# Would I like Skyrim? (PC gaming) **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [November 19, 2012, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467 "2012-11-19T03:08:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2012, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/21 "2012-11-19T22:19:49Z")
> [@Mann\_Slaughter](#): > > I played through Skyrim first as a melee-fighting bruiser, good guy, but then replayed it as a good “Sneaky Archer”. I finally decide to play it again as an evil Necromancer, but lost interest about half-way through. > > Skyrim is fantastic in its weapons/magic/customization options; exploration; combat and more!. > You may want to give it a try. That’s half the fun of Skyrim! Replaying through as a different race/class and like going between good and bad. I’ve found, as really should be expected, it’s much harder to be the good guy in Skyrim than the bad guy. I mean, my options are to help you potentially slaughter dozens of innocents during your escape or kill you myself even though you’ve been kinda been given a bum deal? Not the easiest choice to make if you’re choosing the side of good. Heck, you even have to choose sides in one of the main story quests AND the main DLC story quest. So you can go through the game an entirely different way just choosing a different side. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2012, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/22 "2012-11-19T23:52:33Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > I think it’s the engine that gives one that feeling, or specifically, it’s the limitations it imposes on the art style that sets a similar overall tone. The engine Oblivion used is the core one used for Fallout3 and later Skyrim, and playing though them you definitely get the same “vibe” in terms of how the world and the NPC’s look/move/act, etc. > > Also the old Fallouts were not 2.5D - although that term has been used to describe many things, so maybe we’re using different definitions. > > I’m almost certain that the first Fallout games used 2D sprite based engines. > > 2.5D is usually used to describe a fully 3D game engine who’s camera is fixed/gameplay happens in a single 2D space (think something like Sine Mora) and/or features a combination fo 3D elements and 2D sprites. My point was: TES can’t rip off Fallout, unless the latter invents a uranium-powered retro time machine. Fallout 3’s interface was probably inspired by many sources, and one of these was likely TES. Change it to isometric, then, or 3/4 view. The latter was my first thought, but I checked Wikipedia and chose 2.5, but they are confusing in this regard and their definitions. The type of view that is above the characters and at an angle. Fallout was almost certain sprites. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2012, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/23 "2012-11-20T04:49:36Z")
Well, I’m sold. If we get a good Steam deal this Christmas, I’ll pick it up. Thanks for your thoughts. I look forward to losing a few hundred hours in yet another game! ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2012, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/24 "2012-11-20T19:06:40Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > My point was: TES can’t rip off Fallout, unless the latter invents a uranium-powered retro time machine. Fallout 3’s interface was probably inspired by many sources, and one of these was likely TES. > > Change it to isometric, then, or 3/4 view. The latter was my first thought, but I checked Wikipedia and chose 2.5, but they are confusing in this regard and their definitions. The type of view that is above the characters and at an angle. Fallout was almost certain sprites. Both of those are 2.5 D. It’s just that a different .5 is missing. In one, the gameplay is 2D but the rendering is 3D. In the other, the gameplay is 3D but the actual rendering is 2D. ---
**Author:** ![Quimby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/22d042/32.png) [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2012, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/25 "2012-11-20T19:38:34Z")
Beyond the game, Skyrim is just an all around fun world to experience. I remember once just sitting back and watching a Dragon and a Giant duke it out on hill in front of me. Just watching it play out was as much fun as fighting either myself. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2012, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/26 "2012-11-20T20:35:53Z")
Ha! I remember watching a dragon swoop down from a cloudy sky to attack a giant, then a group of black-robed clad magic-users joined in, the battle then moved to a swampy area to include several giant crabs, a bear, and a traveling caravan of Kajiit. Good times. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2012, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/27 "2012-11-20T21:01:02Z")
Not as annoying, however, as a dragon trying desperately to pound the snot out of some slaughterfish, and failing. That’s just sad. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2012, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/28 "2012-11-21T09:34:16Z")
There’s a good mod to make dragons much tougher. I think it’s called Dangerous Dragons, but you can easily find it at Skyrim Nexus, it really made the game more enjoyable for me. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2012, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/29 "2012-11-21T10:58:23Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > There’s a good mod to make dragons much tougher. I think it’s called Dangerous Dragons, but you can easily find it at Skyrim Nexus, it really made the game more enjoyable for me. It’s called [Deadly Dragons](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3829); I use it. It makes them more powerful and adds new varieties with new attacks and powers; Forest Dragons, Shock Dragons, Nether Dragons, etc. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2012, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/30 "2012-11-21T18:47:36Z")
That’s the mod, and you can choose a difficulty level for the dragons, it makes the fights with them more epic. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2012, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/31 "2012-11-22T01:50:41Z")
