‘Elder Scrolls Online’ is a massively popular and massively in size multiplayer online role-playing game developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released way back in 2004 and still going strong today with multiple expansions, I was lucky enough to play the newest instalment, ‘Blackwood’. Being an on and off player since release, how does it fair? Let’s find out.

Plot

I’m not going to go into too much detail for fear of spoilers as there are a few plot twists and surprises this time in this expansion. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative that continued to unfold as I grinded my way through multiple hours but here’s the gist of it. As players slowly discover the schemes of the all-around big baddie, Mehrunes Dagon, you must battle your way through the deadlands searching for four weapons of Daedric lore.

Your task requires you to try and stay one step in front by gathering the weapons together keeping them in safe hands. Easier said than done as in true Elder Scrolls fashion while doing a quest, I’d see something in the distance then end up becoming sidetracked, “OOO”, something shiny. So, any simple 20 min quest easily turned into 40 minutes especially with random Oblivion Gates (Random Public Events) appearing throughout Blackwood.

Features

Blackwood marks the first time players can pick their own start zone, story, and which faction and race they want to play as. This is through an initial character creation which hasn’t been available with any other expansions. There also isn’t any new class but there’s no need for one when you could clearly use my favourite; the Necromancer, just saying.

Another first-timer feature and unique to the game are companions with about three available as you work your way through the story, with more to come as the expansion expands throughout the Gates of Oblivion year-long adventure. The three available are Mirri, Elendis, and Bastian Hallix, which are unlocked by doing their quests and will surely add onto equipment handling and stats as we all know how great NPC characters are at helping in combat, am I right.

Though in saying that, you also have to build a friendship with the companion. If you don’t have a good rapport with them, then they may just pick up their ball and go home and return later, so don’t be a jerk to your NPC friends.

Visuals

I recently got a tip-off about some Xbox Series X’s in my area (thanks, Matty) while also picking up a 4k Monitor. Add that with the free next-gen update Bethesda released, and the graphics will amaze you. I have got to say this is a lovely looking game, a clear step up from the old generation. From buildings to the scenery, to even the water, everything looks smoother and more textured. One of the most incredible things in the Elder Scrolls series of games are the locations and they just ooze atmosphere even more so with the next-gen upgrade.

The facial expressions on NPCs are still a letdown, with everyone in Tamriel looking like they have had botox. In one conversation, a character was upset with me about not telling her something; her voice was full of disappointment, but her face was saying save me with a blank stare.

Overall

Blackwood is a significant expansion that’s used previous expansions as a stepping stone to launch a more extensive story which has already pulled me in with the first, let us say, chapter, leaving me curious as to where it’s going to go. Now, just to convince more MKAU staff to play as a group instead of me being Hans Solo. Like an arrow to the knee, until next time adventurers, Peace.

Written by: Anarchy Risen