10 Reasons for Skyrim Fever

Get ready to do battle with these fearsome creatures

With the release of Skyrim a little more than a week away, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of excited anticipation. I’m worse than an eight-year old hopped up on Kool-Aid and Pixy Stix.

In preparation for the orgy of gaming goodness that will follow once I finally get this game in my hands, here’s my top 10 list of things I’m looking forward to in Skyrim:

1. Character Creation – Khajiit? Redguard? Bosmer? I have no idea what I will finally decide upon, but chances are I will spend several hours simply exploring the myriad of options available in the character creation process.
2. Dragon Slaying – When I was a little girl, I pretended I was a valiant knight who did battle with a fire-breathing dragon in order to save my beautiful kingdom. Now I get to relive my childhood. Pass the Pixy Stix!
3. Climbing the Highest Mountain – There are 7,000 steps to reach the Throat of the World, the highest mountain in Skyrim. From those dizzying heights you’ll be able to see the land unfold below.
4. Dragon Slaying – Did I mention I want to slay a dragon?
5. Becoming a Sword-Wielding-Light-Footed-Battle-Mage – One of the greatest aspects of the Elder Scrolls series is that you’re not locked into a single character class. Your character can be as multi-faceted as you want.
6. Dragon Slaying – Yes, I know I have a problem.
7. Hoarding – If it isn’t nailed down, then it’s going with me. I’m not sure if it’s just the inner hoarder buried deep within my psyche, or the trill of accomplishment of collecting every piece of armor, weaponry, alchemic apparatus, or cutlery available in the game, but I feel very satisfied at amassing a heaping pile of stuff within the world of Tamriel.
8. Dragon Slaying – The first step in having a problem is admitting you have a problem. See #6.
9. Going Where the Wind Takes Me – There are many roads you can walk in the Elder Scrolls games, but Bethesda doesn’t pick your path for you. I plan on conquering every dungeon, every side quest, and seeing all of the sights and wonders before I tackle the main quest line.
10. Dragon Slaying – Just in case I didn’t make it perfectly clear, I’m really looking forward to battling these awesome creatures.

What are you looking forward to in Skyrim? This highly anticipated game hits the shelves of retailers near you on 11-11-11. For more information, visit the Skyrim website.

Are collector’s editions really worth the high price tag?

Skyrim's collector's edition is unveiled

My initial mouth-foaming excitement over the news of Skyrim‘s collector’s edition quickly waned at the jaw-dropping price tag. For $149.99, this special edition and all of its glory can be yours. But the real question persists…are these collector’s editions overpriced or do they really give you some bang for your buck?

With the rabidity of most collectors, it’s no real surprise that video game publishers have found clever ways of parting our money from our wallets. But in the face of economic recession, mounting unemployment rates, fluctuating stock markets, and the housing crisis, can you really justify shelling out the dough for gaming paraphernalia?

Don’t get me wrong…my bookshelves are lined with their own tokens of gaming goodness – copious amounts of statuary and knick-knacks line the shelves next to concept art books and miniature representations of gaming’s finest heroes and villains. In fact, as I write this I’m staring straight at a puzzle block that when arranged properly says, “Diablo II“.

The Skyrim collector’s edition looks pretty sweet…all the right touches with the statue of Alduin in draconic form, full-color concept art book, behind-the-scenes DVD, and a nice-looking cloth map. It’s enough to make my inner child quiver with cries of “wantwantwant!”

If it seems as though I’m conflicted on this topic…it’s because I am. I’ve gladly and willingly shelled out the cash in the past towards special editions or exclusive offers. But with each purchase, I’ve had to weigh my choices and balance “need” vs. “want”. And it’s sometimes a difficult decision to make, because deep down, there’s a part of me that truly relishes collecting.

What’s your opinion? Are collector’s editions worth the price tag? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so drop a line below!