Create and manage an Airborne Kingdom while flying through desert skies in search of resources, migrants, and new technologies

An action-adventure platforming metroidvania from Chaosmonger Studio.

The series' fifth entry brings players to the streets and wilderness of Mexico.

<h2>System Requirements</h2><p> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Minimum</th><th scope="col">Recommended</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>OS:</strong> Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher</td><td><strong>OS:</strong> Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Architecture:</strong> x64</td><td><strong>Architecture:</strong> x64</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Memory:</strong> 8 GB</td><td><strong>Memory:</strong> Not Specified</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Video Memory:</strong> 2 GB</td><td><strong>Video Memory:</strong> Not Specified</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Processor:</strong> i3-4170 @ 3.7Ghz or i5-750 @ 2.67Ghz or AMD FX-6300</td><td><strong>Processor:</strong> Not Specified</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Graphics:</strong> NVidia GTX 760 or AMD RX 460</td><td><strong>Graphics:</strong> Not Specified</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Free disk size:</strong> Approximate 80 GB</td><td><strong>Free disk size:</strong> Not Specified</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p>

E3 2021: Head to Mexico for a Look at Forza Horizon 5's New Features

E3 2021: Yet Another Jeff Introduces Us to Jurassic World Evolution 2

Among Trees is survival sandbox game developed by FJRD Interactive.

<p>This is a 8 player, first person, social deduction game where players are struggling over control of a ship in harsh arctic conditions.</p><p>The aim of the crew is to successfully captain your ship through an arctic passage and beyond a glacier without succumbing to the harsh weather, wildlife or the saboteurs.  To do this most players must leave the ship and explore the arctic in order to gather wood to repair leaks in the ship, food to prevent starvation and coal to keep the ship moving towards their goal beyond the end of the passage. The end of which is blocked by a large glacier which these players must blow up with a heavy crate of dynamite. </p><p>As the disguised saboteurs, you are attempting to prevent the crew from doing this by either sinking the ship, or by killing all the other players. In addition to deception and conventional attacks, the saboteurs can craft barrels of gunpowder to damage the ship, feed the crew tainted food to make them sick, lure animals to hurt them or use blood magic to summon attackers.</p>

A previously canceled FMV game for the Atari Jaguar CD makes it's return, now remastered and released on modern systems.

An underwater adventure/exploration game inspired by the BBC Documentary Blue Planet II.

A story driven adventure game where you can farm, grow and cook meals on your way to become the greatest Chef in all of Ambrosia.

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition-2021-11-11

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Grand Theft Auto III, The Definitive Edition is a compliation that features remastered versions of Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>The Definitive Edition is a compilation of the <a href="/playstation-2/3045-19/" data-ref-id="3045-19">PlayStation 2</a>-era trilogy of <a href="/grand-theft-auto/3025-6/" data-ref-id="3025-6">Grand Theft Auto</a> games, which includes:</p><ul><li><a href="/grand-theft-auto-iii/3030-3724/" data-ref-id="3030-3724">Grand Theft Auto III</a> (2001)</li><li><a href="/grand-theft-auto-vice-city/3030-17036/" data-ref-id="3030-17036">Grand Theft Auto: Vice City</a> (2002)</li><li><a href="/grand-theft-auto-san-andreas/3030-7120/" data-ref-id="3030-7120">Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas</a> (2004)</li></ul>

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition (physical)

A social deduction game where 8 players must survive in the Norwegian mountains until rescue arrives, but one of them is secretly a killer.

An early Arcade game of Namco's that was originally released in 1983. The two woodsmen Libble and Rabble set out to capture delicious Mushlins, but must contend with the Hoodlins and other creatures in the forest.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Libble Rabble is a 1983 Namco Arcade game, created by the same Namco developer (<a href="/toru-iwatani/3040-93065/" data-ref-id="3040-93065">Tohru Iwatani</a>) that created <a href="/pac-man/3025-463/" data-ref-id="3025-463">Pac-Man</a> and <a href="/pole-position/3030-10087/" data-ref-id="3030-10087">Pole Position</a>. It features the characters of Libble and Rabble as they attempt to harvest Mushlins for dinner.</p><p>The gameplay resembles the once-popular board game where players wrap rubber bands around pegs lined up on a board. The player, as the red (Libble) and blue (Rabble) arrows, must maneuver their attaching string around the pegs on the board and touch in order to create a closed loop. Anything within the loop is either collected (Mushlins, and other bonuses) or temporarily thwarted (Hoodlins, other enemies). Once all the Mushlins on the board are collected, the player moves onto the next stage. If nothing is collected inside a loop, it may spawn an additional enemy on the board.</p><p>Libble Rabble ran on the Namco Libble Rabble arcade board, which was the company's first to use a Motorola 68000 processor to handle instructions.</p><h2>Release History</h2><p>The game was eventually converted to the Sharp X68000, FM Towns and Super Famicom in 1993/94. While keeping most of the basic in-game art of the original Arcade game, it also featured 16-bit cutscenes that described the story.</p>

Taking place in the Old Republic era of Star Wars, around 4000 years before the events of the films, Knights of the Old Republic is a third-person turn-based RPG where players travel the galaxy as a mysterious Republic soldier, racing against time to thwart a massive Sith fleet.

