure but I'm not sure where I'll end up with ToR.

Friday, October 28, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Most gorgeous game ever made?

It's certainly looking that way. If you've checked out my site almost any time over the past few months you'll know how insanely excited I am for Skyrim. It's been my most anticipated game since about July and now that we're just two weeks away I'm starting to lose my mind. This video shows some of the concept art and how it translated into the final product. Every video/promo I watch for Skyrim gets me more and more excited to just aimlessly wander through this world. I seriously don't know if I can wait two more weeks!

For this video and more head over to IGN HERE!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Someone's excited about Skyrim!

Like excited enough to make what could totally be mistaken for a trailer for a high budget movie based on the game. I'm not sure who actually made this trailer, whether it's a crazed fan or the people from Bethesda. But it gets me even more excited for the game and also gets me wondering about a Skyrim movie. I really hope they don't make one since the game is about aimlessly exploring and like picking flowers and stuff which would be really boring to watch someone else do. But yea, this trailer is nuts, so watch it.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

MOVIES: 11-11-11

Until now that date only represented the release of Elder Scrolls: Skyrim for me, but now the day has become even more epic. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 hits store shelves on DVD, Blu-Ray, Combo Pack, all that good stuff. There will also be a complete 8 movie collection for those with disposable income after purchasing Skyrim at midnight. Wow that's gunna be a good day. I suppose I can watch HP on my computer while playing Skyrim on my 360? Yea, that sounds pretty good.

Monday, September 12, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: My eyes are burning from beauty.

Wow, IGN has posted a 2 part walk through of a demo of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim...just wow. I've watched the first minute and I honestly don't think I can wait until November to be swept away into this world. The level of detail is simply astounding and early on the narrator makes an excellent point...you can go anywhere. Unlike any other game you've played, if you look into the distance and see a mountain towering above the clouds, you can climb to the top. A tower in the distance will always be reachable. The sheer magnitude of this world is staggering and it will be no problem to pump hours upon hours into exploring its expanses. If you have some time sit back and watch the demo because it is starting to look like Skyrim might be my game of the year. We'll see.

Friday, August 26, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: It's nice to own an Xbox.

1UP is reporting that Bethesda announced today its first 2 Downloadable Content packages for Elder Scrolls: Skyrim will hit the Xbox 360 a full 30 days before they come to PS3. This is similar to a deal that Call of Duty has with Xbox in that the series' map packs will be available before the Playstation. I'm not sure why Xbox gets these privileges, although my hunch is that since people have to pay extra for the Xbox Live feature and the Playstation Network comes free with the PS3, Microsoft probably has more money to offer the companies for their DLC than Sony does. Who knows, I'm just glad I have an Xbox.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Skyrim will take 100 hours to complete...

Well, it'll take 100 hours to complete making your character for the game. Today Bethesda released all of the races and all of their faces on their BLOG. Wow, it is going to take me so freaking long not only to decide which race I want to play as, but the options for customization are going to be overwhelming. Right now I'm a fan of the Breton because dinosaurs are awesome and these guys look like dinosaurs. Anyways, check them all out on the Bethesda Blog HERE!

Friday, August 5, 2011

VIDEO GAMES: Anyone want to lend me $149.99 permanently?

Because that's how much it will set people back for the collector's edition of the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls: Skyrim game. Bethesda revealed the set at QuakeCon today and boy do I wish I made a ton of money with this dumb blog. The package of awesomeness consists of:
 - 200 page art book
 - Making of Skyrim DVD
 - Cloth map (which would look awesome in a nice frame on a wall)
 - Elder Scrolls: Skyrim game (duh)
and best of all
 - A 12" dragon statue

So here's how I figure it...if each of my Facebook friends sends me $1 I'll have more than enough money to purchase two of them. Then I can give one to charity making me look extremely generous. Cash only please.


Bask in its infinite glory.