There’s been a lot of discussion about Skyrim being ported to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The original Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released on last generation consoles, as well as PC. By now, we’ve experienced the game many times over. There’s so many builds and abilities, not to mention missions, that it’s almost impossible to play the game the same way twice. You can join a faction, become a thief or a warrior, purchase houses, build reputation with the locals, and so much more. The big question that many are wondering is if it’s worth buying on the PlayStation 4 and XBox One.
The answer is yes. Skyrim has had new life breathed into it, and we’re looking at more than just a graphics update. There was much controversy when Bethesda originally revealed that they were wanting to bring the game to current generation consoles. Why not just buy it on PC? Why pay for the same game twice? What’s so different that it warrants a $60 purchase? While there are multiple answers that will support the purchase, perhaps the most popular is the addition of mods.
Here are 11 easy ways to level in #Skyrim : https://t.co/a1BiNWvkUd pic.twitter.com/NcQPYV1bUp
— IGN (@IGN) November 5, 2016
In a report by Eurogamer , you can take a look at the base game’s visual additions and content . Of course, let’s not pretend that Bethesda isn’t without its usual glitches and hiccups. Visuals are arguably better, frame rates appear to be more consistent, and filters are appropriate (minus the annoying yellow god rays at certain times). However, these don’t stand anywhere as close as the mods that can be installed in the game.
Want to decrease the cooldown of Shouts in the game? There’s a mod for it. Want to have an unlimited amount of transformation time, allowing for more vampire or werewolf shenanigans? Bethesda’s mods have you covered. Want to become a god character and steamroll through the game? They have that, too. Some would argue that you’re playing the same game, but additions like conversation and NPC behavior mods can change how you view your experience.
Skyrim is by no means perfect. A report by Gotta Be Mobile documents the visual and audio bugs that can occur in game. Bethesda is most likely looking to patch these things out with a swift turnaround, but the fact remains that installments in the Elder Scrolls series are known for technical and in-game hardships.
Completed Skyrim? I mean, we doubt it, but here’s a wishlist of amazing story mods you should get hyped for. https://t.co/hZqoIpJ7Bf pic.twitter.com/oHvlgDuTHI
— GamesRadar+ (@GamesRadar) November 5, 2016
Still, Skyrim delivers on all fronts with its new approach to changing the way that players can view or conduct themselves in the game. Even beyond mods, you’re looking at the Skyrim base game and all of the DLC being included. That’s multiple hours of additional fun. Updates are available on a regular basis for mods, though it’s fairly obvious that what PlayStation 4 users are getting won’t hold a candle to PC version.
While creators can only work with what’s in-game for consoles, PC users have more than twice the number of available mods that have been programmed in. Dragon shouts can be turned into audible yells from Macho Man Randy Savage, lightsabers sound and look like true Star Wars DLC, and there are even PC mods that allow a character to fly or gain an ability that would otherwise not be available. Players shouldn’t hold their breath for these types of additions to hit consoles any time soon, but there’s still plenty to add for a like-new session of slaying dragons and fetching NPC treasure.
All in all, Skyrim: Special Edition is a worthy purchase. Ports like this happen on the regular, and it’s convenient for those who haven’t played the game yet. Whether you’re starting your adventure for the first time or returning to the land of dragons and thieves, Skyrim is a new experience if you’re willing to look at it from the right perspective.
[Featured Image By Bethesda]
