Skyrim– Why it Has Been a Phenomenon

Launched in November 2011, the fifth sequel to The Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim has been tremendously successful for Bethesda Softworks. After almost a year, hard core gamers are already aware of almost everything that’s there to be known about Skyrim. The current interest is obviously on the Dawnguard update of the game. But for those, who haven’t played it, or wonder what has made a single-player RPG so popular, there are ample reasons to cite.

Unlike most role-playing games, Skyrim hits a balance between the importance of the game’s character in the Skyrim universe, and the capabilities that the game renders. The character doesn’t feel insignificant in the bigger picture, and at the same time isn’t a God of the game. Many RPGs, especially fantasy based ones, have silly ways of killing you. But in this game the danger from an enemy is linearly proportional to its size and scariness. It tinges the game with believability and intuitive play.

The Skyrim’s landscape is expansive and scenically beautiful. One can explore almost every part of it, without feeling being put into a box. Interestingly, the enemies which a player faces, doesn’t depend on the skill set he has. That always keeps you on toes, and makes you think every time before you engage an enemy. This keeps the usual grinding out of the game. You are almost never forced to kill an enemy to enhance your experience or skill.

Unavailability of multiplayer mode in the game might be a bit uncomfortable when one realizes that none of the characters with whom you are interacting is human. However, Skyrim manages to give enough depth to NPCs, so that they aren’t overtly AI.

All in all, Skyrim gives you a refreshing experience with RPG adventure gaming. The fact that there hasn’t been any dip in its price since the day of its launch is a testament to the popularity and how good Skyrim is.