Monolith
The Progeny of Vikings
Having played so many fantasy games and read so many books of the genre over the years, I have found myself comparing the various realms that act as tapestries for the storytelling. While the Elder Scroll Universe is rich in detail and history, I feel there is that elusive something missing from it; small inconsistencies (which are, to be fair, found in all fantasy settings by definition) and shortcomings which keep it from occupying the top of my list. It's a great setting, but it falls short of being truly inspired & brilliant. The moments when I find myself fully immersed in the world of Tamriel because of what it offers are few and far between. For me, Skyrim and Oblivion create immersion through music and aesthetics, but I don't feel the three-dimensional reality.
For me, the best fantasy realm is (and probably always will be) Tolkien's Middle-earth. There is something elegant and very real about it. It's one of the few fantasy worlds that has ever really sucked me in. I also like the Forgotten Realms, which probably comes in at second place. I wasn't that familiar with it until I played the Baldur's Gate games, but ever since I did, I have loved it. Then there are other fantasy universes that I find unapproachable and off-putting for some reason, such as the one in Dragon Age. I can't explain why, there was something fundamental missing from that particular world and it left me quite disappointed.
It would be awesome to see a Skyrim-esque game set in the Forgotten Realms or Middle-earth! What are your thoughts on this? Do you have a favorite fantasy setting?
For me, the best fantasy realm is (and probably always will be) Tolkien's Middle-earth. There is something elegant and very real about it. It's one of the few fantasy worlds that has ever really sucked me in. I also like the Forgotten Realms, which probably comes in at second place. I wasn't that familiar with it until I played the Baldur's Gate games, but ever since I did, I have loved it. Then there are other fantasy universes that I find unapproachable and off-putting for some reason, such as the one in Dragon Age. I can't explain why, there was something fundamental missing from that particular world and it left me quite disappointed.
It would be awesome to see a Skyrim-esque game set in the Forgotten Realms or Middle-earth! What are your thoughts on this? Do you have a favorite fantasy setting?