The reviewer expresses disappointment and frustration with Elder Scrolls Online, citing numerous issues with the game's design, mechanics, and overall experience. They feel that the game fails to live up to the Elder Scrolls name and is not worth the monthly subscription fee.
Specific criticisms include:
* Poorly paced quests with lack of immersion and challenge
* Inconsistent and sometimes laughable storylines and characters
* Lack of sense of discovery and wonder in the game world
* Featureless map and poor user interface
* Unimpressive graphics, despite being passable
* Poorly executed grouping and PvE content, making it feel like a single-player game
* Overpriced mounts and lack of player housing
* Poorly designed combat mechanics, despite some redeeming qualities
* Slow leveling in PvP content, making it feel like punishment to play
The reviewer concludes that the game is "painfully average" and gives it a 5 out of 10 rating. They recommend waiting for the game to potentially go free-to-play or avoiding it altogether, except for hardcore Elder Scrolls fans.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Elder Scrolls Online game is set 1,000 years before the events of Skyrim.
2. The main storyline revolves around a Daedric Prince named Molag Bal invading Tamriel.
3. The game has three factions: the Aldmeri Dominion, the Ebonheart Pact, and the Daggerfall Covenant.
4. The game is a subscription-based MMO with a monthly fee of $15.
5. The game requires a payment card to play, with 30 days of free playtime included.
6. The game has a large map, with playable areas that are massive.
7. The game has a wealth of content, with over 140 hours of gameplay.
8. The game has a dynamic combat system that uses positioning, skill shots, and effective blocking.
9. The game has a freedom from class restrictions, allowing players to use any weapon with any class.
10. The game has a variety of skill lines available to all classes, allowing players to create unique builds.
11. The game has a PvP mode with great mechanics, but it is mostly borrowed from other games.
12. The game has a user interface that is minimal, but can be improved with mods.
13. The game has a lack of discovery and wonder, with a featureless map that makes it hard to navigate.
14. The game's graphics are serviceable, but not impressive.
15. The game has a lot of content, but it is mostly average and not rewarding enough.
16. The game's PvE content is probably a 4 out of 10, while the PvP content is a 6 or 7.
17. The game's level progression is slow compared to other games.
18. The game has a monthly subscription fee of $15, which may not be justified by the game's quality.