"; if(is_file("header.php")) include "header.php"; else include "../header.php"; ?>

OMG! I purchased Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind (GOTY Edition) in early May of 2004, looking for an adventure game to provide me with some escapism, and also wanting to have a game to test drive a brand new, high-end lap top on. It is now October, and I have been playing the same game ever since. I have only recently completed the last of "the major" quests in the game, and even now I am enjoying the process of finishing up the minor quests... and I'm finding little things I've missed along the way. From the beginning, I was captivated with the 3-D universe of the game, the graphics, and gameplay. The size of the navigable world presented in this game is titanic. I still have not traversed every path in this game, and I am absolutely certain that I will find new tombs, ruins, and more before I move on to a new game. There are mountainous regions to explore, wastelands, forested plains, coastal regions, underwater expanses, large cities, small towns, hamlets. And there alot of animals and creatures, from mudcrabs to vampires to Golden Saints, who don't like you roaming around on their turf! The storyline behind the main quest, which I will not give away, was simply great theatre. I was genuinely surprised by some of the extraordinarily creative twists and turns. The character creation process was very inventive, enjoyable, and gave me several options. The begining of the game contained a very informative, interactive tutorial, which was just right in size and explanation. The booklet that came with the game was great; it didn't answer all my questions, but then again, I'm glad it didn't. Things I discovered about the game on my own were revelations! Little things: The ability to create my own potions and magical objects was a lot of fun, and something unexpected going into the gameplay experience. When I figured out how to make an enchanted object, for example, I did what just about any RPG warrior would do: I created swords with terrible powers, and clothing that boosted my character's strength to Godlike status. But the best objects I created were those that helped me levitate over large mountains and navigate underwater without drowning. The abilities to create potions and magical objects might seem trivial, but what it does to the experience is magnificent... it gives a character freedom. It isn't scripted by a writer... the writers and programmers have given the person playing the game the ability to go where they want, do what they want, and make things they want. It's not always an A, B, or C choice. Often, the player creates the rest of the alphabet to choose from. Very very few downfalls to speak of, and perhaps they are only matters of taste. I wish there were a wider variety of creatures to battle against... and stronger ones toward the latter stages of the game. And there perhaps could have been a better melee combat interface... most of the time, I hacked and slashed using just one button and the mouse. But these things are truly minor. Compared to other games I've played in the past, this game is galactic in realm. Fun. Challenging, deep, beautiful. I have yet to attempt anything with the accompanying scenario creator, which I am anxious to try. Evidently, I have the ability to create my own world if I want to, and give it to others who have the game to try. I look forward to investigating it... as soon as I feel I am done with the Morrowind I am fet to complete, I will!