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The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

The latest and greatest RPG-offering from Bethesda.

It was a hard decision to make. When faced with the dual proposition of reviewing either the PC or Xbox version of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, I had to weigh the options. The PC version can be run at a higher resolution, is patchable, and also contains the bonus “Elder Scrolls Construction Set” disc, enabling users to create, share, and download new quests, items, dungeons, and more. However (and I know this opinion has the potential to get me lynched), the PC version is actually just another title in the seemingly endless glut of PC RPGs. Whether it is a MMORPG or not, it can be argued that the choices for PC RPGs are many. When it comes to the Xbox, however, Morrowind marks the first appearance of an RPG on Microsoft’s new console, making it a landmark title in that respect. Bearing that in mind, I decided to start with the Xbox version and take it from there.

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One thing is clear in terms of the Xbox version… this title would not have been possible on any console without a hard drive.

After spending an exhaustive amount of time with the Xbox, I finally moved on to the PC version, and it can safely be said that they are identical. The only differences are the obvious ones mentioned above, and, naturally, the Xbox version does not come with the extra toolkit. Also, several patches have been released for the PC version (one of which adds the much-needed health meter for enemies during combat, as well as several other add-ons), which is also possible, yet frowned upon, for the Xbox (there have been no announced plans to deliver said fixes as of yet).

All of this having been said, the choice remains yours. Both versions deliver an unbelievably large adventure in an equally massive world, filled with literally thousands of NPCs, over four hundred quests, and hundreds of thousands of items to be collected, dropped, or otherwise dealt with in any way the player sees fit. Yes, this is the stuff of addiction, my friends, a mini-world on a console that at times seems to strive to be an offline Everquest, albeit with graphics and sound that are clearly superior in every way to that title.

Players start out as a non-descript character on a prison ship that has just made port. Gradually, the game takes you through control schemes and character creation one step at a time. There are a few different methods to character creation, but the “create from scratch” mode affords players with the most minute of details for their character, and tends to be the method of choice. Those who are in a hurry to get started can use the “answer some questions and let the machine decide the type of character that best fits your personality” feature.

This RPG is a single character game, and there will be no “parties” under your control. Also, the game is completely open-ended, so once your character is designed, you’re on your own, and that is meant in the most literal sense. You will be thrust into this living, breathing society within a box, and every move you make will be scrutinized by its inhabitants. The main means of progression throughout the game is to talk to all of the NPCs, who will offer quests, information, and invite you to join one or more guilds (thieves, warriors, mages, etc.) that will ultimately determine your character’s standing in Vvardenfell. Players can become whatever they choose (even a vampire), and they can also advance the skills that appeal the most to them (and are available to the character class). Melee combat, distance combat (with projectile weapons), and spell casting magic are all available here, and in abundance. You can traverse Vvardenfell by foot, or by hiring the locals to transport you around by way of the odd creatures they employ as beasts of burden. Traveling by foot is more dangerous, but it opens up the potential for finding the hidden dungeons that completely litter the land.

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1. I played Morrowind and thought it was great at first, yet I'm beginnign to think Bestheda are barking up the wrong tree with their quest for total freedom. It really is not the be-all-end-all. Games like BGII, Planescape torment and Fallout all had smaller worlds and less freedom, but IMO were superior because of the higher quality of quests and story. Morrowinds still a cool game, just don't expect any of the hundereds of quests to be top notch.

   TheDude Tuesday, 6 August 2002, 08:38:9

2. greatest rpg ever

   greatest Tuesday, 6 August 2002, 11:35:27

3. I agree with the dude. I played it for a few dyas but was overwhelmed with the freedom and eventualy put off by the scale of the game. It's well made and looks great but there ain't enough direction to it. And the static nature of the NPCs detracts from the believability

   Sam Tuesday, 6 August 2002, 14:33:18

4. At first i was skeptical on how the game would turn out as I played along...but i found myself playing for countless hours enjoying the realistic traits of Morrowind. The only gripe i have, is that it needs direction...what is the purpose of being in Morrowind. Who is the main enemy? Oh yeah...I am sick and tired of being called an "outlander", man i played longed enough to be addressed as my character!

   Da Kid Wednesday, 7 August 2002, 16:54:21

5. I wish you guys would tell us how to become a vampire or great warrior...

   Ben Sunday, 15 September 2002, 18:17:4

6. Kill Dagoth Ur and they will stop calling you an outlander and start dribbling on about how it is a pleasure to meet you. If you want to be a resident, just kill the Orc in Balmora and use his house.

   ::darth Sunday, 6 October 2002, 22:30:11

7. i need the enemy health patch

   Brian Thursday, 10 October 2002, 23:15:42

8. hey ppl what guild or house is the best to join?

   MadVik Saturday, 19 October 2002, 23:04:50

9. I think that the gaurds in balmora should be more strong i can killthem with ten arrows

   Robert Willey Monday, 4 November 2002, 16:32:8

10. i think the game is the best even though there should be more of a shall we say plot to follow

    you know it Monday, 4 November 2002, 16:35:13

11. when i saw my bro playing the game i thought it was boring but then i played it and it is awesome all i do though is go around and kill people villagers and then pay the fine and then go kill more people

    what up yall Monday, 4 November 2002, 16:37:36

12. I going to get morrowind and it looks stunning, im only a bit worried about how you hit people with yopur weapons. But if you can make potions and have nearly the same amount of intricacy as the real world i'll be pleased.