<h2>Overview</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3318/340525-screenshot1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-340525" data-ratio="0.559375" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:55.9%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3318/340525-screenshot1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-340525"><img alt="Darth Malak, the game's main antagonist." src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3318/340525-screenshot1.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3318/340525-screenshot1.jpg 640w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3318/340525-screenshot1.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3318/340525-screenshot1.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></a><figcaption>Darth Malak, the game's main antagonist.</figcaption></figure><p><em>Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic</em> is a third-person science-fiction role-playing game developed by <a href="/bioware/3010-98/" data-ref-id="3010-98">BioWare</a> and published by <a href="/lucasarts-entertainment-company-llc/3010-644/" data-ref-id="3010-644">LucasArts</a> for the <a href="/xbox/3045-32/" data-ref-id="3045-32">Xbox</a> on July 15, 2003 and the <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a> on November 19, 2003.</p><p>Set four millennia before the events of the <a href="/star-wars/3025-551/" data-ref-id="3025-551">Star Wars</a> films, <em>Knights of the Old Republic</em> has players take on the role of a <a href="/customizable-characters/3015-155/" data-ref-id="3015-155">customizable soldier</a> of the <a href="/galactic-republic/3015-1230/" data-ref-id="3015-1230">Galactic Republic</a>, who must find a way to stop a powerful armada of the <a href="/sith-empire/3015-7892/" data-ref-id="3015-7892">Sith Empire</a> (led by <a href="/darth-malak/3005-1048/" data-ref-id="3005-1048">Darth Malak</a>) while uncovering the soldier's mysterious <a href="/the-jedi/3015-655/" data-ref-id="3015-655">Jedi</a> heritage.</p><p>It is the first third-person RPG developed by <a href="/bioware/3010-98/" data-ref-id="3010-98">BioWare</a> (who later created <em><a href="/jade-empire/3030-8580/" data-ref-id="3030-8580">Jade Empire</a></em> and both the <a href="/mass-effect/3025-560/" data-ref-id="3025-560">Mass Effect</a> and <a href="/dragon-age/3025-1609/" data-ref-id="3025-1609">Dragon Age</a> series), with a combat system that mixes real-time movement (similar to <a href="/action-rpg/3015-8592/" data-ref-id="3015-8592">action RPGs</a>) with <a href="/turn-based/3015-192/" data-ref-id="3015-192">turn-based</a> mechanics (based on the <a href="/d20/3015-1893/" data-ref-id="3015-1893">d20 system</a>, likely inspired by the <em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Roleplaying_Game_(Wizards_of_the_Coast)" rel="nofollow ">Star Wars Roleplaying Game</a></em>). Along with extensive character building and numerous <a href="/dialogue-trees/3015-77/" data-ref-id="3015-77">dialogue trees</a>, the game features a dedicated <a href="/moral-decisions/3015-93/" data-ref-id="3015-93">morality</a> system similar to <em><a href="/star-wars-jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii/3030-7418/" data-ref-id="3030-7418">Star Wars: Jedi Knight – Dark Forces II</a></em> (where specific actions push the player's character towards either the "light" or "dark" side, unlocking extra narratives and easier access to specific <a href="/the-force/3015-172/" data-ref-id="3015-172">Force Powers</a>) and bonus <a href="/minigames/3015-116/" data-ref-id="3015-116">mini-games</a> (including swoop bike racing and an original <a href="/card-collection/3015-1138/" data-ref-id="3015-1138">collectible card game</a> called "Pazaak").</p><p><em>Knights of the Old Republic</em> later received a <a href="/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-ii-the-sith-/3030-8852/" data-ref-id="3030-8852">sequel</a> in late 2004/early 2005, developed by <a href="/obsidian-entertainment/3010-1520/" data-ref-id="3010-1520">Obsidian</a>. <a href="/bioware/3010-98/" data-ref-id="3010-98">BioWare</a> later developed a <a href="/online/3015-559/" data-ref-id="3015-559">MMORPG</a> <a href="/spin-off/3015-1100/" data-ref-id="3015-1100">spin-off</a> on December 2011 titled <em><a href="/star-wars-the-old-republic/3030-24205/" data-ref-id="3030-24205">Star Wars: The Old Republic</a></em>. The series also received numerous spin-off <a href="/games-on-which-comic-books-are-based/3015-7206/" data-ref-id="3015-7206">comic books</a> and novels in the same timeline. The game's setting has origins in the 90's <em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_of_the_Jedi" rel="nofollow ">Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi</a></em> comic book series and is considered part of the Star Wars <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_expanded_universe" rel="nofollow ">expanded universe</a>. Because of this, the game's story and added setting are officially non-canon.</p><p>The game was later ported by <a href="/aspyr-media-inc/3010-388/" data-ref-id="3010-388">Aspyr</a> to the <a href="/mac/3045-17/" data-ref-id="3045-17">Mac</a> on September 7, 2004, <a href="/iphone/3045-96/" data-ref-id="3045-96">iOS</a> devices on May 20, 2013, and <a href="/android/3045-123/" data-ref-id="3045-123">Android</a> devices on December 23, 2014. Both the PC and Mac versions were bundled in a digital <a href="/steam/3015-718/" data-ref-id="3015-718">Steam</a> release on September 5, 2009. The Xbox version is <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/xbox-360-backwards-compatibility/3015-2132/" data-ref-id="3015-2132">backwards compatible</a> with the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/xbox-360/3045-20/" data-ref-id="3045-20">Xbox 360</a> and was released on the system's online storefront on October 23, 2017. On October 24, 2017, it was made <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/xbox-one-backwards-compatibility/3015-8635/" data-ref-id="3015-8635">backwards compatible</a> with the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/xbox-one/3045-145/" data-ref-id="3045-145">Xbox One</a>.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p>KOTOR's gameplay consists of two parts, combat and dialog. The combat is <a href="/turn-based/3015-192/" data-ref-id="3015-192">turn based</a>, although the animations give the illusion of <a href="/real-time-combat/3015-2332/" data-ref-id="3015-2332">real-time combat</a>. The player may pause the game at any point during combat to get their bearings and rethink their strategy. The combat is based on Wizard of the Coast's d20 system. Your character may be equipped with a long-range weapon such as a <a href="/blaster/3055-478/" data-ref-id="3055-478">blaster</a>, or a short-range weapon such as a <a href="/sword/3055-1/" data-ref-id="3055-1">sword</a> or a <a href="/lightsaber/3055-70/" data-ref-id="3055-70">lightsaber</a>. In addition to your weapons, you can use force powers that your character has learned throughout the course of the game, as well as those of your companions. Special combat moves such as "Flurry" may be activated at any time during combat, which will increase your attack speed, your damage, or your chance of dealing a critical hit. To unlock abilities such as these, one must earn them through points gained by leveling up. There is a good variety of abilities and there are many options for customizing a character to fit the desires of the player.</p><p>The other half of gameplay is the dialog where you interact with the NPCs through complex <a href="/dialogue-trees/3015-77/" data-ref-id="3015-77">dialog trees</a>. The game allows for a wide range of <a href="/moral-decisions/3015-93/" data-ref-id="3015-93">moral choices</a> and options so that even after multiple playthroughs new content may still be discovered. The player is encouraged to build an emotional connection with their companions by learning their back-stories and potentially even fall in love with them. The game tracks the player's choices throughout the game to determine their alignment to either the dark or light side. The player's alignment can alter the appearance of their character, and affects how companions react to you. All characters in KOTOR are voiced with exception of the main character, who remains unheard during dialogue sequences, though the player may hear numerous grunts and battles cries during combat.</p><h3>Character Creation</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/118/596651-facesoffemrevans.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-596651" data-size="medium" data-ratio="1.6789473684211" data-width="190" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 190px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:167.9%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/118/596651-facesoffemrevans.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-596651"><img alt="Female character faces" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/118/596651-facesoffemrevans.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/118/596651-facesoffemrevans.jpg 190w" sizes="(max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px" data-width="190"></a><figcaption>Female character faces</figcaption></figure><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/118/596652-facesofrevan.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-596652" data-size="medium" data-ratio="1.6789473684211" data-width="190" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 190px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:167.9%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/118/596652-facesofrevan.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-596652"><img alt="Male character faces" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px" data-width="190" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/118/596652-facesofrevan.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/118/596652-facesofrevan.jpg 190w"><noscript><img alt="Male character faces" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/118/596652-facesofrevan.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/118/596652-facesofrevan.jpg 190w" sizes="(max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px" data-width="190"></noscript></a><figcaption>Male character faces</figcaption></figure><p>The main character in KOTOR has a <a href="/customizable-characters/3015-155/" data-ref-id="3015-155">customizable appearance</a> and skillset, with the ability to be either male or female at the outset, as well as the choice of three player classes. Players were also asked to assign attributes to the character such as their Strength, Willpower and Intelligence.</p><p>The character creation system in KOTOR is drawn primarily from <a href="/wizards-of-the-coast-inc/3010-595/" data-ref-id="3010-595">Wizards of the Coast's</a> paper and pencil d20 Star Wars RPG rules. Character classes, defense, hit points, feats, ability scores, experience points and even the level cap are all largely identical to the tabletop game.</p><p>Since the d20 system was used for third edition of <a href="/dungeons-dragons/3025-167/" data-ref-id="3025-167">Dungeons and Dragons</a>, that means KOTOR is indirectly descended from <a href="/dungeons-dragons/3025-167/" data-ref-id="3025-167">D&amp;D</a>, whose first edition tabletop rules formed the backbone of Bioware's <a href="/baldurs-gate/3025-44/" data-ref-id="3025-44">Baldur's Gate series</a>.</p><h2>Classes</h2><p>Each playable character in the game is designated into one or more <a href="/classes/3015-405/" data-ref-id="3015-405">"classes"</a>, which affect their stats and special abilities. When characters <a href="/leveling-up/3015-475/" data-ref-id="3015-475">level up</a> (up to a maximum of 20), they improve their character based on their designated class.</p><p>The player character is unique as players start the game by choosing one of the three basic classes (Soldiers, Scouts, and Scoundrels) and later (between level 2-8 of their basic class) gain <a href="/the-jedi/3015-655/" data-ref-id="3015-655">Jedi</a> training, forcing them to <a href="/multiclass/3015-2645/" data-ref-id="3015-2645">multiclass</a> to one of the three Jedi classes for the remainder of the 20 levels (with no further progression towards the basic class).</p><p>The two droid companions are given their own unique classes with less Feat options and two unique Feats: Logic Upgrade and Droid Upgrade. They also cannot be healed by medicine or the Force, requiring use of special Repair Kits.</p><h4>Basic</h4><p>Gaining a level in either Basic class automatically allows the character to equip light armor and Blaster Rifles.</p><ul><li><strong>Soldiers</strong> rely on their brute strength and excellent combat training to survive encounters. They can wear any armor in the game from the start, have the strongest vitality, and are proficient in every weapon (with the exception of lightsabers). While they have the weakest technical Skill progression (usually reserved for improving their use of healing items), they have the strongest Feat progression (allowing them to specialize in a variety of abilities). They gain the Power Attack and Power Blast actions for free.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Scoundrels</strong> are <a href="/rogues/3015-1460/" data-ref-id="3015-1460">rogues</a> who sacrifice strength and combat experience for wit and guile. Out of the three basic classes, they have the weakest vitality and the weakest Feat progression. However, they have exclusive free access to the Scoundrel's Luck and Sneak Attack feats (improving their basic defense and improving attacks that cannot be defended). They also have the strongest Skill progression out of the three, with easier improvements for stealth, persuasion, and lockpicking. They gain the Critical Strike and Sniper Shot actions for free.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Scouts</strong> are technical survivors and jack-of-all-trades, considered the middle ground between the two other classes. Along with having the best defensive saves, they have exclusive access to the Uncanny Dodge feat (allowing them to better dodge cloaked opponents and grenades) and gain the Implant feats for free (allowing them to equip special Implants). They have easier Skill improvements for hacking computers and repairing broken droids. They gain the Flurry and Rapid Shot actions for free.</li></ul><h4>Jedi</h4><p>Gaining a level in either Jedi class allows the character to use <a href="/the-force/3015-172/" data-ref-id="3015-172">Force</a> powers (gaining new powers and power improvements every level), equip <a href="/lightsaber/3055-70/" data-ref-id="3055-70">lightsabers</a> and special <a href="/robe/3055-1769/" data-ref-id="3055-1769">Robes</a>, and gain new Feat options (increasing the efficiency of lightsaber bolt deflection, base defense bonus). However, both their Skill and Feat progression are slower than most of the basic classes.</p><p>In addition, the player character gains additional Force stamina (thanks to the free exclusive Force Sensitive feat) and can gain two levels of Force Persuasion as Force powers, gaining new options in some <a href="/dialogue-trees/3015-77/" data-ref-id="3015-77">dialogue trees</a>.</p><ul><li><strong>Jedi Guardians</strong>, usually designated by their blue lightsaber crystals, spend less effort honing their Force powers and more time improving their front-line lightsaber combat. They have more vitality and gain more Feats than the other two Jedi classes, and have a unique ability: Force Jump (which allows them to close the distance quickly, with later levels dealing more effective attacks). However, they have the weakest Force stamina.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Jedi Consulars</strong>, usually designated by their green lightsaber crystals, prefer use of a diverse selection of Force powers to support their teammates rather than direct close-ranged combat. Despite having the lowest vitality, they have the strongest Force stamina and can sometimes pick two Force powers/improvements per level instead of one. Their offensive Force powers are also more effective than other Jedi classes (thanks to the free exclusive Force Focus feat).</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Jedi Sentinels</strong>, usually designated by their yellow lightsaber crystals, are more balanced between Force powers and direct combat. They also have the strongest Skill progression out of the three Jedi classes (usually for awareness and persuasion), and are immune to a variety of paralyzing effects (thanks to the free exclusive Force Immunity feat).</li></ul><h2>Squad Roster</h2><p>The game includes nine companions that can join the player character in their missions. Players can choose up to two squadmates at a time (but will sometimes need to complete parts of the game with just the player character). The fates of certain characters can change over the course of the story.</p><p>During the prologue mission, generic Republic soldier <a href="/trask-ulgo/3005-34944/" data-ref-id="3005-34944">Trask Ulgo</a> is the player character's sole squad member as a tutorial sequence.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><h3>Carth</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935772-carth.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935772" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935772-carth.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935772"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935772-carth.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935772-carth.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935772-carth.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935772-carth.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>A Republic war hero, expert pilot, and former Commander of the Endar Spire, <a href="/carth-onasi/3005-1790/" data-ref-id="3005-1790">Carth Onasi</a> escapes the ship with the player character and works with them to escape <a href="/taris/3035-394/" data-ref-id="3035-394">Taris</a> and help the Republic. He is cautious about trusting people since his <a href="/saul-karath/3005-4085/" data-ref-id="3005-4085">previous mentor</a> in the Republic fleet betrayed him and joined the Sith (leading the destruction of his homeworld).