Game review: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

After the incredible success of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, it would have been all too easy for Bethesda to re-skin the game and put out Oblivion 1.5. Many would have turned up their noses, but the game still would have sold millions, such is the fanatic following of the Elder Scrolls series.

But it's obvious Bethesda cares a lot about the franchise as Skyrim has been built from the ground up, with vastly improved graphics and an exclusively developed Creation Engine.

As the Empire of Tamriel crumbles and the High King of Skyrim is murdered, alliances form and claims to the throne are made. However, a far more ancient and dangerous evil has awakened in the midst of this conflict - Dragons.

Long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, Dragons have returned to Tamriel and the future of Skyrim, and indeed the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they await the arrival of the prophesised "Dragonborn".

That's where you come in. As the last Dragonborn, you have "The Voice" and are the only one who can stand among the dragons.

Despite being a specific character in the grand scheme of things, you have countless options available to you when it comes to your initial character selection, and that freedom carries over into every aspect of the game.

Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has set a new benchmark for all others in the action role-playing genre to be judged by. It's a perfect piece of emotional, immersive escapism in which you won't have any regrets about investing a large portion of your time.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Bethesda Softworks

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Stars: 5/5