    Michael Reynolds Friday, 29 November 2002, 09:57:32

13. morrowind ruls that all i can say :)

    fernando Tuesday, 10 December 2002, 16:53:27

14. When I look at the screenshots on the web, they are always nice and colourfull, why it always comes out dull and desaturated on my screen? It does not happen with any other games.

    Johannes Monday, 16 December 2002, 20:15:41

16. many hours of fun

    JCD Tuesday, 14 January 2003, 05:27:18

17. so are you saying that the construction set will/is all ready out for the xbox

    blake Saturday, 8 March 2003, 21:05:44

18. my commen is really a question....

    how can i become a vampire and does it have bad afects on my char?

    dennis Wednesday, 3 December 2003, 00:56:3

19. you can beome a vampire by fighting one and then running away you should then wait three days and youll be a vampire

    people will either fight you or run away on sight

    you will have super strength

    you will receive a low level of damage if you arein direct sunlight

    you get two extra powerful spells

    vampire lord Friday, 21 March 2003, 18:05:27

20. Were can I find a vampire in morrowind

    Miller Saturday, 22 March 2003, 20:26:59

21. This game rocks. I am a wargamer and picked up this RPG on a lark. 9 months later, I had finally run out of things to do. It takes me back to the days of Ultima, quest of the avitar.

    pat Friday, 23 May 2003, 22:57:42

22. well i was was checking out ansertral tombs there was one near a swamp town (not seyda nee) in bitter coast reigon that had 6 vampires in it

    i killed them all.. no cheating

    mrmark Saturday, 24 May 2003, 21:16:45

23. I'm now a level 50something vampire, my only problem is....nothing can kill me anymore...I now have nothing to do except kill guards by the tens and fives....I'm pretty bored of it by now and I NEED to find something to do!!!what in gods name am I supposed to do to make the game interesting???

    Jagar(in the game) Sunday, 1 June 2003, 20:51:2

24. I have been playing RPGs for both pc and console since Final Fantasy first made its appearance in Japan and I tell you what.

    This is by far number one!

    With awsome versatility and complexity, ES 3 has kept me hooked since it came out!

    I have made over 25 different characters and still have come nowhere near the limit to different classes, and thats NOT including the default classes.

    Velkyn Tuesday, 3 June 2003, 18:21:8

25. i need to know how to become a vampire and how to find them ive had no luck for the 5 months ie been playing this game :-( i really need some help.

    fostersbulldogs Tuesday, 22 July 2003, 13:52:10

26. How do you get into the Puzzle Canal - It says something about breathing the waters and there is a white translucent barrier stopping me getting into the puzzle canal.

    Great game - I keeping coming down with an illness that prevents me going to work.

    Edible Wednesday, 30 July 2003, 14:06:24

27. Seriously how do you kill Dagoth Ur i mean im in 26 but he brung up like you are un armed something about some tools what are they?

    Motha Focka Sunday, 3 August 2003, 18:27:27

28. This is one the best games I have every played. I didn't fully realise this until I blanked my hard drive and started to play it agin from the start. It never fails to surprise me and is truely engrossing.

    True certain aspects of it are short of perfect. Yes it's true that many of the quests are pretty boring. Also, you can spend a lot of time just wandering about. However this is also what makes it fantastic. Time can be spent exploring the environment and unearthing hidden tombs and abadoned ruins.

    So there you have decide for yourself, at least give it a play.

    Eddie Friday, 15 August 2003, 08:06:27

29. I Cant freakin figure out how to do the dissapearence of the dwarfs qest even though i went into all the ruins and talked to the fat guy in corprusarium ???

    Razer Friday, 15 August 2003, 18:21:8

30. I LOVE U

    joe Friday, 22 August 2003, 17:02:12

32. if u are hit with a spell or weapon from a vampire does it still turn u into a vampire or does it have to be a hand to hand attack ?

    disman Friday, 10 October 2003, 18:18:2

33. Game of the Year edition of Morrowind for X-Box contains both the extra add-ons (already available for pc) and the patches like the health meter for monsters ...

    adrienne Monday, 13 October 2003, 10:14:12

34. Gah! how do i get into the Puzzle Canal? i have NO clue :(

    kristin Friday, 24 October 2003, 20:47:38

35. go to red mountain, the cavern of the incarnate is up there and u get in only at 6 in the morning and at night

    nerevorior reborn Saturday, 1 November 2003, 15:41:24

36. go to vivics palace and go into one of the water fall gates the middle is in gate 3 but i dont know how to get past the barrier thing that says breath his water and glory and the path will be made clear

    nerevorior reborn Saturday, 1 November 2003, 15:49:12

37. fighters is my favourite im the leader of mine but not much to do now its borin ask me anny other question bout morrowinds k coz i no all

    morrowind king Wednesday, 3 December 2003, 04:06:24

38. drown in the water in the puzzle canal, trust me

    morrowind king Wednesday, 3 December 2003, 04:23:38

39. I have played this game for almost 3 years on computer and xbox ive beat it on xbox and am working on PC.However i warn any who want to buy this game this is a game that you must be three things to play the storyline on this.1.patience 2.persistence 3.and a want to become the best warrior in all of morrowind.There are so many things to do and so many weapons to use and make.

