The Elder Scrolls franchise stands out for numerous reasons, chief among them being the captivating epic quests set within its expansive universe. From its inception to the latest installment, Bethesda has crafted monumental adventures filled with a myriad of circumstances, plot twists, vivid characters, and memorable events that resonate across generations of gamers.
Recognized as one of the premier representations of medieval fantasy, The Elder Scrolls captivates audiences with its intricate and engaging mythology, which has given rise to some of the most compelling role-playing game narratives in gaming history.
With themes involving deities, multi-dimensional realms, a plethora of guilds, and diverse races, it’s nearly impossible not to be captivated by the rich plot premises of each entry in the series.
To appreciate these remarkable journeys fully, we present a comprehensive list of The Elder Scrolls games, ranked according to their storytelling quality.
5 The Elder Scrolls: Arena
An Interesting First Attempt
The Elder Scrolls: Arena lays the foundational framework for future narratives in the series, introducing iconic elements while establishing the franchise’s unique premise. However, due to the technical limitations of its time, its plot remains quite basic, serving primarily to introduce players to the universe’s lore.
Set against the backdrop of Tamriel, the game features the Septim dynasty and a plot filled with betrayals and alternate realities. While the narrative may be straightforward, it constructs a necessary skeleton for future installments. Even though it recycles common themes prevalent in its era, expecting a more complex story from a pioneering title is unrealistic.
Ultimately, its primary legacy lies not in a gripping tale, but in the foundational systems and names that the subsequent games would expand upon.
4 The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
Expanding the Universe
With The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall, Bethesda significantly elevates storytelling complexity and expands upon the foundations laid by its predecessor. Although the chronological events can be convoluted, the game succeeds in engaging players through an immersive approach that invites them to unravel the intricate circumstances of the world.
Daggerfall introduces multiple intertwining storylines, bridging historical mythology with contemporary events within the game. This evolution was crucial for The Elder Scrolls to carve out its narrative identity. The political intricacies and stakes tied to each quest deliver a vivid experience that felt groundbreaking for its time.
Despite its occasional narrative confusion, Daggerfall played a vital role in steering the series toward a more sophisticated storytelling approach, earning it well-deserved recognition.
3 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Superb but Anticlimactic
Celebrated as one of the greatest video games of all time, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim truly lives up to the monumental expectations that awaited its release. Its expansive world, filled with countless secrets and rewarding explorations, delivers an immersive experience that encapsulates medieval fantasy in a way few games can match.
The narrative weaves together numerous threads, brilliantly connecting them to enhance the surrounding universe while venturing into fresh storytelling territories. Unfortunately, the final moments of the game, particularly the climax and antagonist confrontation, fall short of the overall build-up, resulting in an anticlimactic finale that detracts from the experience.
Though the conclusion leaves room for disappointment, Skyrim remains a masterclass in storytelling, lacking, however, the refinement exhibited in the titles that follow.
2 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
From Zero to Hero
In its heyday, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion offered a quirky yet enchanting experience, establishing itself as one of the finest RPGs of the 2000s. Boasting an iconic fantasy setting, the questline is incredibly engaging, filled with unexpected twists and enriching side missions that elevate the main campaign.
The classic trope of an ordinary stranger rising to become a hero resonates powerfully within Oblivion, populated with memorable characters that lend depth and charisma to the narrative. Each objective is meticulously crafted to fit both its context and the overarching story, marking it as one of the best-designed campaigns in the series.
While some moments may lean into the absurd, these lighter touches contribute significant substance to the storytelling. Despite its imperfections, Oblivion’s strong identity and passionate execution allow it to shine above its flaws.
1 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
A True Epic Fantasy
Many gamers recognize The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind as the pinnacle of the series due to its unparalleled immersive qualities and intricate worldbuilding. Although dated mechanics and graphics can’t match contemporary standards, the game excels in storytelling, imagination, and narrative depth, offering various paths based on player choices.
In stark contrast to modern iterations, Morrowind emphasizes interactive complexity, shaped by numerous variables that ensure every journey feels distinctive, rendering it a truly unprecedented experience. The rich lore of Vvardenfell, coupled with the seamless unfolding of events, enables players to savor their adventure rather than rush through it.
With the strongest antagonist in the franchise, exceptional role-playing conditions, and creatively designed missions, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind tells the best story of the entire series.
Leave a Reply ▼