The Elder Scrolls is one of the best regarded world and rpg game series, and people have held entries like Oblivion and Morrowind in high esteem, not to mention Skyrim. However, one thing people do not realize is how significant the second entry, Daggerfall, was.
The first game, Arena, was sadly rather generic and something of a Wizardry clone. It contained many basic fantasy elements that didn’t make it stand out unlike later games that would take these ideas and refine them into greatness. The sequel Daggerfall on the hand, was actually one of the most important games ever made, and a major turning point for the RPG genre and open world games.
Daggerfall unlike Arena, was a true 3D game, and in fact one of the first 3D RPGs to show off the world. The world in Daggerfall, is in fact one of the biggest ever in a video game, albeit with a lot of repeated content. This open world 3D development directly led to more innovation in open world games and at the same time taught developers what the limits should be to keep the game fresh and unique. Thanks to Daggerfall, we have gotten great games including not only Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim, but also the Witcher games and Breath of the Wild.
Daggerfall also truly allowed for immersive roleplaying rather than just getting experience. You would mold your character and develop them by choices. Designing your character was much more elaborate and involved than any other game in the series, and it truly felt like you were creating a new persona and avatar. Choices were also a major part of the game, including the very ending, which had multiple possible outcomes. It stood out above everything else at the time, in part due to the developers not taking many influences from other games and instead beginning their world building for the series in earnest. The result was the true genesis of a unique series
In addition, Daggerfall made very important lore additions to the series, as it was this game that introduced the Daedra. It also started several long running storylines such as the Dwemer, Mannimarco and the matters relating to various elven groups, Redguards and Orcs. More immediately, Daggerfall’s game’s story had a major impact on all the later games, something that is lost on players who came late to the series. This is especially true in Oblivion, with the mages guild quest line following up on plot threads from Daggerfall.
Daggerfall obviously seems dated by today’s standards, but when you realize that this game is the one that laid the foundation for so many greats in the RPG genre, you appreciate it more. Through both storytelling and game design, Daggerfall helped make RPG gaming what it is today, and we all owe a debt to it for that. If you haven’t played the game, you really should. it is a true classic and indeed it is one of the most important games ever made. This is one that should be experienced.