</p><p>He is recruited during the mission "Search for Bastila", and is also a potential love interest for the player character (female only).</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Soldier<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Blaster Pistols, Blaster Rifles, Heavy Weapons, Melee Weapons<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Light, Medium, Heavy<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 4<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 13, DEX 16, CON 12, INT 13, WIS 10, CHA 12<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Weapon Specialization (Blaster Pistol), Improved Two-Weapon Fighting</p></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Bastila</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935770-bastila.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935770" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935770-bastila.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935770"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935770-bastila.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935770-bastila.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935770-bastila.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935770-bastila.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>A young, ambitious Jedi Knight, <a href="/bastila-shan/3005-846/" data-ref-id="3005-846">Bastila Shan</a> is proficient in "battle meditation", a special ability that lets her use <a href="/the-force/3015-172/" data-ref-id="3015-172">the Force</a> to boost the morale and battle prowess of all nearby allies in a large range. She also shares a unique "Force bond" with the player character, which allows both of them to share special visions over the course of the game.</p><p>She is recruited during the mission "Search for Bastila", and is also a potential love interest for the player character (male only).</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Jedi Sentinel<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Lightsabers, Blaster Pistols, Melee Weapons<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Robes<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 3<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 12, DEX 18, CON 12, INT 10, WIS 12, CHA 15<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Two-Weapon Fighting, Flurry</p></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Mission</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935776-mission.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935776" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935776-mission.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935776"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935776-mission.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935776-mission.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935776-mission.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935776-mission.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>An optimistic teenage street-smart <a href="/twilek/3015-5703/" data-ref-id="3015-5703">Twi'lek</a> urchin from the undercity of <a href="/taris/3035-394/" data-ref-id="3035-394">Taris</a>, <a href="/mission-vao/3005-2589/" data-ref-id="3005-2589">Mission Vao</a> was abandoned by her shifty older brother Griff and grew up with her best friend <a href="/zaalbar/3005-1794/" data-ref-id="3005-1794">Zaalbar</a>. As she learned to fend for herself for a time (gaining the technical skills that helps the player character infiltrate the Black Vulkar gang base), she is greatly incensed when it's suggested that she is incompetent because she is "just a kid".</p><p>She is recruited during the mission "Search for Bastila".</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Scoundrel<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Blaster Pistols, Blaster Rifles, Melee Weapons<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Light<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 3<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 10, DEX 16, CON 12, INT 14, WIS 11, CHA 10<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Dueling, Caution</p></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Zaalbar</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935778-zaalbar.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935778" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935778-zaalbar.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935778"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935778-zaalbar.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935778-zaalbar.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935778-zaalbar.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935778-zaalbar.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>A powerful but shy <a href="/wookiees/3015-1440/" data-ref-id="3015-1440">Wookiee</a>, <a href="/zaalbar/3005-1794/" data-ref-id="3005-1794">Zaalbar</a> is the best friend and guardian of <a href="/mission-vao/3005-2589/" data-ref-id="3005-2589">Mission</a>. After his rescue from the player character, he swears a life debt and becomes a loyal ally. It's learned that prior to arriving in <a href="/taris/3035-394/" data-ref-id="3035-394">Taris</a>, he was exiled from his tribe in <a href="/kashyyyk/3035-252/" data-ref-id="3035-252">Kashyyyk</a>.</p><p>He is recruited during the mission "Search for Bastila".</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Scout<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Blaster Pistols, Blaster Rifles, Melee Weapons<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Light, Medium<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 4<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 20, DEX 13, CON 20, INT 10, WIS 12, CHA 8<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Weapon Focus (Melee Weapons), Improved Power Attack<br /><strong>Bonus Feat:</strong> Wookie Toughness (increased vitality and damage resistance)</p></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Canderous</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935771-canderous.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935771" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935771-canderous.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935771"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935771-canderous.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935771-canderous.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935771-canderous.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935771-canderous.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>A battle-hardened <a href="/mandalorian/3015-2770/" data-ref-id="3015-2770">Mandalorian</a> war veteran and <a href="/mercenary/3015-2073/" data-ref-id="3015-2073">mercenary</a>, <a href="/canderous-ordo/3005-1852/" data-ref-id="3005-1852">Canderous Ordo</a> worked for crime lord <a href="/davik-kang/3005-2591/" data-ref-id="3005-2591">Davik Kang</a> before helping the player character steal the <a href="/the-ebon-hawk/3055-490/" data-ref-id="3055-490">Ebon Hawk</a> during the Sith blockade. A firm believer of the Mandalorian code, he doesn't bother with morality and only joins the player character to find worthy adversaries.</p><p>He is recruited during the mission "Escaping Taris".</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Soldier<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Blaster Pistols, Blaster Rifles, Heavy Weapons, Melee Weapons<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Light, Medium, Heavy<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 5<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 15, DEX 12, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 10<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Weapon Specialization (Heavy Weapons), Improved Power Blast, Rapid Shot, Toughness</p></td></tr><tr><td><h3>T3-M4</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935777-t3m4.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935777" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935777-t3m4.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935777"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935777-t3m4.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935777-t3m4.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935777-t3m4.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935777-t3m4.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>A custom-ordered T3-series utility <a href="/robots/3015-278/" data-ref-id="3015-278">droid</a> commissioned by crime lord <a href="/davik-kang/3005-2591/" data-ref-id="3005-2591">Davik Kang</a> to infiltrate the Sith military base on <a href="/taris/3035-394/" data-ref-id="3035-394">Taris</a> and escape the Sith blockade, <a href="/t3-m4/3005-1863/" data-ref-id="3005-1863">T3-M4</a> is instead bought by the player character (at the suggestion of Canderous) and becomes part of their crew. While his combat attachments are not very effective, he is heavily skilled in electronics (including locks, computer systems, and broken droids).</p><p>He is recruited during the mission "Escaping Taris".</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Unique (Expert Droid)<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Blaster Pistols<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Droid Plating<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 3<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 10, DEX 15, CON 14, INT 20, WIS 10, CHA 10<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Gear Head, Caution</p></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Juhani</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935775-juhani.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935775" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935775-juhani.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935775"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935775-juhani.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935775-juhani.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935775-juhani.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935775-juhani.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>A hot-blooded Cathar Jedi Knight, <a href="/juhani/3005-2588/" data-ref-id="3005-2588">Juhani</a> believed herself lost to the dark side as she reveals that she killed her master in a fit of rage. While tainting the ancient grove outside of the Jedi academy in <a href="/dantooine/3035-241/" data-ref-id="3035-241">Dantooine</a>, she fights the player character in a duel. If she survives, she later joins the Padawan to redeem herself.</p><p>If she is spared in the mission "Jedi Trials", she is recruited during the mission "Quest for the Star Forge". She is also a potential love interest for the player character, regardless of gender.</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Jedi Guardian<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Lightsabers, Blaster Pistols, Melee Weapons<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Robes<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 6<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 13, DEX 16, CON 14, INT 14, WIS 12, CHA 13<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Conditioning, Power Attack, Toughness<br /><strong>Bonus Feat:</strong> Force Camouflage (allows her to enter Stealth mode without requiring a Stealth Field Generator)</p></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Jolee</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935774-jolee.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935774" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935774-jolee.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935774"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935774-jolee.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935774-jolee.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935774-jolee.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935774-jolee.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>An old and mysterious Jedi <a href="/hermit/3015-5520/" data-ref-id="3015-5520">hermit</a> who spent decades living in the Shadowlands of <a href="/kashyyyk/3035-252/" data-ref-id="3035-252">Kashyyyk</a>, <a href="/jolee-bindo/3005-1884/" data-ref-id="3005-1884">Jolee Bindo</a> is considered a "Gray Jedi": one who does not adhere to the Jedi code and yet has not fallen to the dark side. After helping with the player character's quest in Kashyyyk, he joins them out of boredom.</p><p>He is recruited during the mission "Star Map: Kashyyyk".</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Jedi Consular<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Lightsabers, Blaster Pistols, Melee Weapons<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Robes<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 6<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 12, DEX 16, CON 12, INT 12, WIS 15, CHA 15<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Improved Dueling, Conditioning</p></td></tr><tr><td><h3>HK-47</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935773-hk47.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935773" data-ratio="1" data-width="250" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 250px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2935773-hk47.png" data-ref-id="1300-2935773"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935773-hk47.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935773-hk47.png 250w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935773-hk47.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/87790/2935773-hk47.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" data-width="250"></noscript></a></figure><p>A Hunter-Killer <a href="/assassin/3015-1321/" data-ref-id="3015-1321">assassin</a> <a href="/robots/3015-278/" data-ref-id="3015-278">droid</a> of mysterious origin, <a href="/hk-47/3005-828/" data-ref-id="3005-828">HK-47</a> can be purchased from a shop on <a href="/tatooine/3035-319/" data-ref-id="3035-319">Tatooine</a> to help communicate with the native <a href="/tusken-raider/3015-1388/" data-ref-id="3015-1388">Sand People</a> (or just to accompany the crew as an effective combat droid). Despite his affinity for causing death and his <a href="/misanthropy/3015-8626/" data-ref-id="3015-8626">misanthropy</a> (referring to organics as "meatbags"), he is loyal to his master and sometimes acts as a <a href="/comic-relief/3015-1125/" data-ref-id="3015-1125">comic relief</a>.</p><p>He can optionally be recruited during the mission "Star Map: Tatooine".</p><p><strong>Class:</strong> Unique (Combat Droid)<br /><strong>Weapons:</strong> Blaster Pistols, Blaster Rifles, Heavy Weapons<br /><strong>Armor:</strong> Droid Plating<br /><strong>Starting Level:</strong> 6<br /><strong>Starting Attributes:</strong> STR 16, DEX 14, CON 10, INT 14, WIS 12, CHA 10<br /><strong>Starting Feats:</strong> Weapon Focus (Blaster Rifle), Power Blast, Toughness</p></td></tr></tbody></table><h2>Abilities</h2><h4>Basic Actions</h4><ul><li><strong>Power Strike </strong>(Melee)<strong> / Power Blast </strong>(Ranged) - Performs a single swing/shot that deals more damage, sacrificing weapon accuracy. Improved versions increase the damage dealt.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Flurry </strong>(Melee)<strong> / Rapid Shot</strong> (Ranged) - Adds an additional swing/shot to the attack, sacrificing weapon accuracy and defense. Improved versions reduce the penalties of this action.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Critical Strike </strong>(Melee)<strong> / Sniper Shot</strong> (Ranged) - Improves the chance for the single swing/shot to perform a <a href="/critical-hit/3015-97/" data-ref-id="3015-97">critical hit</a>, with a chance to <a href="/stun/3015-1577/" data-ref-id="3015-1577">stun</a> the opponent, but leaving the attacker vulnerable (sacrificing defense). Improved versions increase the chance for a critical hit.</li></ul><h4>Force Powers</h4><p>Unlike Actions, Force Powers require use of a regenerating Force point gauge (shown in blue), representing the user's "stamina". While universal powers require the same amount of points for each use, both Light Side (defensive) and Dark Side (offensive) powers are unique in that their point cost adjusts depending on the user's current alignment. (For example, a very high Light Side user requires upwards to 50% less points for a use of a Light Side power and requires upwards to 75% more points for a use of a Dark Side power)</p><p>Some Powers can only be unlocked at certain character levels (which is the combinated class level for the player character), while some Powers cannot be used while equipping Armor (with the exception of casual clothing and Robes).</p><p>Effects that require a save are based on both the user's character level and the user's Wisdom and Charisma modifiers.</p><ul><li><strong>Energy Resistance</strong> - Grants a temporary bonus for the user, absorbing the first 15 points of damage from elemental attacks. Lasts for two minutes. At Level 9, this can be upgraded to <strong>Improved Energy Resistance</strong>, granting the effects to all party members while adding temporary immunity to Poison effects.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Force Push</strong> - Pushes the target away from the user, dealing some physical damage and attempting to incapacitate the target (requiring a Reflex save to negate the effect and halve the damage). Can be upgraded at Level 9 (to <strong>Force Whirlwind</strong>), changing the effect to a 12-second immobilizing whirlwind that slowly damages the target. Can be further upgraded at Level 15 (to <strong>Force Wave</strong>), changing the effect to an explosion that pushes all enemies within 15 meters of the user (dealing more damage and longer incapacitation).