Skyrim is a timeless classic. A game that still has an extremely active player-base despite being almost 12 years old. It's modding community is insanely talented and dedicated, but I think mods get far too much credit for Skyrim's success.

I have always been a vanilla player. Each time I tried to use mods, my games would break/get corrupted, or I would keep searching for more and more mods to add and then just get bored and stop playing the game. I don't know why but vanilla Skyrim just has that "magic" to it, where I can play endlessly over multiple characters and still be entertained each time.

I understand the complaints about the combat, but I've always enjoyed it and didn't think it was weird or incredibly clunky. It's much simpler to combat in games nowadays, but I prefer it that way. I don't enjoy characters sprinting around like lightning and using overly flashy moves and combos, just give me a sword and let me hit people with it.

People who say that Skyrim has a terrible story probably haven't payed any attention to it. It's not an incredibly story, but in no way is it bad. It's deeply connected and intertwined with the lore of the world, with an explosive opening and satisfying conclusion.

The world design of Skyrim is top-notch as well. It manages to be incredibly open, detailed, filled with content and also not a slog to travel through. The world feels alive, although a bit small. It also helps that Skyrim is set in the world of the Elder Scrolls, which I believe to be the best fantasy universe ever created. It's incredibly interesting, not too confusing, surprisingly realistic and (mostly) free from plot holes and other bullshit.

Nothing else seems to capture lighting in a bottle the way Skyrim did. And now with the release of Anniversary Edition, I can play through all of the creation club content, as well as re-experience all the epic, wonderous and nostalgic moments of this masterpiece.

“What is better—to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?” – Paarthurnax