TES V: SkyrimThe High King of Skyrim has been murdered, triggering a civil war among the province's people, the Nords. Many Nords wish to secede from the empire, which has been declining in power since the fall of the Septim Dynasty 200 years earlier, while others believe the empire is still worth preserving. A prophecy foretold by the Elder Scrolls is fully realized by this last event; dragons have returned to the land, and the Nordic god Alduin rises to consume the world. The player character is the last of the "Dovahkiin" (or "dragonborn"), who were dragon hunters. Esbern serves as advisor, himself one of the last of the Blades, who swore to preserve the Empire. This prophecy is also spelled out on Alduin's Wall, a stone wall at Sky Haven Temple, the secret hidden refuge of the last of the Blades.
Five large cities, comparatively larger than those in Oblivion, are available to explore (and to be attacked from above by dragons), along with a wider variety of caves and subterranean areas. Fast-traveling to locations already discovered has returned. Cooking, farming, wood-cutting, and mining, in addition to weapon-smithing, can be done in different towns.
The 130 dungeons in the game were created by a team of eight, whereas Oblivion's dungeons were all created by one designer.
Upon a giant mountain, the Throat of the World houses the home of the Greybeards, High Hrothgar, at the head of 7,000 steps.
Mounts have been confirmed as something the team is looking into. Hostile creatures include mammoths, giant spiders, elk, trolls, ice wraiths, zombies, sabre-toothed cats, giants, wolves, skeletons and dragons. Children are also featured in the game.
"Dynamic shadows" will be used and snow will fall and accumulate dynamically. Plants will move more believably with the wind, and the water in the game will actually flow along a course.
The faces of NPCs have been extensively overhauled and will show distinct differences between races and more varied emotional expressions.
Screenshots
A dragon awaits the perfect moment to attack.
Sneaking up to hunt a deer.
A giant wades through the forest with his king sized hammer.
Magic
and a sword? Perfect combination to take on this Troll!
Works great against wolves, too.
Assassination will never be the same again.
Accustomed to the forest, this Orc is ready for a battle.
This Khajiit is ready to fire at anything that crosses his path.
