Game Groups > Elder Scrolls series

Elder Scrolls is a series of predominantly action role-playing games united by a common setting, a medieval fantasy world known as Nirn. The first game in the series was Arena (1994), which introduced the series' lore, themes, and main gameplay-related and visual elements, including 3D environments and first-person view.

Setting

Most of the games in the series take place on the continent of Tamriel; on a few occasions the setting shifts to Oblivion, a dark realm ruled by the immortal Daedra Princes. The continent of Tamriel is divided into nine provinces, some of which (e.g. Morrowind) may constitute the setting of an entire game in the series. These provinces are inhabitants by various races; some of these are human (Imperial, Bretons, etc.), while others represent either popular fantasy (Orcs, Dark Elves) or original creatures (reptilian Argonians and feline Khajiit). The central province of Cyrodiil is ruled by the Empire.

Gameplay

The role-playing games in the series have many common features. Elder Scrolls games are known for having vast worlds which can be usually explored by the player without restrictions. Exploration takes precedence over scripted, story-advancing events; the player is for the most part free to undertake any quests and join any faction without plot-related repercussions. Typically, the bulk of side missions occupies a considerably larger space than the main quest.

Combat in Elder Scrolls RPGs is action-oriented; though in some of the games non-playable characters may join the protagonist and fight on his and her side, the core mechanics revolve around a single controllable character. One of the series' most distinguishing features is its skill-based character-building. Instead of accumulating experience points, the protagonist becomes more proficient in various skills (weapon and armor specializations, stealth, jumping, bartering, etc.) if the player repeatedly executes the correspondent actions. Leveling up typically occurs after certain primary skill requirement for the character class chosen by the player have been met.

Related Links

Crap Shoot - A humorous retrospective about the series' entries before Morrowind

Wikipedia: The Elder Scrolls - Information about the series on Wikipedia