Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Dragonborn (Skyrim DLC)


Well it looks like we just can’t get enough of “Skyrim” because players are going back for more in the new DLC “Dragonborn,” but this time around players will be leaving the shores of “Skyrim” and heading off to a new land waiting to be explored. The story starts as players set out with their favorite dragonborn character, minding your own business, when a group of strange cult members appears before you and attacks you in the name of the original dragonborn. Yes, that’s right, the original dragonborn is coming back to the land of the living and he doesn’t like the idea of anyone else proclaiming the name of dragonborn and that means you. After players encounter with the cultists, you are left with a letter telling players they came from the land of ”Solstheim” where the new story takes place; and boy, are players in for a treat. The new area of “Solstheim” gives players a feeling that they had when they first set out across ”Skyrim,” slaying dragons and exploring new locations, the massive island comes with ever changing scenery and getting around will zap quite a bit of your time. The expansion's size aside, don't expect the gameplay to feel too different from what's already been seen; but hey, why would you want it to? The main quest involved dungeon-diving almost immediately after rolling onto the shores of “Slostheim,” and not exploring the frontier, but luckily the beauty of “Skyrim” is there are no set paths and players can set out and explore if they wish. And fortunately, there are a plenty of side quests that will take you all over the island, and these are so easily stumbled upon, much like the regular game world. Perhaps one of the most appealing new attributes to the latest DLC is the ability to fly dragons, yes you heard me, players can now take to the skies and control the power of dragons; and boy is it a lot more fun than riding on horseback. Alongside this, players are introduced to a new shout, Dragon Aspect, which gives you the power of a dragon and looks pretty cool once you switch it on too, with this shout enemies and bosses alike will be child’s play against you.

“Dragonborn” brings with it a main quest that is quite lengthy, lasting roughly five hours depending on your pace and if one complaint could be made it would be the twenty dollar price tag that may have you feeling a little ripped off. But the size of the landscape, the amount of new weapons and shouts to score, and the fact that it’s almost impossible to not happen upon a laundry list of optional side quests makes “Dragonborn” a meaty and very worthwhile expansion to the main game. Essentially, the DLC brings with it the enjoyment of “Skyrim”, and the new loot and abilities will absolutely overpower your characters for the return trip back to the mainland. However, if you feel as though you’ve seen everything that “Skyrim” had to offer, then it’s time to download this “Dragonborn” and let your friends know that any plans you have with them are off.

(Game Reviewed on Xbox 360)





Good:
-New shouts, loot, plenty of side quests and a highly enjoyable main quest
-Flying dragons, how cool is that, I mean that’s just awesome
-Whole new area to explore

Bad:
-Twenty dollar price tag

Scully Rating: 9.0 out of 10