When Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls: Blades for smartphones many mobile gamers where enthusiastic. According to specific sources, Apple showcased the game during a recent event, and the feedback seems to be quite positive.
Most people associate The Elder Scrolls series with a large open-world setup which can be freely explored. The Elder Scrolls: Blades is considerably smaller in scale, offering an experience which is similar to linear dungeon-crawler role-playing games. A first-person perspective is used, and the players will fight several types of enemies as they progress through the dungeon, while also collecting shiny gold and new hear on their way. As the player becomes stronger new quests and areas will be unlocked.
If you expect a complex combat experience, you may be a bit disappointed as the mechanics are quite simple. In landscape mode, the player will be able to control the character with the help of a virtual analog stick. The maps are long but straightforward, and the lack of environmental hazards and traps provides a rapid path towards your next target.
The Elder Scrolls: Blades Beta would come out in the following months
The combat is accessible yet satisfying. Tap and hold on one side of the screen to charge a swing bar and remove the finger to unleash a brutal strike. Repeating the same step on the other side of the display may unleash a strong combo if you are fast enough. A parry mechanic is also included, allowing players to deflect attacks and counterattack while the enemy is dazed.
Magic is also present in the form of a reasonable selection of spells. You can use a fireball after a melee combo to kill an enemy quickly. Several talent trees offer a variety of features which can lead to some interesting character builds.
The visuals represent the best part of the game. On a flagship device, the game looks on par with its console cousins, with high-resolution textures and realistic shadows that at able to provide an immersive experience. Bethesda should release a beta version of The Elder Scrolls: Blades in the following months.
Daniel Kiss is the senior editor for News Lair. Daniel was working as a writer since he finished high-school, first for local papers then he started online, nowadays he likes to write about the latest games and tech innovations.