First review of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is in

Gaming magazine provides the first exclusive review of Bethesda's highly-anticipated RPG. The Australian publication awarded Bethesda’s highly-anticipated RPG with a 95% score.

[Double_Oh_Snap]

Great score, I can't wait to play Skyrim. Only question is how should I play it? Make it up as I go I guess, I mean that's what ES is all about exploring another world. So close!

[deus_ex]

Does anyone know of a game rated higher by this magazine?? Or is this the highest rated???

[SonyPS360]

Who cares?

Get Skyrim. That's all that matters. 95% is a fantastic score.

[deus_ex]

What do you mean "who cares"? Its just a question, dude.

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

Ive never even heard of this magazine before so I couldn't help you there.

Are you trying to see if the other games they gave similar scores were great too, or if maybe they gave a crappy game a 95?

[EVILDEAD360]

Praise the heavens...

Friday literally cannot come fast enough..

Savoring and not rushing through UC3

Modern Warfare 3 on Tuesday

Sky Rim Friday

Halo Anniversary next Tuesday

Life is F-ing amazing right now..

Evil

[garypaytonglove]

Well I am picking up Skyrim no matter what on Friday. But I believe this is what you are looking for: http://www.metacritic.com/p... They have 755 reviews recorded on Metacritic and 32 of those game reviews they gave a higher score than what they gave Skyrim.

[Skip_Bayless]

I'm predicting Skyrim=Battlefield 3 such that console gamers get shafted and the PC version slightly suffers because they had to make three versions of the game. Game of the Year is between Batman and Uncharted 3.

[RedSky]

Atomic is more a techy PC magazine than a games review magazine, usually game reviews (PC or console) get only like 10 pages at most.

Having said that they're generally pretty fair and don't give outlandishly high scores often, I've seen them rail against a couple of AAA titles to know that they're being honest.

[bogdanius]

On the first scan you can read "Possibly the most majestic RPG ever made"
So I'm assuming as far as rpg genre goes it's the highest/one of the highest scores they gave the game

[eddvdm]

So you can read "I did not enjoy Morrowind or Oblivion, at all." as well.

Sorry but I just can't rely on a RPG game review from someone who didn't enjoy any of these "at all".

[walken7]

@wirapuru
Exactly what I was thinking. I didn't like that the reviewer didn't like those, but then compared it to Fallout NV. I personally thought of the four (Oblivion, Fallout 3, Morrowind, and Fallout New Vegas) that New Vegas was the weakest. And how in the hell would Skyrim be most like New Vegas?
Plus the grammatical errors are a bit offputting for a paid games journalist.
Still, I'm pumped for this game and am looking forward to a better reviewer to rate it.

[GrumpyVeteran]

@solidus

surprised you've never heard of this magazine before, it's extremely famous and been around for a long time.

[sohaben]

In australia...

[Wizziokid]

95%, very nice start, can't wait

[Grendizer]

ehh... i dont know about that... well....95% is just not as good as 96%

[Korix]

You don't think 95% is a very nice score?
Because that would be silly.

[MajorJackHoff]

Why not 97%?

[Superted2007]

Why not Zoidberg?

[modesign]

why not 100.

[kcuthbertson]

Why not over 9000?

[WANNAGETHIGH]

@ Grendizer  i hope ur being sarcastic :/

[KonGreat]

hahaha he's obviously being sarcastic!

[Rivitur]

@ kcuthbertson you make a great point

[vortis]

I don't know, 96.1% seems like it would be the deal breaker for me. Without that 0.1% I just don't think the game carries the kind of depth I'm looking for. Maybe next time.

[Grendizer]

it seems that i have to start putting /s after i make my lil jokes..

[pr0digyZA]

Whats great is that the reviewers will most likely not have even scratched the surface of what this game has, because of all the content in it.

[Perjoss]

^ we have a winner ^

[BlmThug]

Yay his prize is a organic fruit dildo AKA a banana

[Graey]

I was waiting for some one to bring this up. I'm curious to know how much he played. I remember an debate a couple months back about some game and how if you didn't play the whole game through then you shouldn't be allowed to review it.

