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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

92%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
stability, monetization
92% User Score Based on 395,378 reviews

Platforms

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About

"The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition" is an award-winning fantasy game with remastered art and effects, including volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, and screen-space reflections. This edition also includes all-new features such as Creations, which provides limitless new quests, environments, characters, dialogue, armor, weapons, and more. Experience the immersive world of Skyrim like never before.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition screenshot

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 395,378 reviews
story9.9k positive mentions
stability7.3k negative mentions

  • The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Jeremy Soule enhances the game's atmosphere and emotional depth, creating a memorable experience.
  • Skyrim's vast open world and extensive side quests offer players unparalleled freedom and replayability, allowing for countless hours of exploration and unique storytelling.
  • The character development system is praised for its depth and flexibility, enabling players to customize their characters and playstyles in a rich, immersive world.
  • The game is plagued by persistent bugs and glitches, often described as a 'buggy mess' that can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustrating experiences.
  • Many players criticize the main storyline for being mediocre and lacking depth, with quests often feeling repetitive and uninspired.
  • The introduction of microtransactions and frequent re-releases has drawn significant criticism, leading to a decline in goodwill towards Bethesda among loyal fans.
  • story
    31,706 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Skyrim" is often described as a mix of epic and mundane, with a central narrative revolving around the player as the Dragonborn tasked with defeating the dragon Alduin. While the main quest is considered somewhat short and lacking depth, many players find the real charm lies in the extensive side quests and faction storylines, which are rich in lore and character development. The game's open-world design allows for a high degree of player agency, enabling players to explore, engage in various quests, and shape their own unique stories, often leading to countless hours of gameplay and exploration.

    • “What I love about this game is you can be dedicated to the lore so much to the point you can read Dovahzul and the godhead or barely know the plot of the game and still have a unique and enjoyable experience.”
    • “The main storyline, which revolves around the dragonborn's quest to save Tamriel from a dragon apocalypse, is gripping and well-crafted.”
    • “The game's storytelling is further enhanced by its excellent writing and voice acting, making it a truly immersive experience.”
    • “The main story is very mediocre, typical hero saves the day by slaying an evil dragon.”
    • “The overall quest line is garbage as well; it just feels uninspired, and the blades' stronghold you go to, which I felt should have felt more magical and mystical, felt dull and played down a lot.”
    • “The quests are mostly fetch quests piled up with more fetch quests and mindlessly killing mobs without any consequence.”
  • graphics
    21,246 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Skyrim" have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the visuals were impressive at launch in 2011, they now appear dated compared to modern titles. However, the remastered "Special Edition" offers enhanced graphics, including improved textures and lighting, which some players find visually appealing. The modding community plays a significant role in revitalizing the game's graphics, allowing players to achieve stunning visuals that can rival contemporary games, making it a beloved classic despite its technical shortcomings.

    • “The remastered graphics make everything look sharper and more vibrant, and the game runs smoothly, enhancing the overall experience.”
    • “The graphics are impressive for the time, and with mods can be absolutely stunning.”
    • “The graphics still hold up after all these years and the dual wielding is still better than some modern games!”
    • “The graphics are older now, the framerate a little rougher, but the heart remains untouched.”
    • “The graphics are a bit outdated, but the quality of everything else is beyond any RPG since... Bethesda, where did you go wrong?”
    • “The graphics in this game are also awful and have always been awful.”
  • gameplay
    10,982 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Skyrim" is characterized by its vast open world, allowing for extensive exploration and a variety of playstyles, including combat, magic, and stealth. While many players appreciate the freedom and depth offered by the game, criticisms often highlight its repetitive mechanics, simplistic combat, and reliance on fetch quests. The modding community significantly enhances the gameplay experience, providing countless modifications that improve graphics, add new content, and refine mechanics, making it a game that continues to engage players even years after its release.