</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Burst of Speed</strong> (Armor-restricted) - Grants a temporary bonus for the user, doubling the movement speed while increasing basic defense. Lasts for 36 seconds. Can be upgraded at Level 9 (to <strong>Knight Speed</strong>), further increasing basic defense while adding an additional swing/shot to attacks. Can be further upgraded at Level 15 (to <strong>Master Speed</strong>), adding another additional swing/shot to attacks.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Throw Lightsaber</strong> (requires a Lightsaber equipped) - Throws the lightsaber at the chosen enemy within 5 meters of the user for an automatic hit (dealing high damage based on the user's level), leaving them slightly vulnerable as the lightsaber returns to their possession. At Level 9, this can be upgraded to <strong>Advanced Throw Lightsaber</strong>, which targets up to two additional nearby enemies.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Force Resistance</strong> (requires Level 9, Armor-restricted) - Grants a temporary bonus for the user, giving a random chance to negate enemy Force powers. Lasts for one minute. At Level 15, this can be upgraded to <strong>Force Immunity</strong>, which increases that chance.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Force Suppression</strong> (requires Level 9, Armor-restricted) - Cancels most of the target's Force power bonuses. At Level 15, this can be upgraded to <strong>Force Breach</strong>, cancelling all of the target's Force power bonuses.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Force Aura</strong> (Light, Armor-restricted) - Grants a temporary bonus for the user, increasing basic defense and all saving throws. Lasts for 20 seconds. Can be upgraded at Level 6 (to <strong>Force Shield</strong>) and Level 12 (to <strong>Force Armor</strong>), increasing the bonus.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Force Valor</strong> (Light, Armor-restricted) - Grants a temporary bonus for all party members (including the user), increasing all attributes and all saving throws. Lasts for 20 seconds. Can be upgraded at Level 9 (to <strong>Knight Valor</strong>) and Level 15 (to <strong>Master Valor</strong>), increasing the bonus while adding temporary immunity to Poison effects.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Stun</strong> (Light) - Attempts to inflict the Stun effect on a chosen non-droid enemy, requiring a Fortitude save to negate. Can be upgraded at Level 9 (to <strong>Stasis</strong>), changing it to a more powerful Paralyze effect. Can be further upgraded at Level 15 (to <strong>Stasis Field</strong>), affecting all enemies within 10 meters of the user (but making the power Armor-restricted).</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Stun Droid</strong> (Light) - Attempts to render a chosen droid enemy immobile, requiring a Fortitude save to negate the effect and halve the damage. Also deals some electrical damage based on the user's level. Can be upgraded at Level 6 (to <strong>Disable Droid</strong>), changing the save to a Reflex save and chaining the effect to droids within 5 meters of the target. Can be further upgraded at Level 12 (to <strong>Destroy Droid</strong>), increasing the target range while significantly increasing the damage dealt.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Cure</strong> (Light, requires Level 6) - Heals all non-droid party members (including the user) within a 15 meter radius, based on the user's level, Wisdom, and Charisma. At Level 12, this can be upgraded to <strong>Heal</strong>, which doubles the vitality healed and immediately removes Poison effects.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Shock</strong> (Dark, Armor-restricted) - Unleashes an electrical attack on the chosen enemy (which can be partially negated by a Fortitude save). Can be upgraded at Level 9 (to <strong>Force Lightning</strong>), instead affecting all enemies up to 16 meters in front of the user. Can be further upgraded at Level 18 (to <strong>Force Storm</strong>), instead affecting all enemies up to 10 meters around the target.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Fear</strong> (Dark) - Attempts to immobilize the chosen non-droid enemy for six seconds (requiring a Will save to negate). Can be upgraded at Level 6 (to <strong>Horror</strong>), increasing the duration and affecting all enemies within 5 meters of the target. Can be further upgraded at Level 12 (to <strong>Insanity</strong>), further increasing the duration while increasing the target range.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Slow</strong> (Dark) - Attempts to inflict a temporary penalty on the chosen non-droid enemy (requiring a Will save to negate), reducing basic defense, accuracy, and Reflex saves for 30 seconds. Can be upgraded at Level 6 (to <strong>Affliction</strong>), which changes the penalty to a unique Poison effect that weakens the target every six seconds for 36 seconds (and changes the save to a Fortitude save similar to Deadly Gas Mines). Can be further upgraded at Level 12 (to <strong>Plague</strong>), further weakening the target for an additional 36 seconds while making the save impossible (but making the power Armor-restricted).</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Wound</strong> (Dark) - Attempts to stun the chosen non-droid enemy (requiring a Fortitude save to negate), inflicting physical damage for six seconds. Can be upgraded at Level 9 (to <strong>Choke</strong>), adding a temporary penalty to the target (reducing their physical attributes for 24 seconds). Can be further upgraded at Level 12 (to <strong>Kill</strong>), instead inflicting damage equal to half of the target's total vitality while still dealing Wound damage on targets that succeed in a Fortitude save.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Drain Life</strong> (Dark, requires Level 9, Armor-restricted) - Damages the chosen non-droid enemy while replenishing the user's vitality. At Level 18, this can be upgraded to <strong>Death Field</strong>, which affects all non-droid enemies within 10 meters of the target.</li></ul><p> </p><h2>Missions</h2><h4>Attack on the Endar Spire</h4><p>When the game begins, the Soldier wakes up on the Republic cruiser Endar Spire that is under siege by the Sith flagship Leviathan, led by <a href="/darth-malak/3005-1048/" data-ref-id="3005-1048">Darth Malak</a>. With the help of Republic soldier <a href="/trask-ulgo/3005-34944/" data-ref-id="3005-34944">Trask Ulgo</a>, they must navigate the ship and evacuate down to the planet <a href="/taris/3035-394/" data-ref-id="3035-394">Taris</a>.</p><p>This mission is short, linear, and is used as the game's main tutorial sequence.</p><h4>Search for Bastila</h4><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/6742/259261-taris1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-259261" data-ratio="0.61349693251534" data-width="326" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 326px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:61.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/6742/259261-taris1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-259261"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/6742/259261-taris1.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/6742/259261-taris1.jpg 326w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/6742/259261-taris1.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/6742/259261-taris1.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/6742/259261-taris1.jpg 326w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/6742/259261-taris1.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>Knocked unconscious for days from the crash landing, the Soldier wakes up in an apartment in the Upper City of the planet <a href="/taris/3035-394/" data-ref-id="3035-394">Taris</a> by fellow Republic soldier <a href="/carth-onasi/3005-1790/" data-ref-id="3005-1790">Carth Onasi</a>. With the entire planet under Sith lockdown, the pair must search for a key Republic asset that also escaped the Endar Spire: the Jedi Knight <a href="/bastila-shan/3005-846/" data-ref-id="3005-846">Bastila Shan</a>.</p><p>While investigating leads in both the peaceful Upper City and the hostile Lower City, the pair learns that Bastila is captured by the Black Vuklars gang and used as a prize for the winner of an upcoming swoop-bike race against the Hidden Beks gang. The Soldier is recruited by the Beks to infiltrate the Vulkar's base for a key swoop-bike component (with the help from street urchin <a href="/mission-vao/3005-2589/" data-ref-id="3005-2589">Mission Vao</a> and her friend <a href="/zaalbar/3005-1794/" data-ref-id="3005-1794">Zaalbar</a>) and then win the race for either gang.</p><p>Once Bastila escapes capture and joins the crew, they must find a way to escape the Sith blockade. With help of the mercenary <a href="/canderous-ordo/3005-1852/" data-ref-id="3005-1852">Canderous Ordo</a>, the crew must infiltrate a Sith facility for request codes and then infiltrate crime lord <a href="/davik-kang/3005-2591/" data-ref-id="3005-2591">Davik Kang's</a> estate to steal his prized ship: the <a href="/the-ebon-hawk/3055-490/" data-ref-id="3055-490">Ebon Hawk</a>.</p><h4>Jedi Trials</h4><p>The crew escapes to the rural world of <a href="/dantooine/3035-241/" data-ref-id="3035-241">Dantooine</a>, home of the <a href="/the-jedi/3015-655/" data-ref-id="3015-655">Jedi</a> Council. Sensing a high concentration of the Force within the Soldier, the Council has the Soldier undergo a series of trials to become a Jedi Padawan (one of which is encountering the fallen Jedi Knight <a href="/juhani/3005-2588/" data-ref-id="3005-2588">Juhani</a>).</p><p>Once the Soldier becomes a Padawan, the crew is ordered to investigate mysterious ruins close to the Jedi Academy.</p><h4>Quest for the Star Forge</h4><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-340577" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="700" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 700px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-340577"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg 700w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg 700w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3318/340577-screenshot4.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>In the ruins, the crew learns about an incomplete "Star Map" leading to the mysterious <a href="/the-star-forge/3035-367/" data-ref-id="3035-367">"Star Forge"</a>. Believed to be tied to the Dark Lords <a href="/darth-revan/3005-959/" data-ref-id="3005-959">Revan</a> and <a href="/darth-malak/3005-1048/" data-ref-id="3005-1048">Malak</a>, the crew must search four planets shown from the Star Map for additional Star Maps.</p><p>Considered the main mission of the game, the planets can be done in any order:</p><ul><li><a href="/tatooine/3035-319/" data-ref-id="3035-319">Tatooine</a>, the desert homeworld of the <a href="/tusken-raider/3015-1388/" data-ref-id="3015-1388">Sand People</a>. Arriving at the settlement of Anchorhead, the Padawan must find a way to venture out into the far reaches of the Dune Sea (involving a nearby settlement of Sand People) and slay a canyon krayt dragon.</li></ul><ul><li><a href="/kashyyyk/3035-252/" data-ref-id="3035-252">Kashyyyk</a>, the swamp homeworld of the <a href="/wookiees/3015-1440/" data-ref-id="3015-1440">Wookiees</a>. Under control from the Czerka Corporation, the Wookiees of the planet are enslaved to do their bidding. The Padawan must interact with the tribal politics (involving the exiled <a href="/zaalbar/3005-1794/" data-ref-id="3005-1794">Zaalbar</a> and his family) and then navigate the dangerous surface of the planet (encountering the Jedi hermit <a href="/jolee-bindo/3005-1884/" data-ref-id="3005-1884">Jolee Bindo</a>).</li></ul><ul><li><a href="/manaan/3035-428/" data-ref-id="3035-428">Manaan</a>, the aquatic homeworld of the Selkath. A neutral world in the conflict between the Republic and Sith, the planet houses a valuable healing substance called Kolto (which is used as leverage against both factions in an attempt to remain neutral). The Padawan must navigate the tricky politics to gain favor with the Republic and gain access to a secret underwater science facility (where something has gone wrong).</li></ul><ul><li><a href="/korriban/3035-366/" data-ref-id="3035-366">Korriban</a>, the volcanic homeworld of the ancient Sith. Along with the Sith-controlled settlement Dreshdae, the planet also houses a Sith Academy. The Padawan must infiltrate the Academy, gain favor with Sith Masters Uthar Wynn and Yuthura Ban, and gain access to the Tombs of the Dark Lords.</li></ul><p>In addition, players can navigate to a space station orbiting <a href="/yavin-iv/3035-512/" data-ref-id="3035-512">Yavin IV</a>, where the Soldier encounters a friendly inventor named Suvam Tan. Through him, the Padawan can purchase rare items and equipment not available anywhere else in the game (including unique <a href="/lightsaber/3055-70/" data-ref-id="3055-70">lightsaber</a> crystals and infinite-use droid weapons) and can sell inventory for higher prices. More inventory is available as more Star Maps are found. On the Xbox version, the station can only be reached after downloading free <a href="/downloadable-content/3015-329/" data-ref-id="3015-329">DLC</a> (making it impossible to reach after the shutdown of the original <a href="/xbox-live/3015-1404/" data-ref-id="3015-1404">Xbox Live</a>, if the player has not downloaded the DLC beforehand).</p><p>Once three of the four Star Maps are found, the Ebon Hawk is captured by the Leviathan. While most of the crew are either imprisoned or being interrogated, one crew member (designated by the player) must infiltrate the facility and rescue them. Afterwards, the crew must find the bridge controls to escape the Leviathan before the arrival of Darth Malak (who has a shocking <a href="/plot-twist/3015-442/" data-ref-id="3015-442">revelation</a> for the Padawan).</p><h4>Trapped on a Nameless World</h4><p>After the four Star Maps are found, the Ebon Hawk is piloted towards the coordinates of the <a href="/the-star-forge/3035-367/" data-ref-id="3035-367">Star Forge</a>, only to be caught in a planet-wide power disruption field. It crash lands in a mysterious tropical world, which holds two sparring tribes of native species called Rakatan. Along with finding ship parts for the Ebon Hawk, the Padawan must convince one of the tribes to help them access the Temple of the Ancients to disable the field (revealing more information about the Star Forge itself).</p><p>Once the power disruption field is disabled and the Republic fleet is waging war against the forces of the Star Forge, the Padawan must infiltrate the space station and face off against Darth Malak in one final confrontation.</p><h2>Cut Content</h2><p>Although the cut content in the original <em>Knights of the Old Republic</em> was not as significant as the content that had to be cut from <a href="/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-ii-the-sith-/3030-8852/" data-ref-id="3030-8852"><em>The Sith Lords</em></a>, a few things were, including one planet that was mentioned in pre-release videos, a dark side romance option, and a brief encounter with Dead-Eye Duncan on Manaan.</p><p>The planet, called Sleyheron, was going to be a volcanic world controlled by the Hutts, a slaving center. This planet was supposed to have a Star Map on it, but was likely removed early in the development process to allow Bioware to focus more on their other five main planets. The planet Sleyheron is briefly mentioned in the game on Korriban by Yuthura Ban. It is also mentioned in a side-quest in KOTOR II, where Vogga the Hutt agrees to ship some of his fuel reserves from Sleyheron to Citadel Station, above Telos IV.</p><p>Also cut was an option for female Dark Side players who had fallen in love with Carth to repent at the very end of the game. After defeating Malak, Carth would board the Star Forge alone and convince Revan to give up her dark ways. Revan would kill Bastila, and remain with Carth aboard the Star Forge as the Republic forces destroyed it. In this ending, the Ebon Hawk would be destroyed, and all of her crew would be dead by the end of the game. This ending has been recreated via fan-made mods for the PC release of KOTOR.</p><p>The other known piece of cut content is on Manaan. If the player defeats Bendak Starkiller in the deathmatch on Taris, later on Manaan, Dead-Eye Duncan will appear in the hangar, having escaped the destruction of Taris, and will ask if he can use your duelist name from Taris, The Mysterious Stranger. This has also been re-created via PC mods.</p><p>Also, an early development idea was for there to be a subplot involving clones in KOTOR, but the idea was nixed by LucasArts so that KOTOR would not steal the thunder from the upcoming 'Attack of the Clones' film.</p><h2>System Requirements</h2><h3>Minimum</h3><ul><li>Windows 98 / 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP / 7</li><li>Intel Pentium III 1.00 GHz or AMD Athlon 1.00 GHz</li><li>128 MB RAM required for Windows 98, 256 MB RAM required for Windows ME/2000/XP</li><li>32 MB OpenGL 1.4 compatible PCI or AGP</li><li>DirectX 9.0b compatible Audio Device required</li><li>4.0 GB of free hard drive space required</li><li>4X Speed CD-ROM drive required</li><li>Keyboard and mouse required</li></ul><p><i>*3D Transform Lighting (T&amp;L) Capability required</i></p><p><i>**Microsoft DirectX 9.0b is included on this CD.</i></p><h3><b>Recommended</b></h3><ul><li>1.60 GHZ AMD or equivalent Intel processor</li><li>ATI Radeon 9200 or better, NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti or better</li><li>512 MB RAM</li></ul><h3>Supported Chipsets</h3><ul><li>ATI Radeon 8500 / 9000 / 9200 / 9500 / 9600 / 9700 / 9800</li><li>NVIDIA GeForce 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 FX family</li></ul>

