First Look: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Dragonborn DLC
The Dragonborn makes his return, but it’ not quite how it sounds. Bethesda’s second full expansion to their superlative defying RPG has arrived. Prepare to explore a new region, craft new weapons and armour and tame dragons. Here’s our first look at the ash covered island of Solstheim. Take in the view, you’ll be spending a lot of time here.
Elder Scrolls games are one of those rare games where players can spend an equal amount of time playing and regaling their friends with stories of their heroism in the face of Daedra, trolls, dragons and the obligatory bandit gang. As excellent as slaying the aforementioned are in Skyrim or Oblivion many fans of the series agree that it’s their adventures in Morrowind that live fondest in the memory. I won’t lie, I never got the chance to experience the Dunmer homeland, the suitably outlandish Shivering Isles expansion to Oblivion being the closest I’ve ever got to the exotic flaura and fauna of Morrowind. Not to worry though, Bethesda have given players to the chance to experience a piece of Morrowind and there’s a whole lot on offer!
First things first, it’s worth mentioning that Dragonborn takes place on the island of Solstheim a volcanic island located between Skyrim and Morrowind so anyone expecting the chance to return to Morrowind proper will be disappointed. But fear not, there is more than enough to do and see on Solstheim to make you forget all about Morrowind. There are lots of new quests to complete, new ruins to loot, new armour to craft and new weapons to destroy new enemies with. Solstheim also has its own character. It feels distinct from Skyrim with organic and unique architecture that players will appreciate after the hundreds of hours spent staring at the stone and wood of Skyrim. This distinct feel has an unexpected result, it rekindles that feeling of wonder and joy at exploration that has long since disappeared in Skyrim. It’s a real achievement that will have long time Skyrim players remembering why they fell in love with Bethesda’s mammoth RPG. This is extended to many other areas too. Smithing gains a new lease of life with new armour and weapons waiting to be added to your armoury, there’s even a little something that makes remaining a werewolf worth your while. But I don’t want to spoil that for you now do I…
First impressions of Dragonborn are very promising. There’s far too much on offer for a simple first look to do justice to. But if our limited time with Dragonborn is anything to go by, Dragonborn is well worth your time and money. The chance to explore a new region complete with new enemies, new weapons and armour and new shouts demands your attention. Afterall, it’s more Skyrim and who doesn’t want that?
Stay tuned to Total Revue for our full review of Dragonborn in the near future.
