The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

UPC: 093155116702

Platform: Xbox

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Developer: Bethesda Softworks

Category: Role-Playing

Style(s): First-Person Action RPG

Synopsis: Originally developed for the PC, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is an open-ended RPG set in a fantasy realm populated by an assortment of species, races, and character classes. An unwilling passenger aboard a slave ship, the player arrives in the port of Seyda Neen with little more than a handful of coins and instructions to deliver a package to an Imperial officer in the distant city of Balmora. By answering questions posed at the beginning of the game, players are able to customize the race, sex, class, birth sign, and skill set of their character. A plethora of skills (both primary and secondary) and abilities allow players to create distinct characters, from a magically proficient thief to a stealthy, accomplished warrior. For the less creative, one of 21 predefined character classes can be chosen. Though primarily played from a first-person perspective, a third-person view is also available. The continued use of specific skills will see them improve over time. Excessive use of particular attributes can lead to exponential rises in ability points. Additionally, when a character rises in level, points are awarded that can be assigned to core attributes, such as strength or intelligence. Certain non-playable characters will also train characters to increase specific attributes...for a price. Though Morrowind provides a main storyline for players to follow, exploration is encouraged, effectively allowing players to do as they wish. Side-quests, which range from finding items to learning spells to assassinating someone, can be performed at the player's whim on behalf of various factions or guilds. More often than not, there are multiple ways to attain a desired result. Player can be good or bad in their deeds, though needlessly killing people will result in the disposition of those around you changing for the worse. This in turn can lead to higher prices for goods or may hurt one's chances in obtaining vital information from people who would otherwise be more forthcoming. As with a character's actions, being a member of a specific faction will affect the attitudes of those around you -- members of a certain cult may be welcomed in one town and shunned in another, and naturally, the various factions have dispositions toward one another as well. Battles take place in real-time, allowing players to attack with whatever weapon or spell they have at their disposal. Of course proficiency with, and the attributes of a specific weapon or magic ability factor into the character's effectiveness in battle. While the Xbox version of the game lacks the character, quest, and environment construction set found within the PC game, it retains the ability to save anywhere, allowing players to jump in and out of the game as desired. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide

Package Contents: Map

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

The color manual crams a lot of information in its 50-plus pages while still being easy to read, but there isn't much detail in the types of creatures found in the game or the items you'll encounter. A map is also included. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Considering the enormous scope of the game, the graphics are impressive. All of the characters look great and the weather and lighting effects are particularly noteworthy. There is some pop-up and slowdown, however, which detract from the overall experience. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

One of the most involving role-playing games yet released on a console system, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is a stellar port of the PC original, offering well over 100 hours of absorbing play for those who appreciate the idea of carefully evolving a character in specific areas rather than following a scripted storyline. As in Daggerfall before it, Morrowind's greatest strength is the ability to go anywhere at any time, something not generally found in console RPGs, where linear, often cinematic storytelling is emphasized over the freedom to shape the world based on one's actions and deeds. From a technical standpoint, there are some rough edges in the Xbox translation. The resolution is not as crisp as on a higher-end PC, and there are some noticeable problems in the areas of frame rate and scenery draw-in, where distant mountains, trees, and surrounding elements gradually materialize into view as you walk forward. This is minimized somewhat by a liberal use of atmospheric effects such as fog, rain, and even sandstorms, which are believable in the context of where you are exploring. Yet being able to play the game on a television set for less than the cost of upgrading to a top-of-the-line 3D graphics card makes the visual shortcomings more acceptable. Nearly everything from the PC version has made it to the Xbox game, with the lone exception being the editor allowing players to add new quests, items, and scenarios. Players begin by choosing one of ten distinct races before deciding on a class or letting the game assign one to them based on their answers to a series of ethical or morality questions. From this point on, you may continue with the main story arc, which is to meet with a specific person in another town, or go wherever you want. Other quests will be available from the people you talk to, especially when visiting the local guilds or arenas. Conversation is an important part of the game, and it is not surprising this feature is more involved than most other role-playing titles. Talking to people reveals a disposition rating toward the player (a numerical rating from zero to 100), which influences how others perceive you. Perform a specific task for a particular character and he or she may be extremely friendly, especially if you are of the same race, class, or a member of the same guild. This leads to more topics being displayed, additional quests becoming available, or different services being offered. While players can try to persuade a character to increase the disposition rating, a failed attempt will reduce it. Keep pestering a character by asking the same questions or using insincere flattery, and he or she may refuse to talk to you or withdraw services altogether. The 3D world is generally excellent considering the scope of the game, with bubbling bogs and swamps, majestic trees, foreboding caves, and towering castles. Players can collect herbs from plants or near trees (some fungi will glow in the dark at night) to sell at a local merchant, dive for pearls off the coastline, or visit a nearby library to learn more about the government and its people. The economy system is extremely well thought out, and it is entirely possible to have fun simply acquiring goods (legitimately or illegitimately) and then haggling with a potential buyer in another city to earn some cash. Money is extremely hard to come by in this game, so mercantile skills are nearly as valuable as abilities in combat. Even if you manage to acquire something of some value, most of the vendors won't be able to afford it (none of the shopkeepers have unlimited resources to acquire everything you're selling). This can definitely be a source of frustration, but it helps contribute to the sense of realism and makes you appreciate trying to make a living in this relatively harsh world. Of course, players can attempt to barter their items for other items or even steal from the merchant based on their ratings in certain abilities. The penalty for getting caught is being thrown in the slammer, though, which erodes one or more of your precious skills. Combat is merely okay. The act of swinging repeatedly at an enemy while your axe, sword, or crossbow consistently misses its target (even when you are right on top of it) is rather comical and more than a bit tedious. Things improve as you become adept at a skill with a particular weapon or in using magic, but you can't use a targeting or lock-on feature to isolate a head, limb, or torso while in combat. The strategy of battle boils down to hacking away at a creature until it's dead, which may not appeal to turn-based fans who would normally have many more options. The frame rate can also take a turn for the worse during combat when there are multiple beasties attacking at once. Much more can be said about this game, its characters, monsters, political climate, and so forth, but the bottom line is the more time you invest in the game, the more engaging it becomes. You are free to make your mark in this vast world as you see fit, building a reputation as a hero or a rapscallion, as a leader or as a toad. Those wanting a more emotional journey filled with a strong, pervasive plot will likely be disappointed -- possibly overwhelmed -- by the sheer number of decisions available that do not pertain to the overall quest. Yet Morrowind is a dream come true for those who didn't think it was possible for a console title to approach the level of depth found in a PC role-playing game. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

One of the few role-playing games that plays differently depending on the choices you make, Morrowind can be revisited with new characters and races to experience life as a different class or member of another guild. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

The first time you hear a thunderstorm you will jump in your seat. The crackling roar of thunder is captured perfectly, along with the steady drizzle of rain, and the atmospheric sound makes you believe you are in a living, breathing world. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

While combat could be a little more smoother, the game can be enjoyed on many different levels. Some may have fun just living their life as a thief, while others may want to practice being an assassin. You could even have fun being a merchant. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.