As one of my most anticipated games for PAX Prime, The Elder Scrolls Online did not disappoint. ESO, as it is known, takes place in Tamriel 1,000 years before Skyrim.
Although they claim it’s a little deeper (I’ll let you know after I play the full game), the hour I spent with ESO felt like Skyrim
There are some differences, including combat, which felt slightly different, and the weapon and armor equipping, which no longer seems class-constrained.
The controls are something I can’t speak on much, as I played Skyrim on PS3, but it seemed smooth and the hotkeys made sense. I had no trouble hopping right into the game.
Plot
You play an adventurer whose soul was stolen by Molag Bal. Fight to get your soul back and bring order back to Tamriel.
There are three factions in ESO:
- Ebonheart Pact (Northern and Eastern Regions) – Argonian, Dunmar and Nord
- Aldmeri Dominion (South and Southwest Regions) – Altmer, Bosmer and Khajiit
- Daggerfall Covenant (Northwest Regions) – Breton, Orc and Redguard
These three alliances are fighting for control of the Imperial City, which is currently without a ruler.
Gameplay
I began my playthrough as if it was just Skyrim, finding NPCs to talk to and completing quests. This was all well and good until I ran into the first quest that gave me a bit of trouble. I tried two or three times to get through the quest. Then, on what would have been my fourth death, someone stepped into the fight and started helping me.
And that’s when I realized I was playing the game all wrong. I joined up with a team, and we set off on the silent adventure of three grim strangers, united in a single task. Guarding each others’ backs, looking to the boldest among us to be the leader (it just seemed right), and looting responsibly.
It was so much fun, and I cannot wait to play the full game!
The Elder Scrolls Online is set for a 2013 release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac.
Nice, I too thought it was very much like Skyrim. I can’t wait until it goes live and I can play with friends 🙂