TES5
TESV: Skyrim
Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Dawnguard
Skyrim VR

The fifth installment in Bethesda's Elder Scrolls franchise is set in the eponymous province of Skyrim, where the ancient threat of dragons, led by the sinister Alduin, is rising again to threaten all mortal races. Only the player, as the prophesied hero the Dovahkiin, can save the world from destruction.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Taking place in the eponymous province of <a href="/skyrim/3035-684/" data-ref-id="3035-684">Skyrim</a>, home of the <a href="/nord/3015-1015/" data-ref-id="3015-1015">Nords</a>, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim continues the series' tradition of open-ended gameplay and also introduces <a href="/dragons/3015-551/" data-ref-id="3015-551">dragons</a> to the franchise. The game is set two centuries after the end of the Third Era and the closing of the <a href="/oblivion-gate/3055-871/" data-ref-id="3055-871">Oblivion gates</a> in <a href="/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/3030-20238/" data-ref-id="3030-20238">Elder Scrolls IV</a>. Skyrim's gameplay expands on <a href="/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/3030-20238/" data-ref-id="3030-20238">Oblivion</a> with the addition of dual-wielding, a new perk system, new <a href="/thuum/3015-6677/" data-ref-id="3015-6677">Dragon Shout</a> (Thu'um) abilities and a variety of changes to character progression. Additionally, the old quest system has been updated to produce more varied content.</p><h2>Development and Technology</h2><h3>Creation Engine</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1712424" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/9/97594/1712424-skyrim8.jpg" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/9/97594/1712424-skyrim8.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1712424"><img alt="Longer draw distances and improved foliage" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/9/97594/1712424-skyrim8.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/9/97594/1712424-skyrim8.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/9/97594/1712424-skyrim8.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/9/97594/1712424-skyrim8.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></a><figcaption>Longer draw distances and improved foliage</figcaption></figure><p><a href="../../todd-howard/72-57173/" rel="nofollow ">Todd Howard</a> mentioned on Bethesda's podcast that the ideas for Skyrim took form immediately after Oblivion's launch but principal development began after the release of <a href="/fallout-3/3030-20504/" data-ref-id="3030-20504">Fallout 3</a>. It uses a new gameplay and graphics engine, dubbed the <a href="/creation-engine/3015-6593/" data-ref-id="3015-6593">Creation Engine</a>, developed internally at Bethesda. The new engine aims to improve draw distances and shadowing on all objects in the world. It also features dynamic weather effects like snow falls and improved animations for trees, like leaves and branches reacting to violent winds. There are also meteorological effects like clouds gathering around mountain tops. Since the new engine incorporates foliage animations, Bethesda has dropped <a href="/speedtree/3015-1684/" data-ref-id="3015-1684">SpeedTree</a> for Skyrim.</p><p>Skyrim uses DirectX-9 shaders and is authored on PCs. The PC version contains standard features like higher resolution textures and anti-aliasing, but the engine's graphical development was first done for the Xbox 360. The <a href="../../the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-in-motion/17-3831/" rel="nofollow ">first gameplay trailer</a> showed footage from the Xbox 360 version of the game.</p><h3>Animation</h3><p>The game also uses <a href="/havok-behavior/3015-6594/" data-ref-id="3015-6594">Havok Behavior</a> for its animations. Howard also <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-16-bethesdas-todd-howard-interview?page=2" rel="nofollow ">stated</a> that Bethesda has invested a lot of time and 'people and talent' to improve their animations. Unlike Oblivion, only important NPCs in Skyrim carry unique names and are fully voiced. The extreme close-up dialogue system (seen in previous Bethesda games) has been dropped in favor of a more fluid perspective. <a href="/non-player-character/3015-967/" data-ref-id="3015-967">NPCs</a> no longer stand static on the screen; instead, they continue with their normal routines. Players can also cut off NPCs by walking away from them mid-conversation.</p><p>For Skyrim, Bethesda took inspiration from various sources. The magic combat was influenced by the plasmids in Irrational Games' <a href="/bioshock/3030-17280/" data-ref-id="3030-17280">BioShock</a>. The new deadlier bow-and-arrow mechanic is based on an Oblivion mod that drastically altered the pace of ranged combat by slowing down the draw time for bows. The new menu system was inspired by <a href="/apple-inc/3010-5815/" data-ref-id="3010-5815">Apple</a> products and has been drastically changed to be more user friendly. Any item obtained can be viewed in player inventory with a full 3D perspective, and the objects can even be rotated and zoomed in on in order to get a closer look.</p><h3>Art Design</h3><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1749789" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/11986/1749789-lakemountains.jpg" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1024" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1024px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/11986/1749789-lakemountains.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1749789"><img alt="Skyrim's Nordic art design" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/1/11986/1749789-lakemountains.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/1/11986/1749789-lakemountains.jpg 1024w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/1/11986/1749789-lakemountains.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/1/11986/1749789-lakemountains.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></a><figcaption>Skyrim's Nordic art design</figcaption></figure><p>Compared to previous installments in the series, Skyrim's art design has been changed significantly to make the world feel more realistic. Art director <a href="/matthew-carofano/3040-57176/" data-ref-id="3040-57176">Matthew Carofano</a> described Skyrim's art design as "epic reality" when compared to Oblivion's Imperial cities and "standard European fantasy" design. Bethesda aimed to give all the big settlements and quest hubs a unique geographical and architectural setting, offering "dramatic views." There are multiple Nord factions within Skyrim featuring their own unique customs and colors, similar to the different colors and insignias for the towns in Oblivion.</p><h3>Mod Support</h3><p>On February 7th, 2012, Bethesda released a tool called "Creation Kit," for the PC version of Skyrim, allowing players to alter the world of Skyrim in any way that they see fit similar to the Construction Sets for previous Elder Scrolls titles such as <a href="/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/3030-20238/" data-ref-id="3030-20238">The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion</a>. The Creation Kit is available as a free download through Steam.</p><p>Steam recently launched the Workshop, a brand new addition to the program, allowing modders to showcase and share their work with other gamers. Skyrim was selected to be one of the very first games featured within the Workshop. To date, there are over 21,000 Skyrim mods that are available in the Steam Workshop. Players can subscribe to any Skyrim mod that they wish to download from the Workshop and once Skyrim is launched, any mods are automatically downloaded and updated on the Skyrim Launcher. Should a player decide they no longer wish to use a particular mod, they can unsubscribe from the mod in the Workshop and the mod will automatically be uninstalled from the game.</p><p>The distribution of mods is not restricted to just those downloaded through the the Steam Workshop, and can also be downloaded from various community sites such as the <a href="http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/?" rel="nofollow " data-ref-id="false">Skyrim Nexus</a>.</p><p>The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition does not have Steam Workshop support, instead offering in-game downloads of mods hosted on Bethesda.net. Mods downloaded from Nexus are still supported.</p><h2>Setting</h2><h3>Plot</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1684742" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png" data-ratio="0.25819826611383" data-width="2653" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 2653px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:25.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png" data-ref-id="1300-1684742"><img alt="Prophecy on Alduin's Wall" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png 2653w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png 480w"><noscript><img alt="Prophecy on Alduin's Wall" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png 2653w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1684742-untitled.png 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Prophecy on Alduin's Wall</figcaption></figure><p>Just as foretold in the <a href="../../elder-scroll/93-1515/" rel="nofollow ">Elder Scrolls</a>, the time for the dragons to return to <a href="../../tamriel/95-92/" rel="nofollow ">Tamriel</a> has come, led by <a href="/alduin/3005-21456/" data-ref-id="3005-21456">Alduin</a>, a dragon of godly proportions whose victory would mean the end of Tamriel. Players take the role of the <a href="/dovahkiin/3005-17606/" data-ref-id="3005-17606">Dovahkiin</a>, a person that possesses the power to defy the powerful beasts and absorb their power. There have been several signs indicating the dragons' inevitable return as prophesied by the Elder Scrolls, such as the opening of the Oblivion gates some two centuries ago. The final sign is a Nordic civil war between the Imperial Legion from Cyrodiil, who wish to retain authority their over Skyrim, and the <a href="/stormcloaks/3015-7274/" data-ref-id="3015-7274">Stormcloaks</a>, a group of Nordic rebels aiming to remove all Imperial presence from their land. The protagonist starts his/her journey during the said events, and in keeping with Elder Scrolls tradition the player begins as a prisoner. The game is set 200 years after the events of Oblivion.</p><h4>Main Characters</h4><ul><li><a href="../../dovahkiin/94-17606/" rel="nofollow ">Dovahkiin</a> - The player-created character is the "Dragonborn", a man or woman with a sacred power somehow tied into that of the Dragons. They can learn the dragons' language and use magical "Shouts", just like the dragons do. Often referred as <a href="/dovahkiin/3005-17606/" data-ref-id="3005-17606">the Dragonborn</a> in the game, the Dragonborn is able to permanently kill a dragon by absorbing their soul.</li><li><a href="../../esbern/94-17611/" rel="nofollow ">Esbern</a> - One of the last surviving members of the Blades, an elite group of soldiers in service of the Emperor of Tamriel. Esbern is an expert in dragon lore and helps Dovahkiin figure out the mystery behind Alduin's return. He is voiced by <a href="../../max-von-sydow/72-99343/" rel="nofollow ">Max Von Sydow</a>.</li><li><a href="../../alduin/94-21456/" rel="nofollow ">Alduin</a> - The world-devouring dragon is the primary antagonist in Skyrim. The "World-Eater" is reviving dead dragons all around Skyrim to prepare for his take over.</li><li><a href="/arngeir/3005-21457/" data-ref-id="3005-21457">Arngeir</a> - A Greybeard elder, an order of philosopher monks who mastered the Way of the Voice ( <a href="/thuum/3015-6677/" data-ref-id="3015-6677">Dragon Shouts</a>). He helps Dovahkiin in understanding Dragon Shouts.</li><li>Delphine - An undercover member of the Blades, investigating the return of the dragons.</li><li><a href="/paarthurnax/3005-21458/" data-ref-id="3005-21458">Paarthurnax</a> - Leader of the Greybeards, who guides Dovahkiin in his quest to defeat Alduin.</li></ul><h3>Companions</h3><p>Players will be able to hire/ be given followers, similar to <a href="../../fallout-3/61-20504/" rel="nofollow ">Fallout 3</a> and <a href="/fallout-new-vegas/3030-25933/" data-ref-id="3030-25933">Fallout: New Vegas</a>, though they do not have well developed back-stories of their own. Players can have relationships with other characters in the game and get married to any NPC, regardless of their race or sex. These spouses will stay within the confines of the player's house unless asked to do otherwise. Spouses will even cook food, and sleeping next to them will grant various bonuses and perks.</p><p>Followers will follow the player wherever they go in Skyrim. When battling an enemy, they will also take part in the battle, aiding and assisting in anyway they can. Followers can also be used to carry various weapons, apparel, books and other items. This can be accomplished by engaging in conversation with the follower and then selecting the option to trade items with said follower.</p><p>Followers are not immortal and can die should they take to much damage. The same applies to horses.</p><h3>World of Skyrim</h3><p>The world of Skyrim is roughly the same size as Oblivion's <a href="/cyrodiil/3035-127/" data-ref-id="3035-127">Cyrodiil</a> (16 square miles), but features a more rugged, mountainous terrain with Nordic architecture and surroundings. The entire realm, however, isn't completely mountainous and snowy; it includes varied environments such as an arctic tundra to lush forests. The world is divided into nine "holds" (similar to counties), five of which contain larger cities and the remaining four being rural areas. The in-game world map is rendered in the game engine, giving the impression of a bird's eye view of the world. Skyrim also sees the return of <a href="/horse/3015-3114/" data-ref-id="3015-3114">horses</a> as <a href="/mounts/3015-409/" data-ref-id="3015-409">mounts</a>, a feature introduced in Oblivion.</p><p>Skyrim contains 150 handcrafted dungeons for players to explore and even more points of interest. The dungeons can get quite complicated, with multiple paths and even puzzles that players must solve to reach other areas of the dungeon.</p><h3>Radiant A.I.</h3><p>The artificial intelligence for both NPCs and creatures has been updated with the aim to create a more believable environment. The general behavior of the NPCs is less static than previous Elder Scrolls titles, as they follow schedules, perform tasks, and adapt to changes in their surroundings. Quest givers often continue with their regular work while talking to players. NPCs can now have specific jobs and will perform those jobs during the day.</p><h3>Radiant Story and Side-Quests</h3><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1761587" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1761587"><img alt="NPC interactions have been sharpened for more seamless conversations" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="NPC interactions have been sharpened for more seamless conversations" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/3/33529/1761587-es_5.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>NPC interactions have been sharpened for more seamless conversations</figcaption></figure><p>An extension of <a href="/radiant-ai/3015-6702/" data-ref-id="3015-6702">Radiant A.I.</a>, Skyrim uses the Radiant Story tool to manage all of the side quests, which incorporates certain aspects of <a href="../../procedural-generation/92-328/" rel="nofollow ">procedural generation</a>. The game constantly tracks how players play the game, and modifies side quests to suit their strengths, weaknesses, past experiences, and play-style. For example, a <a href="../../kill-quest/92-3184/" rel="nofollow ">kill quest</a> might relocate its target to an unexplored dungeon, making sure players are visiting new and unknown territories. The system is tooled to reduce repetitiveness, making sure the player isn't offered the same type of quest multiple times in a row. Certain quests only unlock if the player reaches a certain level or meets a certain skill requirement such as a high stealth skill. Quests also change based on previous experiences and already completed <a href="../../side-quests/92-338/" rel="nofollow ">side quests</a>. Players can also pick up quests by overhearing conversations in taverns.</p><h3>Guilds</h3><p>Skyrim features the same guild structure as previous Elder Scrolls games, but some of them have been given unique names and histories specific to the Skyrim region:</p><ul><li><a href="/college-of-winterhold/3015-7299/" data-ref-id="3015-7299">College of Winterhold</a>: Filling the same role as the Mages' Guild in Skyrim, they are located in Winterhold. Their college shares the same name as their guild, <a href="/college-of-winterhold/3035-3963/" data-ref-id="3035-3963">College of Winterhold (location).</a></li><li><a href="/the-companions/3015-7294/" data-ref-id="3015-7294">The Companions</a>: A Nordic faction that stands-in for the old Fighters Guild. They are located in the guild halll <a href="/jorrvaskr/3035-3952/" data-ref-id="3035-3952">Jorrvaskr</a> in the <a href="/wind-district/3035-3944/" data-ref-id="3035-3944">Wind district</a> in <a href="/whiterun/3035-3901/" data-ref-id="3035-3901">Whiterun</a>. There is also secret group inside the guild, they are called " <a href="/the-circle/3015-7298/" data-ref-id="3015-7298">The Circle</a>".</li><li><a href="/the-thieves-guild/3015-2321/" data-ref-id="3015-2321">Thieves Guild</a>: An organization of thieves located in <a href="/riften/3035-3911/" data-ref-id="3035-3911">Riften</a>, a branch of the same organization featured in previous Elder Scrolls games.</li><li><a href="/the-dark-brotherhood/3015-2307/" data-ref-id="3015-2307">Dark Brotherhood:</a> A secret group of assassins located in the <a href="/dark-brotherhood-sanctuary/3035-3953/" data-ref-id="3035-3953">Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary</a>, related to the organizations of the same name in previous titles.</li></ul><h3>Gameplay</h3><p>Skyrim retains the <a href="/open-world/3015-207/" data-ref-id="3015-207">open-world</a> gameplay and <a href="/real-time-combat/3015-2332/" data-ref-id="3015-2332">real-time combat</a> that has become a hallmark of the Elder Scroll games. Players can explore the world freely and engage in combat in first or third person point of view. The third person point of view has been updated to feel more cinematic with an <a href="/over-the-shoulder/3015-2621/" data-ref-id="3015-2621">over-the-shoulder camera</a> and a minimalistic <a href="/heads-up-display/3015-180/" data-ref-id="3015-180">HUD</a> that only becomes visible during combat. Player attributes have been simplified into three major categories:</p><ul><li><b>Health -</b> Increases player health</li><li><b>Stamina -</b> Governs the use of melee and ranged attacks. Players can also sprint by expending stamina. Increasing stamina also increases encumbrance limit.</li><li><b>Magicka -</b> Governs the use of magic spells and attacks. Also increases resistance to magic.</li></ul><p>Skyrim contains nine major cities and various small settlements spread throughout the Nordic countryside, where players can interact with the townsfolk, pick up quests or carry out activities such as cooking, farming, woodcutting etc. There are over 150 dungeons within Skyrim, that contain creatures who scale with player level. According to Bethesda, Skyrim's <a href="/level-scaling/3015-608/" data-ref-id="3015-608">level scaling</a> is similar to Fallout 3 and not Oblivion. As a result, minor creatures like rats won't become exceedingly powerful at higher levels. Also, once the player visits a dungeon, the creatures within get locked to a certain level for the rest of the campaign.