Starcraft 2 and The Elder Scrolls

I have played two computer games this year (not counting Freecell) and only then since I got myself a newer faster computer, The first was Starcraft 2. While I enjoyed playing it, it was far too short and I found out is really only the first part of a trilogy. For the amount the game costs it was hardly value for money in terms of total playing time. Yes the cut scenes were nice but the total number of actual missions was less that the 30 of the older generation of games. It is supposed to be the first part of the trilogy focusing in the humans. When I had finished the games, it didn't take all that long, I felt unfulfilled. It may be better when you play online with and against others but I don't generally play those kinds of games.

In stark contrast is Skyrim The Elder Scrolls. By comparison this game is huge and has managed to suck up most of my days between Christmas and New Year, including some sessions up to 2am and I don't think that I am even half way through. Yes I am most of the way through the main quest and most of the thieves quests but there are so many sub quests you can accept and take.

Unlike many other games of the genre it only has health, stamina and magicka as the basic attributes. Instead there are a large number of perks divided between magic and fighting style perks like one handed fighting, destruction spells and so on. The levels of these are independent (to some extent) of your game level and your attribute levels. I went with one handed sword, bow, sneaking and lock-picking as my main focus. I have snuck around most places and am now high enough to be able to shot someone with an arrow, wait and do it again. I was interested in the magic spells side but since the very first training lesson at the magic academy had a bug I went my own way with that. You can have a sword in one hand and a spell 'in' the other and strike with both (one at a time unless you have dual skills, which I don't as yet).

You can also have a shout of power ready to use. These are necessary for the main quest but you can pick up lots of them if you get the right clues. Each one has three levels and there are a lot of them, that is a lot times three destinations you can find each with its own mini quest associated with it.

If you like first person fantasy style games this has to be the best I have played, you can even get married if you like and to the same sex if you are that way inclined.

The graphics are excellent and the interaction of the characters is rich sometimes just talking to someone will give you a new quest or there is a multi fork conversation stream to work through.  

As far as value for money goes this one is a winner. It is addictive and can induce sleep loss but it is fun.