The Elder Scrolls Anthology - PC

The Elder Scrolls series is one of my all-time favorite role-playing games. I remember being first introduced to Elder Scrolls - Daggerfalls (or ES II) back in my college days. I hadn't heard of the series, nor did I know anything about Bethesda. After watching my friend play for about 30 minutes, I immediately decided to pick up ES II and have been playing this series ever since. The programmers at Bethesda outdo themselves each time they release a new game. Keeping some of the best from the previous version and adding in new features, better graphics, and always improving the soundtrack and story with each go. What's not to like about a company that takes this much pride in their work.This particular box-set comes with all five games (ES I and ES II are pre-windows, so require the use of the included DosBox software to make them work; ES III, IV, V are installed via Steam) and the expansions for the later part of the series. Not a bad deal for the $25 I paid to pick this up. Even for the normal market price (which seems to be hovering around $50), it is still a great deal if you don't have any of the series already and love RPGs.The one issue that most people may have is the requirement to register the games with Steam to play/install. I get it that many people are not fans of the online/non physical gaming systems out there and love having copies of their software on hand, so they can install it whenever they want. Steam, however, has made this experience as painless as possible - while offering some really unique features (like player created content for free download) that you can't get with a standalone disc. Inside the box you will find a Steam code, which you simply type into your Steam account (free, by the way) and it will activate ES III Game of the Year edition, ES IV GOTY, and ES V with all three expansions. It's that simple. I was able to install the 4GB+ ES V game in what seemed like eternity, but actually was only about 20 minutes without any issue. The game stays patched inside Steam and as previously stated - tons of user created free content that you can install to augment your gaming experience.The entire package is fairly well done - from the construction of the book-like disc holders with graphics, maps, and Steam key located inside, to the box that holds this disc holder so that it stays in good shape for many years to come. The maps, as pointed out on countless other reviews, are simply printed on regular paper instead of the old "designer" stuff, but hey - this is a great deal, so I'm not too worried about how the map is printed. There are no manuals included, but you do get access to them online - which may turn some people off - but again...one less thing to keep track of and once online, it will likely always be online, as people make backups of backups on the internet.Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase and this box-set. While I already owned ES II - IV, this box-set has given me a great way to organize all my games into one area and again - the $25 I spent for the entire Anthology is still cheaper than what I would have cost me to get the "Platinum" version of ES V - Skyrim. Now to immerse myself in the game...hopefully remembering to eat and drink on occasion.

EDIT:This review is largely based on the fact that when I bought this collection, it was like $38. Odds are, it is NOT worth the price it probably is now.If you can find this collection for around the same price as buying all of the games on Steam or GOG, then sure, go ahead and pick it up. If it's still $120, give it a hard pass and just get the games on GOG and Steam, unless owning it physically or having the maps is a MUST for you.ORIGINAL REVIEW:This is a long review. If you don't want to hear me ramble on about how great these games and set they come in are, just scroll right on by.Now, The Elder Scrolls is probably my favorite video game series out there, so when I saw this set about a month ago for less than $40, it was an instant purchase for me. I even paid an arm and a leg for 2-day shipping on it. After not being able to pry myself away for a good month, I think I'm ready to review this set.Just as a disclaimer: this review is from the point of view of a diehard fan of the series. If you're new to the Elder Scrolls and you like RPGs, I definitely recommend it. If you're not into roleplaying games, you're in the wrong place.What you get:Included in this set is every main series Elder Scrolls game along with every expansion and DLC.Sadly, this set doesn't include Redguard and Battlespire, which is a bit disappointing,Now, I'll start with the physical aspect of the set:Packaging:The game was shipped in a large envelope which protected the game nicely enough. Once opened, you can slide the plastic cover off and set the box up on display. It really does look wonderful.The Set Itself:The box looks wonderful. It's simplistic and really looks great on display. To access the discs, you pull the actual book of discs out of the top. Each of the games has a page all to itself (Morrowind has 2) and they fold out to reveal the disc and a few screenshots from the games themselves. In the back, there is a grey insert with some safety and warranty information, along with a link to the full game manuals and a (As in one) Steam code for Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim with all DLC from each.However, my favorite part of this set is the maps. You get 5, one for each reigon the games are set in.The first is a map of Tamriel, including all the main cities of each province.The second map is of the Illiac