    The Neravarine Saturday, 14 February 2004, 13:43:2

40. Those who want to know what the best house or guild to join is it all depends on what you want money prestige or power if you want money join the morag tong situated in vivec foreign quarter canalworks.Or House Hllalu both are prestige and good good money.For honor and prestige join Redoran or Temple.For power and quick level ups join Telvanni

    Mages Guild or Fighters.Really it all depends on level difrential.Personally i like variety you can join many and almost all.

    The Neravarine Saturday, 14 February 2004, 13:59:36

41. they are cool

    corey Friday, 20 February 2004, 10:22:11

42. What is the use for the souls rocks or pieces. If is for enchanting how you can enchant the items

    Ernesto Martinez Monday, 29 March 2004, 13:08:30

43. Okay for a vampire, listen up.

    Travel to Molag Mar, and travel west (thats left on the world map, from the city, not the silt strider) until you come up to a ruin with a skeleton warrior outside.

    Inside the tomb (or ruin) there are 5 vampires. If 5 is too much for you that's ok, because there are different rooms which contain vampires. When you first enter there is only 1 vampire in the same room with you.

    Let it hit you with a spell, you should contract a disease. Which can be cured by a cummon disease cure potion. With the disease, travel to a place where there is a bed, and rest for 3 days. Then you will be a vampire, bear in mind though that people will turn you away instead of giving you quests.

    But there are quests for vampires, you just have to look for them, they are hard to find though.

    If you are a vampire then there is a quest to cure you. People will know you are a vampire on sight. Most will shout "I curse you vampire" and leave you alone. If you steal or attack a guard they will try to kill you instead of asking for gold.

    I believe (not really sure) that the best place to start looking for a vampire quest or cure is in the Zafirbel Bay region (which means all of the islands are it as well).

    One last thing if any of you cheaters are using God mode, you will not be able to contract the disease, when you do, it will tell you.

    If you want cheats go to :- CHEATSTOP.com most of the cheats there for Morrowind work, most of them...

    Jcktheripper Sunday, 11 April 2004, 04:39:54

44. easily the best RPG

    Ninja Monday, 26 April 2004, 09:40:50

45. I agree wit ninja

    PooFace Monday, 26 April 2004, 09:44:39

46. Started the Elder Scrolls game with Daggerfall, and this one is the best game I have played! I see a lot of people gripping about direction. If you want someone to hold your hand and lead you by the nose play Neverwinter Nights. This is a game for those of us that want to snub their nose at the rest of the RPG world for chapters, and eras, and periods.

    Or if you want to play Morrowind with direction, follow the starting quest! You beat the game that way, or join a house, follow their quests. Have one of the NPC's lead you by the nose or cry to mummy.

    As to those complaining about being an outlander *shrugs* it happens, welcome to racism, we see it everyday in the real world, now you're the minority if you weren't already, and if you DO happen to be a racist, remember how you felt in a GAME about being called different, then think of how you are treating a real live human. I personally got over the outlander part, besides, I'm archmagister of House Telavanni, everyone thinks I suit the land very well and am more than welcome to ask anything I please :-P

    Well that was my rant, if you dun like the game, play a diff one, if you love the game, than HUZZAH, live long and prosper and you rock!

    Asahi Saturday, 8 May 2004, 20:39:15

48. I saw my cousin playing it and boy did i think it sucked. But then I tryed it and it was the best action game i have ever played on the PC.

    William Sunday, 30 May 2004, 20:30:45

49. tip 4 the game: at the start of the game go 2 the lighthouse and go up the side were the rocks are when you are on top of them go round the back and there is a tree stump jump on top of it and look inside there is a good magic axe

    boopdog Saturday, 5 June 2004, 15:33:45

50. i just want to know whether we can use dual wield in Elder's scroll.. it would be fun.. like being a ranger and all that

    Lordier Friday, 18 June 2004, 22:21:29

51. where can you find a vampire of Quarra bloodline

    TOZZER Monday, 5 July 2004, 12:09:40

52. I thought the game is great, but can someone please

    e-mail me on were I can become a vampire please,

    thanks www.totone101@yahoo.com, Tom

    Tom Wednesday, 7 July 2004, 13:33:51

53. I've been playing Morrowind for a very long time, and i see a lot of unaswer questions here, mostly about Vampires. I want everyone to know there is a site dedicated to gamers like you at

    www.UESP.net

    You can access a lot of info in this website, including locations on all items, quest info, race tuturials, plus info on the expasions too.

    This website is a must for avid MW fans, like me :p

    lilbeezlebub37 Thursday, 8 July 2004, 16:52:24

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