Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: Bethesda Game Studios
- Publishers: Bethesda Softworks
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard is the first official expansion pack for the critically acclaimed open-world RPG, Skyrim. Released in 2012, Dawnguard introduces a new storyline, new factions, new skills, and a host of new content to the base game.
Story
Dawnguard revolves around an ancient prophecy that foretells the eternal eclipse of the sun. A group of vampires known as the Volkihar Clan, led by Lord Harkon, seek to fulfill this prophecy by performing a dark ritual. The Dawnguard, a faction of vampire hunters, are determined to stop them.
The player character, the Dragonborn, must choose whether to join the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan. Each faction has its own unique quests, characters, and rewards. The choice of which faction to join has a significant impact on the story and gameplay.
Gameplay
Dawnguard introduces two new skill trees: Vampire Lord and Werewolf. The Vampire Lord skill tree allows players to transform into a vampire lord, with powerful new abilities such as blood magic and bat swarm. The Werewolf skill tree allows players to transform into a werewolf, with increased strength, speed, and regeneration.
In addition to the new skill trees, Dawnguard also introduces a number of new weapons, armor, and items. These include the Dawnguard Rune Axe, the Volkihar Knight’s Sword, and the Bloodcursed Arrows.
Quests
Dawnguard features a total of 22 new quests, including 12 main quests and 10 side quests. The main questline is divided into two parts: the Dawnguard questline and the Volkihar Clan questline. The player character must choose which questline to follow after completing the “A New Order” quest.
The Dawnguard questline tasks the player character with investigating the Volkihar Clan and their plans to fulfill the ancient prophecy. The Volkihar Clan questline tasks the player character with helping Lord Harkon to fulfill the prophecy and plunge Skyrim into eternal night.
Characters
Dawnguard introduces a number of new characters, including:
- Isran: The leader of the Dawnguard, Isran is a skilled vampire hunter who is determined to stop the Volkihar Clan.
- Lord Harkon: The leader of the Volkihar Clan, Lord Harkon is a powerful vampire who seeks to fulfill the ancient prophecy.
- Serana: A vampire who has been imprisoned by her father, Lord Harkon. Serana is a powerful ally who can help the player character in their quest to stop the Volkihar Clan.
Setting
Dawnguard takes place in the same world as Skyrim, but it introduces a number of new areas to explore. These include:
- Castle Volkihar: The ancestral home of the Volkihar Clan, Castle Volkihar is a vast and imposing fortress.
- The Soul Cairn: A dark and desolate realm that is home to the dead.
- The Forgotten Vale: A hidden valley that is home to the Snow Elves.
Reception
Dawnguard was met with critical acclaim upon its release. IGN awarded it a score of 9.0, saying “Dawnguard is a massive expansion that adds a ton of new content to Skyrim, including a new storyline, new factions, new skills, and new weapons. It’s a must-have for Skyrim fans.”
GameSpot awarded it a score of 8.0, saying “Dawnguard is a solid expansion that adds a lot of new content to Skyrim. The new storyline is interesting, the new factions are well-developed, and the new skills and weapons are fun to use. However, the expansion is a bit short, and it doesn’t offer much replayability.”
Conclusion
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard is a massive expansion that adds a ton of new content to the base game. The new storyline is interesting, the new factions are well-developed, and the new skills and weapons are fun to use. Dawnguard is a must-have for Skyrim fans.
Review Score
9/10
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