INSiGHT: Skyrim: The Ultimate Review

From the first vanilla release on 11/11/11 to the most recent VR and Switch versions, I am going to cover the pros and cons of all Skyrim releases in a bid to help you, the reader make the right choice based on your play style and budget. First of all, though, for those new to the world of Tamriel, here is a brief synopsis of the story that is about to unfold.

The story starts with players in the role of a prisoner, as is Elder Scrolls' tradition, listening to the ramblings of fellow prisoners of The Septim Imperial army. The Imperials are currently trying to gain a foothold in Skyrim whilst taking a break from fighting the Thalmor forces in Tamriel (dark elves), which have been met with a swift Nordic rebellion.

You quickly discover that Alduin, the eater of worlds, or worm to his foes, has broken free from his entrapment in time and is resurrecting dragons (Dova) throughout Skyrim. Luckily enough, though, you are Dovahkiin, Dragonborn! With the soul of a dragon and the body of a mortal, you quickly learn how to master the way of the voice. This is more commonly known as a "Thu'um" or "Dragon Shout," which enables the user to channel the power of the Dova by shouting "Words of Power," such as the infamous "FUS ROH DAH."

As the story progresses, a rich blanket of lore covers you, smoothers you, and leaves you bedridden. However, a lot of players still haven't got around to doing the main quest! With the three hearty expansions: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, plus all of the side-quests in all their shapes and sizes, there is more than enough to stay distracted. Without further a due, then, let's take a look at all the releases chronologically:

Original Release: 11/11/11; Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC (Steam)

Cons: As this is the first interpretation of Skyrim, the vanilla version contains no DLC or mod support. Also, with no graphical improvements, some console users may find this version to be too basic an experience. PC users were treated to a free and official high quality texture pack, however.

Skyrim Legendary Edition: 07/06/13; Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, and PC (Steam)

Cons: With being a previous gen release, this version doesn't benefit from any mod support or graphical overhauls on console. Again, PC users will not be affected by such drawbacks.

Skyrim: Special Edition: 26/10/16; Platforms: Xbox One, PS4 and PC (Steam)

Cons: Nothing, nothing at all!

Skyrim VR: 17/11/17; Platforms: PS4

Cons: Although a technical achievement and probably one of the biggest in-game contents of current PSVR titles, movement mechanics and graphical fidelity took a massive hit. Visuals were reduced to pixelated blurs and movement was set to snap-like movements, with an update coming later for movement options. This, on top of complaints of nausea and headaches, makes this version tough to recommend. Perhaps the new Steam release of Skyrim VR will resolve matters; a game Cubed3 will be reviewing in the near future.

Skyrim: 17/11/17 Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Cons: With the technological limits of Nintendo Switch compared to its current gen competition, the visuals aren't as great as can be seen in the Special Edition. Also, the lack of mod support was a bit of a shame considering how close Bethesda worked with Nintendo. Plus, the motion controls leave a lot to be desired.