THE ELDER SCROLLT ONLINE: HIGH ISLE From: Bethesda For: PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, XB1, SeriesX/S ★★★+ By HAYDEN MEIKLE
The year is 2047. People are still denying climate change, even if the average temperature in Dunedin reaches 34°C, Dr. Warner still busy Shortland Stand Scott Robertson leads the Crusaders to a 25th Championship as he awaits his chance to coach the All Blacks.
And in the game world, Elder Scrolls Online (TO BE) releases its 138th expansion.
Of course I’m kidding. There is no way shortie lasts another 25 years.
Yes, one more TO BE expansion is out, to be greeted by howls of delight from the tragic events or barely stifled yawns from those who think it’s just more of the same.
But it’s NOT just more of the same, which is why this is a multiplayer RPG that just won’t go away.
There’s a familiarity, of course, as you return to the world of Tamriel with your character and perform many of the same hack-slash-spell-ride-explore actions.
But everything TO BE additions have new gear and new areas to roam and new storylines, and high island is one of the most interesting to date.
I’m not a walking, talking encyclopedia about this fantasy land, but it’s my understanding that this is the first area made from a blank canvas, and not one that’s been dusted off from the linked single-player games (Skyrim et al).
Your destination is the Systres Archipelago, a Game of Throneslike area of castles and villages and royal courts and, of course, some good old political infighting.
With an engrossing storyline with warring houses (Starks v Lannisters, anyone?) and brave knights and hefty doses of mystique from druids and the like, there’s plenty of compelling content to keep you amused until the White Walkers arrive… fine, you get the point .
I’m a pick-up, put-down Elder Scrolls player – the game lends itself perfectly to both hardcore grinders and occasional enthusiasts – and high island has made the most compelling case for ”don’t put me down” yet.
There’s life in it Elder Scrolls yet.