</p><h3>Combat</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1703557" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1703557"><img alt="Dual wielding weapon and magic" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Dual wielding weapon and magic" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/3/33529/1703557-tes51_1.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Dual wielding weapon and magic</figcaption></figure><p>Players can bind independent weapons and spells to both hands. This allows for dual-wielding diverse weapons and even spells to create unique combos. Spells can be bound on one hand, while wielding a weapon in the other. However, only players using a 2-handed weapon, a shield and a weapon, or a shield and a spell can <a href="/block/3015-1843/" data-ref-id="3015-1843">block</a> incoming attacks. Items and abilities can be switched during combat through a pop-up favorites menu, as opposed to the directional pad mapping in Oblivion.</p><p>The run speed while going backwards has been reduced to cut down on "cheap tricks" and improve the visual experience. Howard mentions that running backward at full speed in Oblivion "looked ridiculous" in third person. <a href="/stealth/3015-24/" data-ref-id="3015-24">Stealth</a> has also been modified to give players a small window of opportunity to hide upon detection.</p><p>Attacks gravitate towards enemies to reduce the possibility of friendly fire. In addition, all three types of attacks have been modified in the following manner:</p><ul><li><b>Melee -</b> While retaining the hack'n'slash nature seen in previous games, the melee combat has been updated with finishing moves and kill animations unique to each weapon and opponent. Staggering enemies and positional attacks are important to the core combat. Weapon-specific perks increase their respective effectiveness. For example: sword perks increase the critical strike rate, axe perks results in a bleeding effect, mace perks provide armor penetration and shield perks improve spell resistance.</li><li><b>Ranged -</b> Ranged combat still relies on bows and arrows, but the draw time for the bow has been slowed down, resulting in heavier damage per shot. Archers can use bash moves to gain distance between themselves and their targets. They can also hold their breath now to gain accuracy at the cost of stamina.</li><li><b>Magic -</b> Players have to equip spells in weapon slots to use them in combat, forcing a choice between magic or melee proficiency. The spell mechanics have been changed accordingly to allow use of magic in close combat and each magic spell can be used in varied manners. For example, the fire spell can be dual-wielded to produce a giant bomb-like effect; or used as a flame thrower in a short arc; or place runes on the ground to create a fire trap.</li></ul><h2>Spell Schools</h2><p>The number of spell schools have been reduced from six (in Oblivion) to five after the removal of Mysticism, which was deemed redundant and folded into the remaining schools:</p><ul><li><a href="/alteration/3015-2822/" data-ref-id="3015-2822">Alteration</a></li><li><a href="/conjuration/3015-5729/" data-ref-id="3015-5729">Conjuration</a></li><li><a href="/evocation/3015-5737/" data-ref-id="3015-5737">Destruction</a></li><li><a href="/illusion/3015-5734/" data-ref-id="3015-5734">Illusion</a></li><li><a href="/healer/3015-188/" data-ref-id="3015-188">Restoration</a></li></ul><h3>Conjuration</h3><table><thead><tr><th>Rank</th><th>Spell Name</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Novice</td><td>Bound Sword</td><td>Creates a magic sword for 120 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Novice</td><td>Conjure Familiar</td><td>Summons a Familiar for 60 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Novice</td><td>Raise Zombie</td><td>Reanimates a weak dead body to fight for the Dovahkiin for 60 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Bound Battleaxe</td><td>Creates a magic battle axe for 120 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Conjure <a href="/flame-atronach/3015-3082/" data-ref-id="3015-3082">Flame Atronach</a></td><td>Summons a Flame Atronach for 60 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Reanimate Corpse</td><td>Reanimates a more powerful dead body to fight for the Dovakiin for 60 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Soul Trap</td><td>Soul traps If a target dies within 60 seconds, fills a soul gem.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Banish <a href="/daedra/3015-1826/" data-ref-id="3015-1826">Daedra</a></td><td>Weaker summoned daedra are sent back to Oblivion.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Bound Bow</td><td>Creates a magic bow for 120 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Conjure <a href="/frost-atronach/3015-3083/" data-ref-id="3015-3083">Frost Atronach</a></td><td>Summons a Frost Atronach to fight for the Dovahkiin for 60 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Revenant</td><td>Reanimate a powerful dead body to fight for the Dovahkiin for 60 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Command Daedra</td><td>Powerful summoned and raised creatures are put under the Dovahkiin's control.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Conjure <a href="/dremora/3015-3551/" data-ref-id="3015-3551">Dremora</a> Lord</td><td>Summons a Dremora Lord for 120 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Conjure <a href="/storm-atronach/3015-3085/" data-ref-id="3015-3085">Storm Atronach</a></td><td>Summons a Frost Atronach for 60 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Dread Zombie</td><td>Reanimates a very powerful dead body to fight for the Dovahkiin.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Expel Daedra</td><td>Powerful summoned daedra are sent back to Oblivion.</td></tr><tr><td>Master</td><td>Dead Thrall</td><td>Reanimates a dead body permanently to fight for the Dovahkiin.</td></tr><tr><td>Master</td><td>Flame Thrall</td><td>Summons a Flame Atronach permanently.</td></tr><tr><td>Master</td><td>Frost Thrall</td><td>Summons a Frost Atronach permanently.</td></tr><tr><td>Master</td><td>Storm Thrall</td><td>Summons a Storm Atronach permanently.</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Destruction</h3><table><thead><tr><th>Rank</th><th>Spell Name</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Novice</td><td>Flames</td><td>A gout of fire inflicting a base damage of 8 points of fire damage per second.</td></tr><tr><td>Novice</td><td>Frostbite</td><td>A blast of cold inflicting a base damage of 8 points of frost damage per second to Health and Stamina.</td></tr><tr><td>Novice</td><td>Sparks</td><td>Lightning which inflicts a base damage of 8 points of shock damage per second to Health and Magicka.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Firebolt</td><td>A bolt of fire that inflicts 25 points of fire damage. Targets on fire take extra damage.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Ice Spike</td><td>A spike of ice that inflicts 25 points of ice damage to Health and Stamina.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Lightning Bolt</td><td>A bolt of lightning that inflicts 25 points of shock damage to Health and half as much to Magicka.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Fire Rune</td><td>Cast on a nearby surface, it explodes for 50 points of damage when enemies come near.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Frost Rune</td><td>Cast on a nearby surface, it explodes for 50 points of damage to Health and Stamina when enemies come near.</td></tr><tr><td>Apprentice</td><td>Lightning Rune</td><td>Cast on a nearby surface, it explodes for 50 points of damage to Health and half as much to Magicka when enemies come near.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Chain Lightning</td><td>A lighting bolt inflicting 40 points of damage to Health and half as much to Magicka, then leaps to a new target.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Fireball</td><td>A fireball which explodes on impact for 40 points of damage in a 15 foot radius.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Ice Storm</td><td>A freezing whirlwind that does 40 points of damage per second to Health and Stamina.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Flame Cloak</td><td>For 60 seconds, opponents in melee range take 8 points of damage per second to Health and sets targets on fire.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Frost Cloak</td><td>For 60 seconds, opponents in melee range take 8 points of damage per second to Health and Stamina.</td></tr><tr><td>Adept</td><td>Lightning Cloak</td><td>For 60 seconds, opponents in melee range take 8 points of damage per second to Health and half as much to Magicka.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Icy Spear</td><td>A spear of ice that does 60 points of frost damage to Health and Stamina.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Incinerate</td><td>A blast of fire that does 60 points of fire damage. Targets on fire take extra damage.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Thunderbolt</td><td>A thunderbolt that does 60 points of shock damage to Health and half that to Magicka.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Wall of Flames</td><td>Sprayed on the ground, it creates a wall of fire that does 50 points of fire damage per second.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Wall of Frost</td><td>Sprayed on the ground, it creates a wall of frost that does 50 points of frost damage per second.</td></tr><tr><td>Expert</td><td>Wall of Storms</td><td>Sprayed on the ground, it creates a wall of lightning that does 50 points of shock damage per second.</td></tr><tr><td>Master</td><td>Blizzard</td><td>Creates a blizzard that surronds the caster. Targets take 20 points of frost damage every second for 10 seconds and stamina damage.</td></tr><tr><td>Master</td><td>Fire Storm</td><td>A 100 point fiery explosion centered on the caster. The closer a target is, the more damage they take.</td></tr><tr><td>Master</td><td>Lightning Storm</td><td>Fires a continuous stream of lightning. Target takes 75 points of shock damage to health, and half that to Magicka.</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Dragons</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1717412" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1717412"><img alt="A duel with a dragon" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="A duel with a dragon" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717412-wmplayer_2011_02_24_12_23_58_35.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>A duel with a dragon</figcaption></figure><p>The world of Skyrim contains legendary creatures from folklore like mammoths, trolls, sabre-toothed cats, <a href="/undead/3015-1155/" data-ref-id="3015-1155">undead</a>, and dragons - a new addition. With the return of Alduin, a big focus is on dragon encounters. They are the most feared creatures in the game and each encounter is akin to a <a href="/boss-fight/3015-50/" data-ref-id="3015-50">boss fight</a>. Howard <a href="http://gamerant.com/elder-scrolls-skyrim-dragon-details-dyce-64808/" rel="nofollow ">described</a> them as, "a mix between a <a href="/big-daddy/3015-624/" data-ref-id="3015-624">Big Daddy</a> and a helicopter in <a href="/half-life-2/3030-1539/" data-ref-id="3030-1539">Half-life 2</a>". Using Dragon Shouts, they can speak directly to the Dragonborn.</p><p>Players face different races and types of dragons, either alone or in small groups. These encounters can be in the wilderness, within a city, or in a town. During these encounters, the dragons will frequently circle the player utilizing it's unique "breath" attacks. While on ground, they will engage the player in direct melee combat.</p><h3>Dragon Shouts (Thu'um)</h3><p>Throughout the game, players can acquire Dragon Shouts, which are rare and powerful abilities. This skillset is learned through the "Way of the Voice" and is separate from magic and more closely related to battle cries. Players learn these abilities by learning the words from one of the game's word walls, often hidden in dungeons or other hard to reach areas. They then "unlock" the words they want by killing a dragon and absorbing its soul. These shouts are unique to <a href="/dovahkiin/3005-17606/" data-ref-id="3005-17606">the Dragonborn</a> and the players character is one of the few in the world capable of using them.</p><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1717386" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1717386"><img alt="The protagonist learning a Dragon Shout" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="The protagonist learning a Dragon Shout" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717386-wmplayer_2011_02_24_11_30_06_56.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>The protagonist learning a Dragon Shout</figcaption></figure><p>Each of the 20 Dragon Shouts are made up of three unique words, with each word representing a power level of the shout. An example can be seen in the first gameplay trailer where Dovahkiin yells “Fus, Ro, Dah!” (at 1:08 mark); Fus meaning force, Ro meaning balance and Dah meaning push, the result of which is a mighty shockwave. These words are in Bethesda's dragon language, created specifically for this purpose, with fonts designed as if a creature with three talons (i.e. dragon) could write them. The language has been designed to rhyme both in its original version and in English. The first example of this was the Nordic choir used towards the end of the teaser trailer.</p><h4>Known Dragon Shouts:</h4><ul><li>Whirlwind Sprint (WULD NAH KEST): Gives the player a quick burst of speed to get past deadly obstacles or enemies. It also allows crossing of small abysses.</li><li>Fire Breath (YOL TOOR SHUL): Allows the player to breath fire like a dragon.</li><li>Slow Motion (TIID KLO UL): Slows down time briefly.</li><li>Unrelenting Force (FUS RO DAH): Push back enemies.</li><li>Storm Call (STRUN BAH QO): Creates a storm that zaps enemies with lightning.</li><li>Elemental Fury (SU GRAH DUN): Shouts at weapon to make attacks faster.</li><li>Ice Form (IIZ SLEN NUS): Encases enemies in a block of ice.</li><li>Dragon Call (OD AH VIING): Summon a dragon ally to assist the player.</li><li>Animal allegiance (RAAN MIR TAH): Summon beasts to help players in combat.</li><li>Become Ethereal (FEIM ZI GRON): Makes the player immune to damage but also, unable to attack.</li><li>Frost Breath (FO KRAH DIIN): Cold ice damage breath.</li><li>Throw Voice (ZUL MEY GUT): Make enemies think the player is somewhere else allowing them to regain stealth.</li><li>Disarm (ZUN HAAL VIIK): Disarms enemies.</li><li>Clear Skies (LOK VAH KOOR): Clears skies.</li><li>Call of Valor (HUN KAAR ZOOL): Summons heroes to help players in combat.</li><li>Dragonrend (JOOR ZAH FRUL): Forces the dragon to land.</li><li>Marked for Death (KRII LUN AUS): Damage max health and stamina of target.</li><li>Aura Whisper (LAAS YA NIR): Detect life.</li><li>Kyne's Peace (KAAN DREM OV): Creature(s) lose the will to fight or flee.</li><li>Dismaying Shout (FAAS RU MAAR): Enemies flee from the player.</li><li>Bend Will (GOL HAH DOV): Purges All-Maker stones, makes people allies, taming and riding dragons.</li><li>Battle Fury (MID VUR SHAAN):</li><li>Cyclone (VEN GAAR NOS): Send a cyclone in an upward motion towards enemies.</li><li>Dragon Aspect (MUL QAH DIIV): Using ethreal dragon armor for a period of time.</li><li>Drain Vitality (GAAN LAH HAAS):</li><li>Soul Tear (RII VAAZ ZOL): Rips out an enemy's soul.</li><li>Summon Durnehviir (DUR NEH VIIR): Summons the undead dragon, Durnehviir for a temporary period. Although both the "Dragon Call" shout (OD AH VIING) and this shout summon a dragon, Durnehviir counts as a conjured creature, such as a Flame Thrall.</li></ul><h3>Character Progression</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1717366" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1717366"><img alt="New UI system for perks" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="New UI system for perks" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1717366-skillsmenu_wlegal.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>New UI system for perks</figcaption></figure><p>The class system and leveling arc has been modified to avoid locking players into a particular mold early on. Like previous Elder Scroll games, players become more proficient with a skill by simply using it more often. But this time, the major/minor skill classification has been dropped in favor of a more flexible system. Each level increase allows the player to improve their health, magicka, or stamina.</p><p>Leveling is affected by all skills. The higher the skill, the more it contributes to leveling. Raising a certain skill from 30 to 31 can level up a character faster than raising another from 10 to 11, for example. As a result, players can still specialize in any of the 18 available skills and continue leveling at a good pace. Every skill can be raised up to 100. The game doesn't have a level cap, but the progression is designed on a 1 to 50 level curve (as opposed to the 1-25 curve in Oblivion). The aim of the longer curve is to give players more choice and support more divergent archetypes as they progress.</p><p>With the 1.9 Skyrim Update, a new feature called Legendary Skills was released, which lets the Dovahkiin make Skills "Legendary". This will reset the skills to 15, reset all perks, and refund the perk points, which allows the skill to affect leveling again. This removes the overall level cap, which allows almost infinite levels up.</p><h3>Perks</h3><p>Like Fallout 3, players also get the choice of a <a href="/perks/3015-366/" data-ref-id="3015-366">perk</a> on each level up. These perks are special power-ups tied to the skill system and allow mastery of abilities, weapons etc. Some perks have tiered levels, allowing players to choose them again, usually with added bonuses. The game contains 280 perks (including multiple levels of the same perk) that bolster corresponding skills in drastic manners.</p><h2>Character Creation</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-1703364" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg" data-ratio="0.6795523906409" data-width="983" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 983px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:68.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1703364"><img alt="Character models have been redone to improve facial structure and animation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg 983w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Character models have been redone to improve facial structure and animation" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg 983w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/8/80045/1703364-content14091_136_0_1297163320.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Character models have been redone to improve facial structure and animation</figcaption></figure><p>Character creation has been expanded to offer more variety. <a href="/beard/3055-304/" data-ref-id="3055-304">Beards</a> and different body types are now present, although facial customization has more limitations. There are no longer hundreds of sliders, but rather in-place presets that can be tweaked to certain limits. This allows Bethesda to make higher quality textures and models at the cost of fewer customization options.