This is possibly my most anticipated game ever, no exaggeration. Has it lived up to the hype? Oh, hell yes.
First, the graphics. Oh, sweet Jesus, the graphics. This is not only the best looking 360 game to be released so far, but it's easily one of the best looking games ever to be released on consoles. Why only a 9, then, you may ask? There are some mild visual glitches, like the time I stood under a bridge during a rainstorm, yet the rain was still coming through. There are also some minor jaggies, which detract from the visuals, as well. Aside from these glitches, the graphics are mind-blowing on many, many levels.
Moving on, let's talk about the sound for a bit. The music score, much like Morrowind, is truly excellent. If you really want your mind to be blown, try walking around and talking to people. Each individual character has their own voice, lines, personallity, etc. Aside from maybe, I dunno, one out of every ten, the acting is truly, truly brilliant, possibly some of the best ever in a game. Everything sounds near perfect, and it never ceases to amaze.
The gameplay. What makes the game. I'm not even going to try and eloborate on the gameplay, because I know that no one will ever read all of it, so I'll just point out a few key things:
- Open-ended gameplay gives near unlimited replay value
- Storyline moves along at an excellent pace through missions
- Speaking of missions, each one is unique, and you're just about guaranteed to enjoy just about near every one
- The combat is much, MUCH improved over Morrowind's. I mean, unlike Morrowind, every slash actually has a chance of hitting your ememy!
- I love the guilds, brotherhood, etc. that you can join. They supply missions, armor, weapons, training, etc, and I love it all.
- The A.I. is brilliant; every character his his/her own lines of dialogue, their own schedule, personality, etc. They react to changes in the world around them, quests you've completed, as well as much, much more.
- The new skills/leveling up system kicks the one from Morrowind's ass all over the floor
- The character customazation also does just that (kick the one from Morrowind's ass)
This game never gets old. In less than a week, I've played the game for nearly 20 hours, and I've yet to get bored at all. If you own an Xbox 360, what the hell are you waiting for!? Go out and by it! This is not only the best 360 to be released so far, but it's easily got a got chance of being the best game of the year. If you'll excuse me, I need to go play some more.