Does the series make the jump to MMORPG status well, though?

The main reason for this is the first or third person, action-oriented play and the real-time combat.

Yes, theres a metric ton of content here, with a huge and dynamic world to adventure in.

Here youre taught the basics before youre thrown out into the vast world like a newborn babe.

And its here where the games first hiccup poked me in the eye.

This is par for the course in a series where the adventure is yours.

The problem here is that youre not.

Youre not the only one.

Look behind you, mister!

Given the mechanics of an MMORPG, this cant really be the case.

Whats more, the actual content of anElder Scrollsgame is truly unique in terms of large-scale RPGs.

The previous games all have varied and often complex quests with all sorts of different mechanics.

Its one enormous fetch quest, with each area containing a plethora of similar missions.

Remove theElder Scrollsname from the game, and it could be anything.

Quite well, actually.

Underneath the instant gratification of in-your-face combat and first/third person adventuring lies a very deep and promising MMORPG system.

The game rewards all kinds of players, regardless of their preferred method of role playing in the world.

Want to be your guilds Blacksmith instead of playing the hero?

Its an organic and logical way of growing your character, instead of simply allocating points.

The flexibility also allows you to change your mind whenever you like, too.

Its always up to you, and youre never prevented from experimenting.

If that all sounds confusing, its because it is.

Its stupid, and in my opinion, really hurts the game.

The whole guild system needs to be reworked to make it more approachable.

Its overcomplicated and too restrictive, and it doesnt need to be.

It keeps both modes in line with game and flow together as an interwoven narrative.

The PvP zone isnt just a simple battlefield, either.

Instead, its the whole province of Cyrodiil, complete with its own cities, settlements, and quests.

With some changes to the convoluted and restrictive guild system, it could really shine.

If youve got a PC, of course.

As one of the few proper online RPGs on console, its probably the best option for now.

Well worth a look.

Rating:

3 out of 5