Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Hardcore Gamer

Hardcore Gamer has a new article for The Elder Scrolls Online asking if the game can capture the essence of the series.

The very idea of this being a game and game world that has to be balanced for thousands of players at a time means the traditional style of exploration we’re used to in Elder Scrolls games simply won’t be possible. Setting aside the idea of faction locking specific areas, there is also the issue of level zoning. In typical Elder Scrolls games there is level scaling to allow you go anywhere at any time and not be totally rocked by the enemies. I am not a huge fan of level scaling in RPGs, but at least in the case of open world games it allows you to explore without the fear of stumbling into an area where you aren’t supposed to be. MMO areas are typically zoned for specific level ranges, meaning you won’t be able to explore without the risk of going somewhere you aren’t equipped to deal with yet. It’s possible the developers have some solution for this issue, but I have no idea how they would do it. 

Those are some concerns about The Elder Scrolls Online coming from a huge fan of the series. I think the bit about not being the center of the story could actually be a good thing if it’s done well, but my concerns about exploration are another matter. When it comes right down to it, an Elder Scrolls game without that sense of wonder and discovery is simply not an Elder Scrolls game in my mind. So much of my enjoyment of the series is tied into the freedom to explore and experience the content in whatever order I want, and I just don’t see how The Elder Scrolls Online can capture that same Elder Scrolls magic. It’s entirely possible the developers have found some way to make an MMO with that sense of exploration and discovery the series is known for, but I’ll believe it when I see it.