Skyrim VRis a game quite unlike most VR games out there, mostly because it’s literally the complete vast world ofSkyrimplayable in VR. No other VR-only games out right now can claim to rivalSkyrim, arguably the most popular RPG of all time, though there’s plenty to criticize about the VR version of the 10-year-old classic.
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For example, whileSkyrim VRoffers the chance to become fully immersed within the Nordic homeland from a first-person perspective, the controls leave much to be desired (and more often than not hinder this feeling of immersion). While other VR RPGs have their own unique takes on fantasy gameplay,Skyrim VRis almost the same as it is on PC and consoles –for better or for worse.
Pros: Immersion, Interactivity, And The Modding Community
The pros ofSkyrim VRare shared with the impressive technical feats of VR systems in general. The feeling of immersion one feels being inSkyrimfrom the point of view of your character is unmatched, but that’s true for most VR games that give players a first-person view.Skyrimis alreadya very interactive game, and playing in VR makes picking up objects both mundane and unique feel more realistic. Players can dodge spells and arrows by moving side to side, and have to bend down (or stand on their tiptoes) to reach items depending on their character’s height.
However, much of this interactivity is limited without the help of mods. Just like the vanilla game,Skyrim VRhas an incredibly strong modding community, one that has turned the VR version of the game from a lackluster port to a full-fledged game of its own. Mods like VRIK, which gives the player a responsive body, MageVR, which allows spellcasting through a unique Rune-drawing system, and Dragonborn Speaks Naturally, which uses the player’s voice for their character’s Thuum, are some prime examples ofwhat’s been made possibleby theSkyrim VRcommunity.
Cons: Input Lag, Glitches, Unpolished Gameplay, And Price
Skyrim VRas it ships is, for lack of a better way to put it, underwhelming. It allows players to see the world from their character’s perspective and look around their surroundings, but the controls don’t utilize the full capabilities of VR systems, the game is rife with glitches (even for anElder Scrollsgame) and it just feels like a rushed-out, unpolished version of a game that has been re-released more times than there areentries in theElder Scrollsseries.
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To put it another way, players don’t have a body, can’t grab items off the ground, can’t swing swords with their controller, and can’t do many of the things that VR systems are so perfect for without the help of extensive modding. The game as it ships is basicallySkyrimwith a VR headset on, and doesn’t take advantage of any of theunique gameplay propertiesof VR systems.Skyrim VRis priced at $60, $20 more thanSpecial EditionorAnniversary Edition.It’s a lot less content for a lot more money, and the extra cost just isn’t worth being able to experience it in first-person.
So, Is Skyrim VR Worth It?
When it comes to the question of whetherSkyrim VRis worth it, there is a lot to consider. The first thing to consider is your VR setup – most mid-to-high tier VR systems and computers can handle the game just fine, but it won’t run on low-end PCs. The second thing to consider is how much you are paying for it. At a price of $60,Skyrim VRis not worth it.
However, a price of $20 (like during the Steam Holiday sale) is much more reasonable, especially for all the VR port’s downfalls. Ultimately, though, the vanilla experience is severely lacking, and it’s best to learn how to mod the game and make it amuch more satisfying experiencein VR. At the end of the day, what makesSkyrim VRworth it is the modding community that (mostly) fixed this shoddy port.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Editionis available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S
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