Initial release date: June 3, 2024
Genres: Massively multiplayer online game, MORE
Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, macOS, Mac operating systems
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Series: The Elder Scrolls
The idea that The Elder Scrolls Online is ten years old is astounding. One of the best MMOs available now was once an empty and unsatisfying interpretation of Tamriel and its lore. Even though The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road doesn’t always deliver with its story, I still enjoyed exploring West Weald and learning the secrets of the new Daedric Prince. ZeniMax has remained committed to TESO ever since, releasing expansions that delved into every corner of its world, races, and stories to deliver some fantastic expansions.
Ithelia, the forgotten Daedric prince, has returned and doesn’t know who she is. As you learn more about her, it becomes evident that she may be one of Tamriel’s worst threats. We see a cult of Bosmer who are exploiting her for personal benefit and seeking to change their own history without considering the ramifications of their choices. Within the limits of TESO’s high fantasy, it nearly feels like a political thriller. Overall, I liked the adventure, despite certain moments of predictability.
Even though Daedric Princes have been eliminated, Ithelia is an intriguing character and a fantastic addition to the game. Along the journey, you get to know a lot of new people, some of whom you click with and others of whom you don’t. This is typical of expansions. Considering how many stories have been added to the Elder Scrolls lore—especially considering how long the franchise has been around—the writing is excellent once more.
The stunning Colovian region of Cyrodil’s West Weald is home to a variety of ecosystems just waiting to be discovered. The main city of Skingrad is full of amazing buildings; there are wastelands that are rife with danger and death; and there are jungles full of strange plants and tall trees that resemble a botanical maze. Even though The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road was last seen in Oblivion, it feels very distinct from everything you’ve seen before, no matter where you go in the game.
There is a lot to see and do in West Weald, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the game. You can participate in both main quests and ones you discover on your own. After being away for about a year, it felt great to return. Although it seems like the developers are pushing the boundaries of what the technology can accomplish, they have outperformed themselves in areas they haven’t done before, like the boss fights, which feel mechanically distinct from many of the ones from the past and the new Scribing mechanic, which lets players alter their builds in fascinating new ways.
Scribing is a great new technique to develop intriguing new skills, but it’s hard to get the hang of after you first unlock it. New players won’t be able to dive right in because you have to be at least level 30 to start. Even after ten years, it demonstrates ZeniMax’s continued efforts to keep gameplay feeling new, and although it’s not a game-changer, I still had fun exploring with the character customization it provided. While I think new players can enjoy The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road, veterans will be put to the test in this new trial, which they must complete in groups of twelve, but if you appreciate the grind, the rewards are substantial and well worth it.
Summary:
Though it may not be the greatest plot in the series, The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road has a humorous one that I really liked. The series’ core lore is something I adore, therefore I’m constantly eager to learn more about it and find any nuggets of information I can. There’s enough to do, even though some of the objectives don’t always pay off, and the new scribing mechanic is a great opportunity to fine-tune talents to match your preferred style of play. Everywhere you look in West Weald is breathtaking, and it seems like ZeniMax has really stretched the boundaries of what is possible in TESO.