    • “Skyrim's gameplay is characterized by its open-world design and player freedom, offering players unparalleled freedom to shape their own destinies.”
    • “The gameplay is engaging, with a variety of weapons and spells to choose from, and a skill system that allows players to customize their characters.”
    • “With thousands of user-created mods ranging from graphical enhancements to gameplay overhauls, the possibilities for customization are virtually limitless.”
    • “Skyrim is a mediocre and dumbed down RPG, with your classic Bethesda writing and gameplay; once you played one, you have played them all.”
    • “The gameplay is very slow, janky and doesn't feel right.”
    • “If a game forgoes narrative depth, it should at least provide depth via gameplay, but to put it plainly, the combat is bland too because Skyrim is the most watered-down RPG I have ever played.”
  • stability
    7,660 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of Skyrim, particularly in its Special Edition, remains a contentious topic among players. While many acknowledge the game's charm and depth, they also highlight its persistent bugs and glitches, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustrating experiences. Despite these issues, the modding community has provided numerous fixes and enhancements, allowing players to enjoy a more stable experience, though the base game is often described as a "buggy mess" that requires significant troubleshooting. Overall, while the game is beloved for its expansive world and engaging content, its stability is frequently criticized, making it essential for players to be prepared for a potentially glitchy adventure.

    • “Game runs great, gameplay is as fun as it always has been.”
    • “A fair and balanced game with absolutely no glitches or exploits.”
    • “No glitches, no bugs, no exploits, and certainly nothing that ever stops the gameplay.”
    • “The sheer buggy-ness and fickle achievement system always seems to screw me over.”
    • “The game is notoriously buggy, unplayable without mods (which disable achievements) and has built in ads in the title screen that you cannot dismiss.”
    • “There are way too many bugs and glitches in this game in order for me to recommend this to anyone in good conscience.”
  • music
    4,004 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," composed by Jeremy Soule, is widely praised for its haunting beauty and immersive quality, enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Players frequently highlight the soundtrack's ability to evoke nostalgia and create a sense of adventure, with iconic tracks like "Dragonborn" and ambient pieces that complement the stunning landscapes. While some note that the combat music can become repetitive, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a defining feature of the game, making it a memorable experience for many.

    • “The soundtrack still pops into my head, and 'Dragonborn' never fails to bring a smile to my face.”
    • “The music swells like a symphony, echoing the pulse of a world where dragons soar and legends are born.”
    • “The atmospheric music is amazing while wandering across Skyrim or the island of Solstheim (DLC).”
    • “Now i gotta say, i haven't even encountered that many yet but some of them whe're: ralof not appearing where he should be, the commander not giving me my task, the music just not stopping with playing.”
    • “The sense of wonder and discovery initially emanated from the music fades quickly when what you keep doing is going in murky caves and hearing the same track again and again... when walking/hopping over mountains à la bethesda style to get to a destination it queues you that one other track; woot woot.”
    • “There has to be around 2-3 songs used for combat and it became tiresome hearing the same reused song in the same reused fight- you will experience this hundreds and hundreds of times.”
  • replayability
    3,796 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Skyrim is widely regarded as one of the most replayable games of all time, with players praising its vast open world, diverse character builds, and extensive modding community that significantly enhances replay value. Many reviews highlight that the game's replayability is nearly infinite, especially when considering the multitude of mods available, which allow for endless customization and new experiences. Even after years since its release, players continue to find new content and ways to engage with the game, making it a timeless classic in the RPG genre.

    • “Probably one of, if not the best open world RPG ever made, and with the extensive mod community behind it, this game has incredible replay value and diversity of play.”
    • “The quests and storylines are generally interesting, and it has a lot of replayability due to the different options that can be picked in some of the quests, and different ways of interacting with the world.”
    • “With mods, the game continues to be engaging and replayable.”
    • “Not much replayability, I'm afraid, except for trying new builds and seeing very minor different outcomes in some side quests.”
    • “The replayability, as the story stays the same, with the only exception being you either fight for the empire or stormcloaks.”
    • “Despite my extensive time with it, I've yet to complete every quest, a testament to its vast content and replayability.”
  • optimization
    2,964 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of Skyrim Special Edition has received mixed reviews from players. While many appreciate the transition to a 64-bit engine that enhances stability and allows for better modding capabilities, others report significant performance issues, including stuttering and frame drops, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the game is seen as an improvement over the original in terms of performance and graphics, but it still suffers from bugs and optimization flaws that can detract from the experience.

