Game: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Reviewed: PlayStation VR
Bethesda has been pumping out new iterations of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for almost a decade and the crazy thing is fans keep eating it up. We have seen the original release, a remastered version for the next generation of consoles, a portable version via the Nintendo Switch, and now finally a VR version of the game.
The game is truly magical giving players tons of quests to complete, a huge open world to explore, and a rich and immersive campaign to keep players going forward. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was truly ahead of its time and even to this day it remains one of the best.
But how does the latest iteration of the game, Skyrim VR, hold up? Let’s find out!
Right off the bat, players will see a significant resolution drop. This is obviously the lowest rendered version of the game and understandably so; we are transported into the world of Tamriel for the first time ever. However, after getting over the obvious graphics drop, players will be truly astonished at the scale of Skyrim VR.
We’ve spent countless hours in the world of Tamriel, we’ve cleared dungeons, finished college in Winterhold, and even talked to a dragon on the top of a mountain. We’ve played the game, we’ve seen some of the big twists before, but we’ve never seen it like this.
Walking through town halls, exploring a market, or even clearing out a dungeon in Skyrim VR has brought a new experience to the game. To put it simply it is nothing like I’ve seen before. The scale of mountains and buildings give you a sense of amazement. The Dragonborn feels small next to a firebreathing dragon, but once you slay it, the experience is like no other.
Bethesda did do a good job a creating a various amount of control options for the player. There are two main controller options – the Dualshock 4 and the PS Move controllers. Both great options, it really just depends on preference, but in my opinion, the PS Move controllers did give the game an extra sense of immersion.
Swing your sword or setting up your bow and arrow with the move controllers felt really cool and really sold me on the whole VR aspect of the game. If you don’t have the move controllers though no worry as the Dualshock 4 is still a very strong way to play the game.
And with both controller choices, Bethesda managed to integrate a ton of options to how the game plays with its convoluted button layout. Once again though, this will come down to preference but it is nice to see the Bethesda did put in extra time refining the button layout for VR.
Bethesda has delivered on creating a game that could potentially stay relevant for a solid 10 years. Not only by creating a strong core game, but by adding new features and additions to each of its releases. Skyrim VR is truly a magiacl experience. It will transport you to another world, a world you are very familiar with, but at the same time have never stepped foot in. Walking the halls of Balgruuf the Greater’s Dragonsreach temple is something like never before. The scale changes and makes you feel like your actually there.
It is nothing like I have seen before and I simply cannot get enough of it. Skyrim is one of my favorite games of all time and to experience in a totally new fashion like thiss is amazing. For those who are prone to motion sickness though, I would sadly tell you to skip this game. Motion sickness is heavy in the game due to all the turning, running, and fighting you will be doing. But besides that, Skyrim VR is definitely worth your attention.
Have you played Skyrim VR yet? Thinking about picking it up? Let us know in the comments below!