Bay, complete with labeled areas.The third is of Vvardenfell, and it looks gorgeous. Very well detailed.The fourth is of Cyrodiil. It's basically the same map included in Oblivion, but without the edge borders.The fifth is of Skyrim. Sadly, it's not made of that great parchment that was seen in the original release.Now, let's get on with the games themselves:1 - The Elder Scrolls Arena:Arena was very easy to set up as it included an auto-installer. That's right, no fiddling around with DOSbox in this set.When I first played Arena, i was very put off by the control scheme. You either use the arrow keys or click on the sides of the screen to move, and there is no mouselook. Normally, this wouldn't be so bad. However, you cannot rebind the controls ingame.Now, once I got used to the clunky controls and the relatively harsh difficulty, (I'm too ashamed to admit how many times I died in the first dungeon) I was greeted by a massive world. This isn't your average-sized overworld, no sirree. If you want to travel to another town without using fast travel, you might want to pack a few sandwiches.The dungeons might not be as detailed as later games, but that is for a reason. Allow me to introduce you to the fantastic Passwall spell. You see, each dungeon is basically made of blocks. Passwall allows you to dissolve a block of wall that's in your way. This is how you win.Overall, Arena is a good game that's pretty rough around the edges. It's definitely the clunkiest of the games in this set, but if you can get past that, it's pretty good.Overall: 3.5/5A great game, once you can stomach the dated controls and design.If you want to try the game out, it's also available for free on the Elder Scrolls website, but you will have to use DOSbox to install it.2 - The Elder Scrolls Chapter II: Daggerfall:Oh. Yes.Daggerfall is my favorite Elder Scrolls game. While it may not be anywhere near as detailed as later games, the scope of the game and the amount of dungeons to crawl through is staggering and crawling through said dungeons is very fun. This game also has a overworld even larger than Arena's, so you might want to rethink going out to that dungeon on foot. The game is about as hard as Arena, but if you find it too difficult, you could always set the reflexes on the lowest setting.This game is equally simple to install on Windows. Just run the auto-installer and you're all set. However, I was left with the subpar SoundBlaster Pro sound card setting, so I had to go into DOSbox and change to the infinitely better MPU-401 sounds.Overall: 5/5An amazing game. I'd recommend it to any Elder Scrolls fan who hasn't played it.Daggerfall is also available for free on the Elder Scrolls website, but again, you'll have to use DOSbox to install it.3 - The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind:Ah, Morrowind. This game needs no introduction. Any Elder Scrolls fan worth his salt has played Morrowind. The world is vast and detailed, the music is breathtaking, and the gameplay is top-notch. Just expect to suck when you start the game.This set also includes the Construction Set, a modder's resource, and both of Morrowind's expansions, Tribunal and Bloodmoon. Both add a large amount of content to the game. Mournhold and Solstheim are a joy to explore and both have a plethora of quests included.Morrowind is easy enough to install from disc. Just pop it in, install, and do the same for the two expansions. This is the first game in the pack that you get with the included Steam code. Just enter the code in to play Morrowind without the disc.Overall: 5/5What else needs to be said?4 - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion:Oblivion was my first Elder Scrolls game, and I couldn't have wished for a better entry to the series. It's simple enough for a newcomer to enjoy and is packed with loads of stuff to do. My only qualm is the dialogue assignment. For example, if you're talking to a beggar with the voice of a chain smoker and choose an option like "Rumors" or "The Gray Fox", you'll hear a much more manly, macho voice as opposed to a man who smokes 18 packs a day.Oblivion also includes Knights of The Nine and Shivering Isles on disc two. If you download it from Steam with the code I mentioned before, you also get the smaller add-ons like Horse Armor and Frostcrag Spire. These add a lot of content to an already deep game and the Shivering Isles is my favorite Elder Scrolls expansion to date.Installation is just like Morrowind. You can install from disc or download it from Steam.Overall: 4.75/5If you can get over the hilarious dialogue ("Hello" "I saw a mudcrab the other day. Horrible creatures." "I've heard others say the same." "Goodbye"), Oblivion is a fantastic game. I'd sooner recommend this to a newcomer to the series than any other Elder Scrolls game.5: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim:Skyrim is an alright game. It forgoes a lot of the more RPG-ey gameplay features from the previous games in exchange for a more involved gameplay experience. This doesn't always work, but it's an entertaining enough game.If you're looking at this set, you're no doubt already familiar with Skyrim, so I won't go on about it for much longer.Also included is the three DLC, Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.Installation is simple. You need to register Skyrim on Steam if you want to install from disc. I recommend just using the code to download it. It's much simpler.Overall: 4/5It's Skyrim, warts and all.Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this purchase. This is easily over 500 solid hours of entertainment for less than $40.