    • “The remastered graphics make everything look sharper and more vibrant, and the game runs smoothly, enhancing the overall experience.”
    • “The definitive version of Skyrim, optimized to run better than the original, and looks better.”
    • “The special edition brings improved visuals, better performance, and all the DLC in one package, making it the best way to experience this legendary RPG.”
    • “Poorly optimized for a 2011 game.”
    • “Almost unplayable without optimization, I thought Fallout NV was bad but goddamn.”
    • “This 'special edition' only really adds more performance cost for slightly better looking water.”
  • humor
    2,190 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in Skyrim is a defining feature, characterized by its quirky glitches, absurd NPC interactions, and unintentional comedic moments that often lead to hilarious gameplay experiences. Players frequently highlight the game's bugs—ranging from flying horses to bizarre AI behavior—as sources of laughter rather than frustration, contributing to its charm and replayability. Overall, the blend of humor, adventure, and the game's unique jank creates a memorable and entertaining experience for players.

    • “There's something wonderfully magical about Skyrim—a blend of mystery, humor, and adventure that never fails to spark joy.”
    • “The glitches are just funny, the quests are fun, the lore is extensive, and the world is awesome!”
    • “Skyrim is filled with unique gameplay mechanics, puzzles, character backgrounds, [dark] humor, and many more.”
    • “Shouts were a nice touch but, once again, it's such a silly concept that doesn't even make an attempt at self-awareness and is instead seemingly more like the butt of an unfunny joke.”
    • “This game has been re-done so many times it's not funny.”
    • “That's not funny, not even as a joke... even if you gifted me this game... sorry.”
  • monetization
    1,430 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of Skyrim has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling the introduction of microtransactions and the Creation Club as blatant cash grabs. Users express frustration over the frequent re-releases of the game, which they feel exploit loyal fans while undermining the modding community by breaking existing mods and forcing players to pay for content that was previously free. Despite the game's enduring popularity, the monetization practices have led to a decline in goodwill towards Bethesda, with many reviewers urging others to avoid supporting these practices.

    • “While some may criticize the introduction of microtransactions, they are not necessary to fully enjoy the game.”
    • “This monetization is the impetus for Skyrim's frequent updates, and this behavior on Bethesda's part casts serious doubt on the quality and consumer friendliness of future releases.”
    • “Despite all the glitches, crashed games, and microtransactions, it is still the best game I have ever played.”
    • “The game is notoriously buggy, unplayable without mods (which disable achievements) and has built-in ads in the title screen that you cannot dismiss.”
    • “I have put hundreds of hours into this game and the fact they charge you for the release, then charge you again for microtransactions which are supposed to be what the 'special edition' is supposed to be for is absolute bullshit.”
    • “This is simply a cash grab for mods.”
  • atmosphere
    1,306 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in Skyrim is widely praised as one of its standout features, characterized by breathtaking landscapes, immersive sound design, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Jeremy Soule. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of adventure and wonder, with each location offering unique environmental details and rich lore that enhance the overall experience. Despite its age, the game's atmospheric qualities continue to captivate players, making it a timeless classic in the RPG genre.