I posed this very question. When dealing with a very big game ala Skyrim when is it okay to review the game.

[vortis]

I completely concur.

You can skim through a game like BF3 or MW3 in a few hours but epic open-world games like Skyrim needs at least a month before legit reviews surface.

I'm sorry but a reviewer is automatically fail if he can review Skyrim in a week. I barely got out of noob gear in a week of playing Morrowind...no way can you experience the full game of Skyrim in a week.

[morganfell]

Actually shooters do qualify to a lesser degree when it comes to time requirement. Particularly when they are multiplayer centric. Without the ability to have experienced decent progression with the standard community the review is hardly complete.

Sandbox or RPG titles require even more time.

The vast majority of reviews are underbaked, overly rushed affairs.

[Graey]

@ Morgan

I respect your opinion. Along with Alpha and a couple of others you guys stand out as rationale minded people.

On that note I don't know if were going to deep into what a review is supposed to be. Should it really be all encompassing or is it just a simple standard to give a generalized view of how the game will feel to most players.

I think on most if not all games there should be a secondary review. Certainly on higher profile games. Sort of a more in depth way of seeing the game. Reading the review and I can tell that Skyrim is for me, but having said that I did not need the review to confirm this. I see reviews as just a gauge on the more minute details. I knew UC3 was going to get stellar reviews and I have yet to purchase it. Lol haven't even beat the first one yet so I'm in no rush to get the third.

How ever Skyrim is another story. I've created a Skyrim dungeon group on facebook with friends so that we might share info and strategies as the game progresses. Sort of a false multiplayer if you will.

[Xenial]

I know i may sound like a noob saying this, but this will be my first time buying/playing a game like Skyrim. I'm really excited about it. From everything i've seen: Gameplay, Screenshots, Details, First 20 minutes, etc.. I can say i'm confident and glad that i pre-ordered this game fully. Can't wait to play on Friday.

[pr0digyZA]

Wow, you are going to have a great time im sure, maybe over whelmed in the beginning but in a good way :P

[damnyouretall]

over whelmed will be the best way to describe it man. i cant wait to just lose myself in it

[Laxman]

You're in for a real treat! In fact, I think a game like this could get someone new to the genre really into it.

[kcuthbertson]

That's what I love about the Elder Scrolls...It is in the RPG genre, but then again...it's so much more than that.

It truly is an "almost" go anywhere do anything type of game that really immerses you in the world.

[Perjoss]

Lengthy open world games are like nothing else really, if you are into the setting (fantasy or sci-fi etc) then its like stepping into another world, they can really pull you in. Best played on your own on a big screen and with the volume turned up with little or no interruptions. Yeah it might sound a little antisocial but there is a time and a place for everything.

[meant2live34]

Oooh I remember my first time playing an Elder Scrolls game :). It was.. Kind of overwhelming just like Pr0digy said, but it was a GREAT kind of overwhelming.

[kcuthbertson]

Oblivion wasn't too bad...it kind of held your hand to get you started...when I first played Morrowind I was like "WTF where do I go...

[M1am1U]

I never played RPGs prior to buying Oblivion. That was one of the best game purchases I've ever made. I discovered what has now become my favorite genre of games...especially when they're done right. Bethesda, BioWare, From...they all know how to make a hell of an RPG. I can't wait!

[knifefight]

Description: "Gaming magazine provides the first exclusive review of Bethesda's highly-anticipated RPG."

What magazine?

[SonyNGP]

It's called Atomic.

[modesign]

it should of been "Gaming magazine no one has ever heard of (atomic) provides the first exclusive review of Bethesda's highly-anticipated RPG."

[knifefight]

Exactly. The name was kept out for more N4G heat, obviously. Can't imagine a lot of people caring if they knew what magazine, XD

[Endless_X]

I'm uploading the scans right now, I'll add the link as alternative source ^^

Edit: done.