> [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](#): > > I didn’t really get the combat down very well either, and IIRC, bows & arrows kind of sucked. FYI - I hate the combat _except_ for the bows & arrows part. I play a sniper/stealth/ranger class in all the TES games and never have any trouble with it. Try focusing your perks on these skills: Archery, Stealth, Light Armor. You might also want to look into Smithing & Enchanting so that you can make the best bows and armor. You said you didn’t like Alchemy in the previous game. It’s not necessary, but if you give it a try, you might like it better here, and it has good poison and skill boosting potions that can be helpful. You’ll find plenty of heal pots around though, so don’t worry if you want to skip it. You’ll be fine without it. The Conjuration spells can provide some awesome meatshields, if you want to go that route. The Bound Weapons in the Conjuration tree are very powerful, also, if you’d rather not fuss with bows and arrows. Also, you might consider buying the Dawnguard expansion, which adds arrow crafting, or download a craftable arrows mod (I use [this one](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/1010)). That way you smith your own arrows instead of relying on what you find. Don’t worry though - like alchemy, it’s not something you need to do if you don’t have fun at it. The sniper build is a lot of fun and with practice, and the right gear, you can take down anything in the game. Give it a whirl and see what you think. Forgot to say - Skyrim is on sale right now for $40, and $14 for Dawnguard and $3.50 for Hearfire, at Steam. I doubt it will be any cheaper next month. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2012, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/32 "2012-11-22T02:03:34Z")
I’ve seen Skyrim at 50% off before. I wouldn’t buy it at $40. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2012, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/33 "2012-11-22T08:40:42Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > The sniper build is a lot of fun and with practice, and the right gear, you can take down anything in the game. Give it a whirl and see what you think. > > Forgot to say - Skyrim is on sale right now for $40, and $14 for Dawnguard and $3.50 for Hearfire, at Steam. I doubt it will be any cheaper next month. > [@Jophiel](#): > > I’ve seen Skyrim at 50% off before. I wouldn’t buy it at $40. I’ll keep the sniper build in mind. I favor that and spellcasting anyway in single-player games. I’ll wait on Skyrim, as I have a suspicion that it’ll be sub-$30 during the Steam holiday sale near Christmas. ---
**Author:** ![Arrogance\_Ex\_Machina](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/arrogance_ex_machina/32/192_2.png) [@Arrogance\_Ex\_Machina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrogance_Ex_Machina)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2012, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/34 "2012-11-22T10:36:43Z")
> [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](#): > > I’ll wait on Skyrim, as I have a suspicion that it’ll be sub-$30 during the Steam holiday sale near Christmas. It might go below 30 USD during this sale if it ends up as a daily or a flash sale, too. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2012, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/35 "2012-11-23T03:18:53Z")
Skyrim is currently $22.50 at [GreenmanGaming](http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/rpgs/elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/) with voucher code **GMG25-G4VDR-0ZL4Q** Steam activated. You’re really just buying the key to activate the game via Steam. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2012, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/36 "2012-11-23T06:21:56Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > Skyrim is currently $22.50 at [GreenmanGaming](http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/rpgs/elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/) with voucher code **GMG25-G4VDR-0ZL4Q** > > Steam activated. You’re really just buying the key to activate the game via Steam. I just came back to this thread to tell everyone I just got Skyrim for $22.50 at Greenmangaming, with the voucher code **GMG25-G4VDR-0ZL4Q**. It’s. . .like we’ve got a psychic bond, or hang out at the same hot deals forums or something 😃 Thanks, though, and here’s a bump for the rest of the board to consider this deal. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2012, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/37 "2012-11-23T18:09:47Z")
Sweet. Hope you like it! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/38 "2012-11-24T05:41:38Z")
> [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](#): > > On the one hand, I loved Fallout 3 and New Vegas. I loved exploring everything, finding new locations, new side-quests, new gear & weapons, etc. I liked the leveling, the perks, and adding points to skills as I wanted to. Along the way, you could build some things like bottlecap mines, and you could learn to make some meds and such. > > On the other hand, I did not like Oblivion. I could wander seemingly endlessly and not find anything but random creatures that killed me. I never figured out the magic potions, or whatever I was supposed to be crafting. I didn’t really get the combat down very well either, and IIRC, bows & arrows kind of sucked. I generally got killed a lot. It just seemed like Oblivion didn’t direct me enough, didn’t teach me enough, and it was essentially a great deal of tedium & confusion followed by moments of aggravation and death. I somehow found my way to a small fort or keep, killed everyone and made it my own, then lost interest. > > I was hoping someone familiar with these games might give their opinion on Skyrim, particularly how it compares to Oblivion & the more recent Fallout games. Then, I assume you won’t like Skyrim, either. Even though IMO Skyrim is significantly superior to Oblivion (Dungeons and encounters are somewhat less leveled, making them less deadly, and more importantly, I disliked all these roamings in Oblivion that I found incredibly tedious), they’re still very similar. Regarding the leveling system, it’s more straightfordward in Skyrim than in Oblivion, and it’s genrally considred a good thing, but you won’t find the elements you liked in Fallout 3 (Perks) so again I assume you won’t find it as pleasant. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2012, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/39 "2012-11-24T07:14:51Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > Regarding the leveling system, it’s more straightfordward in Skyrim than in Oblivion, and it’s genrally considred a good thing, but you won’t find the elements you liked in Fallout 3 (Perks) so again I assume you won’t find it as pleasant. What? Skyrim has perks. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2012, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467/40 "2012-11-25T08:51:14Z")
My major criticism with Skyrim was that the world just didn’t engage me. It felt empty, cold and desolate\*, and I didn’t give a shit about the civil war that was allegedly raging (I never saw _any_ of it on my first playthrough, which made one sequence later in the game jarring because I had no frame of reference to work with) - I wanted _both_ sides to lose because I didn’t care for either of them. In the Fallout games, I ended up feeling like God Emperor Of The Wasteland. I never got that feeling in Skyrim, despite all the Dragon Shout powers and what have you. \*_I know it was supposed to be like that_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-like-skyrim-pc-gaming/641467.md?page=3)