OVERALL 8.0
The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset is the second major expansion to Bethesda’s MMO. While it does not include a new class like the previous one, it comes with a beautiful new land to explore, two new skill trees, hours of new quests as well as new dungeons and other challenges.
The region of Summerset is filled with lush environments and majestic architecture. Although it isn’t something we haven’t seen before, it is home to many beautiful and memorable locations. The main story revolves around Queen Ayrenn’s decree which opens up the borders of Summerset to foreigners. As expected, Daedra worshippers are not far behind but the game also explores how different locals respond or come to terms with this issue. The main quest is well paced and is engaging enough to see the whole way through. I also consider ESO to have the best designed and most interesting side quests of any MMO and that trend continues with Summerset.
You gain access to two new skill trees, one focused around combat and the other lets you craft jewels. You must join the Psijic order to unlock the combat tree, which lets you utilise powers like stopping time or replacing attacks with healing abilities. While Psijic order skills are extremely useful, you need to spend a lot of time travelling around the world to unlock them. Time breaches have spread everywhere in Tamriel and you are required to travel around the world closing them. It is a simple act of interacting with an object, but as it requires to get new skills, it turns into a grind.
Combat remains the weakest part of an otherwise great MMO and there isn’t much that can be done at this point. While it is noticeably behind other MMOs like Final Fantasy 14, the amount of skills available helps in adding variety. The game also has a solid progression system that feels rewarding no matter which tree you are planning on developing. In addition to a main story and side quests, Summerset includes world bosses, dungeons, exciting group events known as Abyssal Geysers as well as a new 12 man Trial. For new players, ESO is the most approachable MMO on the market as you can play any of the content with an existing or created character at any time or at any level. But even with the release of Summerset, much hasn’t changed in Elder Scrolls Online. Questing, music, exploration and the fully voiced dialogue remain its most notable strengths while combat is still a drag. The lack of more skill trees or a new class is disappointing, but if you have been enjoying the content offered by ESO up until this point, there is no reason not to indulge in this new expansion.
