Game review: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The fifth instalment in the Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim takes players to Tamriel’s northern province in the middle of a violent civil war.

As Dragon Born – a champion imbued with the Voice, a legendary power passed down through dragon-kind – you have the ability to end the war and restore Skyrim to its former glory.

In keeping with series tradition, the game world is absolutely massive, easily providing in excess of 100 hours of gaming, throwing a seemingly endless string of quests and errands at you. In addition to the wealth of content, the world of Skyrim is beautifully realised.

You really do feel invested in the place as you stalk animals in the forests for food, fashion weapons in the blacksmith’s forge, buy a home, and join one of Skyrim’s many warring factions. Central to all of this is the looming dragon threat, waiting to strike and destroy the world.

Whenever you defeat a dragon, you are given Shouts – incredibly powerful skills that range from knocking back foes, intimidating enemies and even breathing fire. With every dragon slain, your hero gets significantly more powerful, and the story progresses as a result.

Along the way, your champion learns new skills, spells and more, and as such, the sense of progression and reward you get is overwhelming; driving you onward throughout the sprawling tale. This is quite simply the strongest contender for game of the year so far.

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

£44.99, PC/PS3/Xbox 360