</p><p>Skyrim is a <a href="/classes/3015-405/" data-ref-id="3015-405">class</a>-less RPG and players begin the game by simply picking their race, gender and appearance and deciding on the remaining attributes, skills, perks etc. as they level up.</p><h3><b>Races</b></h3><p>As in the previous main Elder Scrolls installments, Skyrim features ten playable races:</p><table><thead><tr><th>Race</th><th>Home Province</th><th>Resistances/Powers</th><th>Skill Bonueses</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/high-elves/3015-3914/" data-ref-id="3015-3914">Altmer</a><br />(High Elves)</td><td><a href="/summerset-isle/3035-301/" data-ref-id="3035-301">Summerset Isle</a></td><td><ul><li>+50 Magicka</li><li>Highborn: Tenfold magicka regeneration for 60 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Illusion</li><li>+5 Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction, Enchanting, Restoration</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/argonian/3015-953/" data-ref-id="3015-953">Argonian</a></td><td><a href="/black-marsh/3035-296/" data-ref-id="3035-296">Black Marsh</a></td><td><ul><li>Resist Disease 50%</li><li>Waterbreathing</li><li>Histskin: Tenfold health regeneration for 60 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Lockpicking</li><li>+5 Alteration, Light Armor, Pickpocket, Restoration, Sneak</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/wood-elves/3015-3915/" data-ref-id="3015-3915">Bosmer</a><br />(Wood Elves)</td><td><a href="/valenwood/3035-681/" data-ref-id="3035-681">Valenwood</a></td><td><ul><li>Resist Poison 50%</li><li>Resist Disease 50%</li><li>Command Animal: Force an animal to be an ally for 60 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Archery</li><li>+5 Alchemy, Light Armor, Lockpicking, Pickpocket, Sneak</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/breton/3015-1120/" data-ref-id="3015-1120">Breton</a></td><td><a href="/high-rock/3035-682/" data-ref-id="3035-682">High Rock</a></td><td><ul><li>Resist Magic 25%</li><li>Dragonskin - Absorb 50% of the magicka from hostile spells for 60 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Conjuration</li><li>+5 Alchemy, Alteration, Illusion, Restoration, Speech</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/dark-elves/3015-2088/" data-ref-id="3015-2088">Dunmer</a><br />(Dark Elves)</td><td><a href="/morrowind/3035-514/" data-ref-id="3035-514">Morrowind</a></td><td><ul><li>Resist Fire 50%</li><li>Ancestor's Wrath: Cover self in fire for 60 secs, causing fire damage per second to nearby enemies</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Destruction</li><li>+5 Alchemy, Alteration, Illusion, Light Armor, Sneak</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/imperial/3015-1121/" data-ref-id="3015-1121">Imperial</a></td><td><a href="/cyrodiil/3035-127/" data-ref-id="3035-127">Cyrodiil</a></td><td><ul><li>Imperial Luck</li><li>Voice of the Emperor: Charm nearby people for 60 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Restoration</li><li>+5 Block, Destruction, Enchanting, Heavy Armor, One-handed</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/khajiit/3015-294/" data-ref-id="3015-294">Khajiit</a></td><td><a href="/elsweyr/3035-295/" data-ref-id="3035-295">Elsweyr</a></td><td><ul><li>Claw Attacks</li><li>Night Eye: Improved night vision for 60 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Sneak</li><li>+5 Alchemy, Archery, Lockpicking, Pickpocket, One-handed</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/nord/3015-1015/" data-ref-id="3015-1015">Nord</a></td><td><a href="/skyrim/3035-684/" data-ref-id="3035-684">Skyrim</a></td><td><ul><li>Resist Frost 50%</li><li>Battlecry: Cause target to flee for 30 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Two-handed</li><li>+5 Block, Light Armor, One-handed, Smithing, Speech</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/orsimer/3015-2779/" data-ref-id="3015-2779">Orsimer</a><br />(Orc)</td><td>Orsinium</td><td><ul><li>Berserk: Deal double damage, while taking half for 60 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 Heavy Armor</li><li>+5 Block, Enchanting, One-handed, Smithing, Two-handed</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/redguard/3015-1107/" data-ref-id="3015-1107">Redguard</a></td><td><a href="/hammerfell/3035-683/" data-ref-id="3035-683">Hammerfell</a></td><td><ul><li>Resist Poison 50%</li><li>Adrenaline Rush - Tenfold stamina regeneration for 60 secs</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>+10 One-handed</li><li>+5 Alteration, Archery, Block, Destruction, Smithing</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p><i>*All racial powers are available only once per day, with the exception of the Khajiit ability Night Eye, which can be cast over and over again without delay.</i></p><h2>Sound</h2><h3>Voicework</h3><p>The sounds for the dragon shouts were created by applying reverberation to a recorded voice. A unique voice-actor was used for each race and gender's dragon shout. Bethesda hired over 70 voice actors to record the game's 60,000 plus lines of dialogues, some of them being famous actors and actresses including <a href="/max-von-sydow/3040-99343/" data-ref-id="3040-99343">Max Von Sydow</a>, <a href="/christopher-plummer/3040-101042/" data-ref-id="3040-101042">Christopher Plummer</a>, <a href="/joan-allen/3040-101043/" data-ref-id="3040-101043">Joan Allen</a> and <a href="/lynda-carter/3040-57217/" data-ref-id="3040-57217">Lynda Carter</a>.</p><h3>Soundtrack</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-ref-id="1300-2018577" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg" data-ratio="0.31328125" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:31.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2018577"><img alt="Skyrim's 4-disc OST" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Skyrim's 4-disc OST" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg 1280w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/2018577-skyrimmusicsetgatefoldinside.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Skyrim's 4-disc OST</figcaption></figure><p>Skyrim's music is composed by series veteran, <a href="../../jeremy-soule/72-17632/" rel="nofollow ">Jeremy Soule</a>. Todd Howard's idea for the score was "The Elder Scrolls theme, but sung by a barbarian choir". A developer diary by sound engineer <a href="../../mark-lampert/72-90562/" rel="nofollow ">Mark Lampert</a> <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/01/14/the-sounds-of-skyrim.aspx" rel="nofollow ">revealed</a> that Skyrim's resultant main theme (called "Sons of Skyrim") picks various elements from past themes like Nerevar Rising (Morrowind) and Reign of the Septims (Oblivion), with a Nordic choir layered on top to give it the heavier and more brutal sound Howard required. The music also makes heavy use of drums and chanting to distinguish itself from previous iterations. For the choir, Bethesda recorded about 30 people multiple times and then synced them in post-processing to create the final effect of a 90+ choir.</p><p>The final soundtrack will be released on a massive four-disc set, available initially through Soule's own Directsong service and eventually on iTunes as well.</p><h2>Announcement</h2><p>On December 11, 2010, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was announced during the <a href="../../spike-video-game-awards-2010/92-6348/" rel="nofollow ">Spike TV Video Game Awards</a>. Todd Howard took the stage during the awards show to show a teaser trailer that referenced Oblivion's ending. The trailer was narrated by Swedish veteran actor Max Von Sydow.</p><p>Transcript for the teaser:</p><blockquote><p>You should have acted.</p><p>They're already here.</p><p>The Elder Scrolls told of their return.</p><p>Their defeat was merely a delay.</p><p>Till the time after Oblivion opened.</p><p>When the sons of Skyrim would spill their own blood.</p><p>But no-one wanted to believe.</p><p>Believe they even existed.</p><p>And when the truth finally dawns, it dawns in fire.</p><p>But.</p><p>There's one they fear.</p><p>In their tongue, he's Dovahkiin: Dragonborn!</p></blockquote><h2><b>Release</b></h2><h3>Pre-order Bonus</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-ref-id="1300-1821393" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg" data-ratio="0.41916666666667" data-width="1200" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1200px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:41.9%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1821393"><img alt="Pre-order bonus: Premium map" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg 1200w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Pre-order bonus: Premium map" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg 1200w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3661/1821393-3d_skyrim_wmap_v51.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Pre-order bonus: Premium map</figcaption></figure><p>Players who pre-ordered the game received a premium map with their copies of Skyrim at no extra cost. All regular copies of the game include a paper map.</p><h3>Collector's Edition</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-ref-id="1300-1856062" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg" data-ratio="0.77375" data-width="1600" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1600px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:77.4%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1856062"><img alt="Collector's Edition" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg 1600w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Collector's Edition" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg 1600w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/3661/1856062-skyrim_ce_items_x360.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Collector's Edition</figcaption></figure><p>The collector's edition contained the following bonuses:</p><ul><li>Alduin Statue: A 12 inch PVC model of the game's antagonist Alduin, The World Eater</li><li>The Art of Skyrim: A 200 page coffee table book featuring the game's art.</li><li>Making of Skyrim DVD: A behind-the-scenes look at the game's development with exclusive interviews.</li></ul><h2>Post-Launch Support</h2><p>Similar to previous Bethesda releases, Skyrim launched with a number of bugs affecting all three platforms. Bethesda has since begun the process of releasing patches to fix such issues. However, while Patch 1.2 fixed issues such as a bug in the Xbox 360 version that prevented high resolution textures from loading when the game was installed, it also caused problems of its own. The patch broke all magic resistances, rendering them null. Dragons populating the game world would also sometimes fly backwards. Bethesda plans to fix these new problems and other issues in upcoming patches. Another bug that Bethesda is currently attempting to fix that is specific to the PS3 version affects the game's framerate. The longer the player plays the game and the larger the save file becomes, the more likely it is for the player to experience significant framerate drops.</p><p>Bethesda also plans to release the official SDK, the Creation Kit, for mod development in January, 2012. The Creation Kit will use Steam Workshop, so users can pick and download mods directly from their Steam interface. The Creation Kit was released in February, 2012, one month later than expected.</p><h2>Reception</h2><p>The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most universally acclaimed games of this generation. It achieved both critical and commercial success.</p><p>Skyrim has an average score of 96/100 on Metacritic (Xbox 360 version). Beyond the high score reviews, Skyrim was awarded 2011 Game Of The Year by multiple renowned publications, such as 1UP, Game Informer, Gamespot and our own Giant Bomb.</p><p>Skyrim sales number were also through the roof, with 7 million copies shipped worldwide on the 1st week, and more than 10 million by the end of 2011. <a href="/valve-corporation/3010-1374/" data-ref-id="3010-1374">Valve</a> also announced that Skyrim was the fastest selling game to date on their <a href="/steam/3015-718/" data-ref-id="3015-718">Steam</a> platform.</p><h2>DLC</h2><p>Bethesda announced that they would be developing DLC for Skyrim before the gam was released. It entered into a contract with Microsoft for three timed exclusives, meaning three DLCs would first be released on Xbox 360 and made available for other platforms later. Bethesda indicated that their DLC would have more substance like later releases for Oblivion and Fallout 3, though smaller DLC would still appear in between larger ones. Possible features of future DLC were teased in a video entitled "Skyrim Jam", some of which have already made it into DLC such as Vampire Lords and house construction.</p><p>Notably, none of the DLC released so far have been made available for the PS3. When Dawnguard was released, Bethesda announced that they were unable to get it to work with Skyrim and said they were working with SCEA to get it working. The same issue came up with Hearthfire, which has yet to be released for PS3 either. As of November, Bethesda has still been unable to get the DLC working for PS3 users.</p><h3>Dawnguard</h3><p>Speculation on the first DLC began shortly after the release of patch Patch 1.5.26 in April, which contained references to new animations and other content prefixed with "DLC01_". Bethesda formally announced Dawnguard in May 2012 with the release of a trailer. It was released on June 26th for the Xbox 360 for 1600 MS points, and later for the PC on August 2nd through Steam for $19.99. Called Dawnguard, the expansion pack comes with new gameplay features, locations, and content. The plot introduces a vampire lord named Harkon, who seeks to "end the tyranny of the sun" (referring to the weaknesses that vampires have while in the sunlight). A group of vampire hunters, called the Dawnguard set out to stop him. The player can choose which faction to support, with both routes open to vampires and vampire hunters.</p><figure data-align="right" data-size="large" data-ref-id="1300-2282890" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/7/76708/2282890-Skyrim-Dawnguard-beta-testers-talk-vampires.jpg" data-ratio="0.55" data-width="600" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 600px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:55.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/7/76708/2282890-Skyrim-Dawnguard-beta-testers-talk-vampires.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2282890"><img alt="Vampire Perk Tree" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-width="600" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/7/76708/2282890-Skyrim-Dawnguard-beta-testers-talk-vampires.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/7/76708/2282890-Skyrim-Dawnguard-beta-testers-talk-vampires.jpg 600w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/7/76708/2282890-Skyrim-Dawnguard-beta-testers-talk-vampires.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Vampire Perk Tree" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/7/76708/2282890-Skyrim-Dawnguard-beta-testers-talk-vampires.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/7/76708/2282890-Skyrim-Dawnguard-beta-testers-talk-vampires.jpg 600w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/7/76708/2282890-Skyrim-Dawnguard-beta-testers-talk-vampires.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-width="600"></noscript></a><figcaption>Vampire Perk Tree</figcaption></figure><p>The player has the option to become a vampire lord him/herself, or remain a werewolf. Each path has it's own unique skill trees and abilities, which one levels up by slaying enemies while in their respective forms. The expansion introduces Dragonbone weapons, which are stronger than their daedric counterparts, arrow crafting, and crossbows for the player to use. Horse-mounted combat is also featured in this add-on, as well as new dragon shouts, weapons, and armor for the player.</p><p>The add-on introduces a new type of dragon, known as legendary dragons, which far surpass the skill of the previous highest level of dragon (elder dragons).</p><p>The main quest takes the player to some new locations in Skyrim, and reveals more about the mysterious past of the race known as the Falmer. The story also gives further meaning and explanation to the Elder Scrolls, their purpose, their origin, and what makes them so special, and above all, dangerous.</p><p>The add-on introduces a new member of the Thieves Guild, who can be found in the Ragged Flagon, who will change the player's appearance for a mere 1000 gold.</p><h3>Hearthfire</h3><p>Hearthfire was released on September 4, 2012 for the Xbox 360, priced at 400 MS points, and on October 4th, 2012 on PC through Steam for $4.99. Hearthfire is a small DLC, allowing the player to involve themselves in the construction of three possible homes by gathering the necessary supplies. Once built, the house can be expanded with three possible wings. The player can hire NPCs to carry out duties in their new house and also receive a Housecarl from the Jarl of the hold they constructed their home in. Hearthfire also makes it possible to adopt children in the game, who can be housed in any of the new homes as well as the existing ones in Skyrim. Small radiant quests are also added, giving the player tasks such as defending their home from a bandit raid or giant attack.</p><h3>Dragonborn</h3><p>Like with Dawnguard, speculation for the third DLC began with the release of Patch 1.8 for beta testing on October 24th. The patch contained references to new locations, animations, and armors prefixed with "DLC02". On November 4th, Bethesda announced the DLC with the release of a trailer, with a release date of December 4th for the Xbox 360 priced at 1600 MS points. Like with Dawnguard and Hearthfire, Dragonborn is a timed exclusive. Bethesda has not commented on the features of Dragonborn directly, but the trailer indicates the player will travel to the island Solstheim which was previously featured in the Morrowind expansion, Bloodmoon. The island will contain new locations, including refugee sites set up by Dunmer after the eruption of the Red Mountain, and see the return of Rieklings, a common enemy from Bloodmoon. The main quest will concern itself with Miraak on the island who is described as the "first" Dragonborn.</p><h2>English to Dragon Language Converter</h2><p>Using the English alphabet as a common language its possible to translate common English words into their Dragon equivalent.</p><p>For a full list see the following Giant Bomb guide table (link) which outlines the English to Dragon conversions.</p><h2>PC System Requirements</h2><p><b><strong>Minimum System </strong>Requirements</b></p><ul><li>Windows 7/Vista/XP PC (32 or 64 bit)</li><li>Processor: Dual Core 2.0GHz or equivalent processor</li><li>2GB System RAM</li><li>6GB free HDD Space</li><li>Direct X 9 compliant video card with 512 MB of RAM</li><li>DirectX compatible sound card</li><li>Internet access for Steam activation</li></ul><p><b><strong>Recommended System Requirements</strong></b></p><ul><li>Windows 7/Vista/XP PC (32 or 64 bit)</li><li>Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD CPU</li><li>4GB System RAM</li><li>6GB free HDD space</li><li>DirectX 9 compatible NVIDIA or AMD ATI video card with 1GB of RAM (Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 or higher; ATI Radeon 4890 or higher).</li><li>DirectX compatible sound card</li><li>Internet access for Steam activation</li></ul><h2>External Links</h2><ul><li><a href="http://www.elderscrolls.com/" rel="nofollow ">Official Website</a></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/ElderScrolls" rel="nofollow ">Official Twitter account</a></li></ul>