[pr0digyZA]

Thanks for that :)

[Orpheus]

Bubbles :-)

[Michael-Jackson]

Good job, great quality too.

I rather give your site hits than gamingeverything.

[knifefight]

Nice. From 2chan?
Edit: I'm seriously asking, not being some kind of tool.

[WetN00dle69]

Thanks indeed!

[Chuk5]

The fact that the reviewer was completely turned off by the last two games really speaks volumes to how good this game is.

[Laxman]

Also peaks my interest to see what reviewers who loved the last two will think of it.

[walken7]

I agree, I think that would make for a better perspective (as in: more similar to how I'll approach the game)

[KonaBro]

that's a double edged sword. The fact that the last two games turned him off yet THIS Elder Scrolls he loved? That can sound distressing to those who loved the features of Morrowind and Oblivion only to have things removed in Skyrim.

[Chuk5]

Point taken.

[meant2live34]

Well let's just hope that it's because the game is too amazing to hate instead of it being because the game is so different :)

[zero_cool]

A great game studios is suppose to keep the core strengths of it's predecessors intact & build off those strengths not remove them from newer installments that's why i have little respect for Bethesda now!

Cheers Gamers & Happy Gaming!

[walken7]

well put.

[XDF]

This is the X360 version that they had reviewed. I thought is was the PC version. All versions should be great so I am taking my one week vacation @home and play all 200 plus hours of it.

[MasterCornholio]

I read in a preview that the PS3 version runs smoothly. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't even bother getting it.

BTW I have a crappy laptop and I only own a PS3 which is why im getting that version.

XperiaRay

[MasterCornholio]

Awww are the haters mad because the PS3 version runs smoothly? Poor babies they wanted the PS3 version to have a shoddy framerate and they didn't get their wish.

Try and stop me I am getting it for Sony's fantastic console whether you like it or not.

Sucks to be you.

XperiaRay

[DeathAvengers]

Way to jump to conclusions :p. Enjoy the game on any console you want. For the most part they'll be the same.

[damnyouretall]

yeah i was hoping the ps3 had a good framerate cause i dont want to ruin another xbox. thnx for the info

[MariaHelFutura]

I love your passion for Skyrim, I do....but there are only 168 hrs in a week. :)

So good luck.

:)

[killingbuzzton]

last page
developer: id software
what ?

[Tr10wn]

yeah i saw the too and i was exactly like you wtf was that? and is a magazine they can't just fix that.

[GoldenGamer]

pretty big mistake on their part

[TVippy]

Can you trust them if they make suck mistakes?

[YodaCracker]

I don't know if I'll like this after id's last title, RAGE.

[Human Analog]

id and Bethesda are two TOTALLY different companies, and experiences. Don't let Rage deter you. Take the fans words for it. It's going to be a great game.

[drosera1]

For goodness sake, do some research. Bethesda Game Studios are the developers, not ID Software. This was a stupid mistake on behalf of the magazine. I can't believe you, and the person who answered you, didn't know that.

[Human Analog]

@drosera1. Did you not read my reply? I SAID they were different. I even wrote the word TOTALLY in all caps. You may need glasses, and a lesson in comprehension.

[aGameDeveloper]

I saw Rage listed on Amazon as a Bethesda game, so perhaps this is just Karma?

[Bigpappy]

They work for the same company (Zenimax). They bought ID about a year ago.

[walken7]

Along with the grammatical errors, this is questionably professional at best. Better reviews will come soon!

[NAGNEWS]

owns both id software and Bethesda software that is why

[FighterJoe]

Really looking forward to release.

The comment in the review about seemly endless undead coming from graves every 5 minutes, I hope this doesn't mean we will have to dead with respawning enemies in the caves all the time?

[boommuffin]

Maybe in some parts they added new gameplay elements like survive for 5 minutes against the undead? that actualy sounds realy cool

[Colonel_Dante]

Day one for sure.

[M1am1U]

...and every day for the next 6 months too, probably.

