The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Switch
Skyrim's move to Switch brings huge adventure on the go.
Parents say
Based on 12 reviews
Kids say
Based on 41 reviews
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Switch
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Switch is an open-world action role-playing game available for the Nintendo Switch. This version of the hit game has been enhanced with various Switch-specific features, including motion controls, support for amiibo figures, and exclusive content based on Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise. The optional motion controls add an extra level of immersion, but also some extra complexity that requires a lot of practice. Skyrim can be a graphically violent adventure depending on players' actions, filled with bloody combat that can be quite brutal. While the game does include previously released expansion content in this package, there's still an incentive to use Nintendo's amiibo figures (purchased separately) to unlock additional and exclusive content. There's also lots of alcoholic beverages that can be consumed to the point of drunkenness, as well as illicit narcotics that can be taken, and some women in the game are referred to as "whores."
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What’s It About?
The Last Dragonborn is back, as the hit role-playing adventure THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM returns once more -- this time for the Nintendo Switch. It's a dark time in the world of Skyrim, as civil unrest and chaos lead to danger lurking in every shadow. Worse still, these events bring about the return of Alduin, the World Eater, a powerful black dragon that legends state has brought about the apocalypse once before and now seeks to wipe clean the world once again. Skryim's only hope lies in the prophecy of the Dovahkiin, "a warrior with the body of a mortal and soul of a dragon" destined to defeat Alduin. Players learn of their role as this Last Dragonborn, setting out on an epic quest to hone their new powers and save all of Skyrim from the dark dragon's wrath. Now players can take the adventure on the road with this Nintendo Switch release, which includes the game's three expansion packs, new motion control features, and support for amiibo, which can be used to unlock exclusive content based on Nintendo's The Legend Zelda franchise.
Is It Any Good?
Some games are grand adventures that take on a life of their own, making you return to them over and over again. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Switch falls firmly into this category, putting players in the starring role of an epic story they craft for themselves through the choices they make. The world of Skyrim feels like a real living, breathing world, and players can explore that world to their heart's content. Whether it's following the unfolding plot from point to point or ignoring the bulk of the quests to just take in the sights, Skyrim's biggest draw has always been that it gives players the freedom to play it however they want. It's why even now, six years after its initial release, the game still has a huge fan following.
After getting a Special Edition release last year for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has made its way to the Nintendo Switch. While the game lacks a bit of the visual polish of the Special Edition, it still looks and runs great, particularly on the portable screen. Use of the Switch's motion controls give the game more of a VR feel, with the left and right Joy-Con responsible for their respective hands' actions. It's a more immersive experience, but it's not always precise and takes a lot of getting used to. Plus, most motion controls are useless in portable mode. These are all optional, though, and can be adjusted or turned off in the settings. Players with amiibo figures can also get a little extra boost once per day, using the Nintendo figures to drop treasure chests with extra goodies to help in players' adventures. None of these drops are ever overpowered or game-breaking, but there is some fun, exclusive Legend of Zelda content that can be unlocked. The only big omission from the Switch version of Skyrim is the addition of user-created PC mods, something missing from the other console version. Even so, faithful transition of the game and the ability to take the adventure with you make this version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim one of the best, if not the best, versions of the game available to date.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. What are some of the ways that violence in games can affect a person, especially younger gamers? Are you more likely to avoid conflict and combat when given the option, or are you more willing to instigate fights wherever possible?
Talk about choice and consequence. What are some of the factors involved in making tough choices? What are some positive ways to consider the possible future benefits and consequences of decisions you make today?
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Release date: November 17, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Wild Animals
- ESRB rating: M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Last updated: December 18, 2021
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