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SMT5
SMTV
Shin Megami Tensei 5
Shin Megami Tensei: Brand New Title

For the 25th anniversary of the Shin Megami Tensei series, Shin Megami Tensei V was revealed (after being previously announced as SMT HD Project) for release on Nintendo Switch, running on Unreal Engine 4.

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A side-scrolling shooter where an angel called Wor must defeat "The Destroyer." Known as Gynoug outside of North America.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Wings of Wor (or Gynoug as it was known outside of North America) is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up with an in-depth power-up system that also includes one-shot spells of both offensive and defensive natures. It was developed and published by Masaya exclusively for the Sega Mega Drive, with the localized versions published by Sega (Europe) and Dreamworks (North America).</p><p>The game has a very distinct art style compared to other games in the genre opting for a more twisted, biological look instead of the standard spaceships and aliens, some of the enemies being huge bony creatures with extending necks and various other semi-mechanical creatures in the vein of <a href="/h-r-giger/3040-1140/" data-ref-id="3040-1140">H. R. Giger</a>. There are six stages ranging from caves and Gothic church-like structures to completely mechanical and twisted tunnels seemingly inside the body of some creature. The game relies heavily on browns and greys in its colour palette to create its mood.</p><p>The protagonist is an angel called Wor with feathered wings, his standard attack being a three-way spread shot. The three types of shot available to use include concentrated fire, a triangular fire and a dual shot able to fire both in front and behind.</p><p>Wor fights a mid-level boss and an end of level boss at the end of each of the game's levels, There are no save points and players continued from the point they died if lives were remaining, and from the start of the stage if they lost all lives. </p>

The Jeff Gerstmann Home Game: Eternal Champions, ToeJam & Earl, Wings of Wor & More