[wicko]

Waiting for boxing day steam sale. I always splurge on steam games and never wait for boxing day sale, so I figured this time around I'd wait.

[Dugstar]

Someone could give this a 4/10 much like the UC3 debacle .. people who love the series will still buy it regardless.

Regardless of glitches and bugs come release with most of Bethesdas releases its the atmosphere and exploration as well as the game-play that sucks so many people into there games and spending hours upon hours in the game..

If any Developer is worthy of crafting a quality RPG.. Bethesda can do it..

[DeathAvengers]

Agreed, but instead of getting so butthurt over one guys review, just go to metacritic...

[Dugstar]

In fairness Im not actually "butthurt" over one guys review as I tend to make my own mind up when it comes to games....

Most Gamers can make there own assumptions as to whether a game will be decent/Right for them or not based on there tastes and the like.

Although Metacritic comes across as being a little too "elitist" for my liking sometimes but still a "go to" place to get a viable source of scores.

[kramun]

I want this game so badly. Everything I read about it makes the wait even more unbearable.

[Prcko]

no 100%???
preorder cancelled!!!

[diehardgamer1000]

Lol why does the mag say the game was made by id software...they are corridor shooter devs and arent even coming close to the scope of Skyrim with their shitty Rage game.

[jmac53]

Because Atomic magazine are a bunch of bloody amateurs.

[TheWolverine]

Nov 11 is release date, and also birthday. What a great gift for myself. =P

[WetN00dle69]

Well happy almost your birthday good sir!

[pucpop]

Will wait for it to go cheap on Steam. Too busy with Kirbys Return to Dreamland.

[MajorJackHoff]

lol

[FlashBack]

When I get out of the first cave, i'm gonna explore the hell out of skyrim

[damnyouretall]

hell yeah. you have to find locations on foot first before you can fast travel right? if thats true ima fkn love that

[Ninjamonkey82]

Makes you wonder about todays gamers don't it to know in a few days time this game will be overshadowed by MW3. Amazes me that. I know what game id prefer to shell out the cash for.

[DOOMZ]

SKYRIM is MINE!

[typeN8]

Been waiting and waiting
Seems like forever
Ive read and watched everything
Now its time for skyrim
Ive wondered and now i will know
Sorry BF3..off you go to the dust collecting stack
And MW3....ehh...nice try
Im not gonna bite unless im slaying a dragon
5days my friends

By the way
I love the support out here on n4g for this game....its frackin awesome

[MariaHelFutura]

If you dont play Skyrim you should be shot....or atleast struck w/ an enchanted weapon.

:)

I have not been this excited for a game in a long long time.

[WetN00dle69]

Indeed!

Skyrim is almost here and the wait has been killing me for awhile now!!!!!

So far Oblivion has been keeping me busy and so has BF3 BUT as the days get closer they are starting to lose their effect on me. And to make matters worse the Daylight Savings time had to kick in.......

[whiteyjuice]

I have been playing this since November 3, and all I can say after 30 hours and barely scratching the surface is- wow!

[DOOMZ]

I hope is sells well!

[whiteyjuice]

Disagree all you want, but this game is everything Fallout New Vegas should have been. I have spent hundreds of hours roaming the wastelands of Bethesdas other open-world RPGs, and this is by far the most polished of them all. The crafting sysem is deep. The alchemy system is deep. The combat system is fun. Set aside some time, becasue you will be absorbed in this game the same way your character absorbs the souls of the dragons you defeat.

[ARTISAN]

well obsidian made FNV so.........

[zero_cool]

I give the elder scrolls v skyrim a 8.5 out of 10 based on my own observations,gathering of information & knowledge of the previous games in the series.

P.S..Veteran gamers of the series such as myself are entitled to expect more from a $63.59 game(Vermont taxes)that's been in development for quite a long time!

Cheers Gamers & Happy Gaming!

