Future Publishing


Morrowind Game Of The Year Edition

Author: Andy Stephens
Publisher: Bethesda
Machine: Xbox (US Version)

 
Published in Official Xbox Magazine #28

Gone with the Morrowind, once again

Morrowind Game Of The Year Edition (Bethesda)

This should be one of the easiest reviews ever written. See, if you're not a fan of Morrowind's ludicrously open-ended gameplay - think 'GTA: D&D', minus any amount of personality, colour and drive-by spellcastings that the image conjures - then this expansion pack won't change a thing. If you know Morrowind inside out, and can tell your Dagoth Ur from your Dagoth Brandy, you'll lap it up. See? Easy.

On top of the original game, you get a pair of expansions that bolt on a new chunk of land and dozens of sub-quests. The first, Bloodmoon, gives you access to the Nordic island of Solstheim, half covered in cruel ice, half in lush forests, and home to some of the nastiest creatures ever to grace the game. It's also home to the Werewolf clan - a race of creatures that, much like Vampires, you can join if you fancy living out your days as a furry psychopath.

Next is the far more interesting Tribunal expansion, which sees you teleported to the magnificent capital city of Morrowind itself - Mournhold. It's home to some grand sights, in the form of the Great Bazaar market, the Royal Chambers and a cult by the name of the Dark Brotherhood who've decided to take a dangerous interest in your affairs.

Both packs feature a wealth of main quests, and a smattering of optional sub-quests, not to mention a number of new weapons and items for you to wig out over. If you're an established fan, the lure of these new sights and goals make this an essential update. If not, you'll probably be just as bemused by the slightly rubbish-looking screenshots as you were last time around.

In some ways Morrowind is still one of the most amazing, brain-boggling, intimidating Xbox games ever made. And if you play games to make things explode, to get the girl and to make your eyes die in the name of high scores, then you'll still find it one of the dullest titles ever made. This expansion is just two more luxury helpings of the same recipe, and nothing more. And, if you've been meaning to get into Morrowind but just haven't gotten around to it, now's the perfect time. See? Easy.

Good Points

  1. Extra quests are bigger than most regular games!
  2. Fascinating stuff for established fans
  3. Be a werewolf!

Bad Points

  1. Still looks iffy
  2. No new music

Verdict

Power
Visuals are still dubious, but the gigantic game world remembers every little thing you do.

Style
The new environments bring some welcome changes of colour and detail, but it's mostly brown.

Immersion
As all-consuming as ever. The new missions are as engaging as anything else in the full game.

Lifespan
It says 100+ hours on the box, and that's exactly what you get from the expansions. A game for life.

Summary
Provides a massively interesting diversion for fans. This pack represents the greatest value of play-hours per pound ever.

Andy Stephens

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