So far Bethesda has released Skyrim six times in the past decade, but with its latest re-release Skyrim: Anniversary Edition on Nov. 11 it is now seven, and it’s ridiculous the way Bethesda is milking the game by now.
Similar to Rockstar’s GTA V, the only significant additions to Skyrim are yet another set of quests, difficulty, and fishing, as well as new items like armor, weapons, and spells.
These items number in the hundreds only available through Creation Club, which is essentially a microtransaction service that deals in mods, a feature that most players can obtain by using reliable third-party websites like Nexus Mods.
At least Rockstar’s additions are more justified for the reason that each one is an effort to improve the game by optimizing, fixing bugs, as well as long action-packed heists.
Whereas Bethesda installs minor graphical updates and quests—despite being rich in lore—distracts from the fact that a full decade has passed without an actual follow-up game to Skyrim, which has been put on hold for Bethesda’s 2022 Starfield.
It is understandable for long-time fans to be frustrated by Bethesda’s efforts; for some, it’s a bit amusing because the aforementioned fishing addition seems like the most defining feature.
Such a mechanic had already been created as a mod three years prior to the seventh Skyrim, although now fans can purchase a version where fishing is an official part of the game, and not someone’s pet project.
Taking a closer look at Bethesda’s other additions, players can find that survival mode will provide a layer of realism over the fantastical setting as an extra challenge while traveling Tamriel’s northern countryside.
Another feature that the Dragonborn might stumble upon comes in the form of two new storylines called The Cause and Ghosts of the Tribunal.
The Cause plays into the nostalgia factor and allows for fans to enjoy new lore relating to Oblivion’s Mythic Dawn cult that sought and is seeking to claim Tamriel in the name of Mehrune Dagon, a demon—or daedric, one might say—lord.
Ghosts of the Tribunal likewise invokes the same factor and involves history regarding Morrowind in a sort of detective story where the Dragonborn tries to uncover the intentions of a heretic attempting to enchant a Dwemer—or Dwarven—weapon with a gem of unknown origin.
Taking this all in, what Bethesda is doing is charging the standard $60 for a survival mode, fishing, and two new storylines; the new weapons and the like don’t count as it’s basically just introducing new merchandise to an already-establish Creation Club.
People who already own Skyrim need $20 to upgrade, but even then, it’s too much for what should be an update.
In truth, the only worthwhile addition to Skyrim: Anniversary Edition is its storylines, and fans and newcomers will still purchase the game.
Just as with every major franchise that puts out something, consumers itch to find out what is new.