[jmac53]

You do have zero cool. How can you score this game an 8.5 based on observations and the fact that you are a "veteran" of the series without actually having played the game. Mass Effect 3 will get a 9.2 based on the pictures and videos I have seen. Also considering I am a veteran of the series and the first was good and the second was great, 3 will be somewhere in the middle. You are quite the tool.

[Pintheshadows]

I bet you've never even played Arena or Daggerfall.

Your whole comment makes you sound like a complete moron.

[kramun]

All his comments make him sound like a complete moron.

[hano]

Early reviews are bullshit. These guys wouldn't be given the chance to publish the game unless they gave it a 90+ review.

[kcuthbertson]

Ummm...you do realize that most monthly magazines probably have their reviews written or at least are in the process of being written already don't you?

And it is quite possible that the game deserves a 95...

Why wouldn't bethesda have published the game unless this magazine gave it a 90+ review?

[drosera1]

Don't be sucked in by early game review hype. He means that the magazine review wouldn't have been published had it not been a 90+ score. That's how the advertising industry works. People need to judge this game on it's own merits. I'm annoyed that it's only 6gb in size on PC, that's tiny. And no, they have not invented some new compression technique, that is just crap marketing talk they gave the press. I see non-detailed textures galore coming our way.

[DeathAvengers]

Great score, expecting more to come.

[krazykombatant]

ARGGHHHHH.... I'm split here guys either I buy BF3 or Skyrim by the end of this week... Thing is I only money for one, I have xbox live for like 2 more months soo thats alright. I'm kinda leaning to getting this for Christmas, that way the big game breaking bugs are out by then. However, I am still open to being swayed to buying this over BF3.

[typeN8]

Hard choice
I have bf3 and yes its great

But i am really looking forward to skyrim and have a strong feeling bf3 is not going to be played much after thurday night on my console

This game looks so sick
I say if you wanna play with friends get bf3 but if you wanna be cool get skyrim lol jk

Choose wise my friend

[Babaganoush91]

Freaking awesome! can't wait, but one thing they really didn't mention was the game's performance as far as frame-rate drops or anything like that, guess it wasn't really a big deal.

[jrcomptech]

Im definitely not going off this reveiw alone they put "developed by id software" get your facts straight damn!

[SITH]

I don't need a score good or bad to justify this purchase. It is a elder scrolls game and that is enough for me. I am two games deep in playing these games and I can not wait for my third.

[StitchJones]

All I care about is getting to sit down with the game all day Friday and play into the weekend. Every Elder Scrolls game has been a treat to play and I'm expecting mass enjoyment from this one.

[baboom223]

Cant wait! :D Also I heard that Bethesda is adding a really cool bug fixing system for skyrim. anyone hear anything about that?

[SactoGamer]

Broken embargo much?

Per Bethesda about the November 10th, 2011, embargo:

"As a reminder, all coverage, reviews and impressions from this retail review copy of Skyrim will be embargoed until Thursday, November 10th at 8:01 am ET. This is the worldwide embargo timing for Skyrim reviews and no one will be running a review earlier than this time."

[Laxman]

These are just page scans, the actual magazine is not out until after the embargo is lifted.

[Zephol]

nice review!!! cant wait for the IGN,gamespot, gametrailers and gameinformer review

[Rageanitus]

Is this anything like vegas...because quite honestly I played vegas for 2 hours and then got bored.

[baboom223]

Bethesda didn't make New Vegas, so dont worry about that :)

[Bits-N-Kibbles]

maybe when I finish the game in a year(since I can't play video games much anymore) I'll pick this up and be set for 2 more years. F the next gen

[BongSmack]

So glad it's released on a holiday! (Rememberance Day in Canada) Going to be busy with it all weekend. Wish I'd booked Monday off too.

[Kos-Mos]

I'm very surprised they didn't copy From Softwares fantastic online system because I remember Oblovion iv. Everyone loved the first 5-10 hours and suddenly people felt alone...but I'm sure that wont be the case with this game....or?

[purplebogey007]

Please approve this story about a skyrim walkthrough that is unblocked if you are a contributer.

http://n4g.com/news/881923/...