Game reviews / The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
2011 · PC · PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360 · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series X|S · Nintendo Switch 2 · PlayStation VR · PC VR · Action RPG · Open-world RPG · Fantasy
4 scored sources · 2 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Critics consistently praised Skyrim for its enormous, atmospheric open world, flexible character progression, memorable side quests, and extraordinary freedom to explore or ignore its main storyline. Dragon battles, stealth, archery, magic, crafting, and faction quests provide varied ways to play, while the setting’s snowy landscapes and environmental storytelling create a strong sense of place. The major reservations are equally consistent: dated melee combat, awkward interfaces on PC, repetitive enemies and dungeons, weak companion AI, uneven dialogue, and frequent technical glitches. Even with those flaws, Skyrim’s scale and emergent adventures make it one of the most enduring open-world RPGs.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-17
Pros
- Vast, atmospheric world with exceptional freedom
- Abundant and varied quests, including memorable side stories
- Flexible skill and perk progression supporting many playstyles
- Strong exploration, environmental storytelling, and fantasy immersion
Cons
- Frequent bugs, glitches, and inconsistent AI
- Clumsy or dated melee combat and animations
- Uneven main quest, dialogue, and voice acting
- Repetitive dungeons and occasional interface frustrations
Review sources
4 sources found across 2 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- Nintendo Life · United Kingdom · 85/100
- PC Gamer · United Kingdom · 94/100
- Destructoid · United States · 100/100
- GameSpot · United States · 80/100