memlapse1

I am one of the few that have not played MW or any of the previous ES games. When I first purchased the game (on a whim) I emerged from the sewers, saved and didn't touch it for several months. The reason for that was due to time and a substandard video card. I never had a game bring a computer to its knees like this one. I beefed up my box a few months later, cranked up the res and took in the incredible graphics. It was then that I discovered the mod community, the mod manager and the construction set. That was when the real fun began. I toyed with just about every decent mod I could get my hands on. I created a few of my own and didn't even touch the main quest for several weeks. It was only after I had a feel for the environment and the perfect combination of mods did I delve into the the actual game. I played through the main quest most of the way and didn't allow myself to be distracted by the side quests. I stalled on the main quest and pursued the mages quest. That's when I realized that this game had such an incredible environment, but no soul. It was hollow inside. It was lacking character. The story line was bland and predictable. I never really got myself into any serious trouble nor did I have the opportunity to regret any "cross roads" decisions. Too many failsafes. I was a bit taken aback by the number of bugs and truly questioned the abilities of their QA folks. I came to the conclusion that the developers found out they had grand ideas but the scope was too large. They compromised and delivered a stripped down game hoping that the graphics and the "cutting edge" AI would compensate for it's shortcomings. I also suspect that they hoped that some of the "Mod Gods" would keep the game interesting by filling some serious gaps in gameplay. To an extend they succeeded. They are some very talented modders out there. The "bones" of this game is unlike any other, but it needs a soul and some major fleshing out before it comes alive and can truly stand with some of the great games of its generation. Keep in mind that this game has provided many hours (or should I say months) of enjoyment whereas many others have not. I truly love this game or what this game should have (and may still) become. Yours truly, A fellow Oblidiot