    • “Whether you’re battling dragons atop snowy peaks, delving into ancient ruins, or simply wandering through bustling towns, the game’s immersive atmosphere remains unparalleled.”
    • “The immersive atmosphere, god tier OST, and rich, unique lore were executed better than most games in the last three decades.”
    • “The atmosphere, the ambiance, the music, the scenery, the sense of discovery and the general open expanses of the Nordic wilderness are the primary draw for me.”
    • “Morrowind will be more fun because I remember as a kid playing it on its release for Xbox and the atmosphere of the world enveloped my mind in such a way that I feel Skyrim failed at, regardless of nostalgia bias.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game is just something else, Bethesda really caught lightning in a bottle.”
    • “It's getting quite old at this point where you know every outcome of every discussion of every NPC, but it's still a game I find myself getting back to for the magic of the atmosphere and a bit of nostalgia especially the glorious intro.”
  • grinding
    1,228 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of Skyrim is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling that it requires an excessive investment of time to achieve meaningful progress. While some enjoy the grind for leveling up skills and completing quests, others find it repetitive and frustrating, particularly when it comes to crafting and questing. Overall, the game is characterized by a mix of enjoyable content and grind-heavy mechanics, leading to a consensus that players may need "a second life" to fully engage with its demands.

    • “Best game of all time, I dare anybody to make a game with as much diversity in play style while feeling not grindy at all. I don't think anyone will ever best this game without using it as a blueprint.”
    • “Being able to just make something you are qualified to craft makes it so much more rewarding and not grindy.”
    • “It's not very grindy - I appreciate the flow.”
    • “Your victory is decided by how long you have grinded, and to be clear I really hate grinding, certainly in a game like Skyrim.”
    • “The alchemy system along with the level-up grinding can be simply exhausting and unrewarding.”
    • “The worst part of the game, in my opinion, is the skill/levelling system, which only becomes worse as the game goes on and you have less and less to do, which leads to boring, tedious grinding.”
  • emotional
    494 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of Skyrim is a significant highlight for many players, with numerous reviews expressing deep connections to the game's world, characters, and music. Players often describe experiences of nostalgia, joy, and even sadness, as the game evokes strong feelings through its storytelling and immersive environments. While some critiques mention a lack of emotional depth in the main narrative, the vast array of side quests and the haunting soundtrack contribute to a rich emotional journey that resonates with players long after they finish the game.

    • “Just the music itself gives the game an indelible sense of place; you can feel the stories of the ancients in every yearning, heartbreaking note.”
    • “The haunting melodies of Jeremy Soule accompany your journey, creating an emotional depth that amplifies every moment, whether it's a dragon encounter high atop a mountain or a quiet stroll through a peaceful forest.”
    • “Skyrim has meant so much to me over the years; I'm honestly struck by the emotional impact moving on from it comes with.”
    • “The gameplay is shallow and uninteresting; there are few RPG mechanics at play here, and the game has the audacity to also have a really boring story too!”
    • “Incredibly boring storyline; I wasn't a fan of it one bit. Maybe it's because I played the game 5+ years after its initial release, but it just felt the same throughout my whole whopping 9.7 hours played.”
    • “Boring story.”
  • character development
    252 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" is widely praised for its depth and flexibility, allowing players to customize their characters through a robust skill tree system and various playstyles, from stealthy archers to powerful mages. While many players appreciate the freedom and unique paths available, some critiques highlight a lack of meaningful character progression in certain quests and NPC interactions. Overall, the game is celebrated for its immersive world and the significant impact of player choices on character development, making each playthrough distinct.

    • “One of the standout features of Skyrim is its character development system, which allows for unparalleled customization.”
    • “The elder scrolls V: Skyrim is a monumental achievement in the world of open-world RPGs, seamlessly blending vast exploration, intricate storytelling, and rich character development into an unforgettable experience.”
    • “The breadth and depth of character development is amazing, as is the size and scope of the world.”
    • “Serana isn’t like other NPCs who just say, 'no, I’m not interested.' She gives this thoughtful response about needing time, which feels like character development—except it goes nowhere.”
    • “Quests are notoriously prone to breaking, dungeons suddenly become trite, little to no character development, and dialogue that feels clunky and forced sometimes.”
    • “Bad dialogues, there are no moral or any choices, no interesting characters, poorly written main story, boring quests, the series' worst character development (which is really hard to believe after Oblivion).”

Buy The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

150h Median play time
427h Average play time
25-615h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1,892 analyzed playthroughs

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