The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard

With multiple accommodations and awards high expectations were expected of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim future content. The first downloadable add-on, Dawnguard, adds new areas, deadly enemies, and addition weapons. Centered on ancient orders you will choose to either join the fight against the undead horde or walk among them. Dawnguard offers a pleasant array of atmospheric areas to explore and adds a sizeable amount of content for players to enjoy, but unfortunately doesn’t provide the same intense story of Skyrim quest.

The primary campaign can be access at level 10 by talking to a city guard and has you heading towards fort Dawnguard. Agreeing to be part of the vampire battle you’ll plunge deeper into Skyrim to search for what is the primary cause for the rise in vampire attacks. Eventually you’ll find a one of the best companions in Skyrim to accompany you throughout your journey.

Dawnguard offers two perspectives of how to play the DLC. While you start this quest to fight the bloodsuckers you don’t have to play vampire hunter and can choose to play to join them to become a new species of vampire known as the Vampire Lord. In this form you can hover, drain health, control enemies, teleport, and other abilities. However transforming into the Vampire Lord takes longer then it should and players might have difficulties getting through narrow passageways. This new class offers a specific talent tree that allows you to access more abilities are you eliminate enemies in that form. Dawnguard also offers a new Werewolf talent tree that upgrades as you eat the hearts of the dead. Choosing one from the other doesn’t change the overall story but does provide new perspectives of how you tackle the objectives.

The areas you explore and creatures you encounter are the highlight of this expansion. Throughout the journey I encountered an array of interesting characters and ancient, such as you companion Serena. Throughout your journey the two of you will be able to explore a portion of the oblivion realm, do battle against two new dragon types on a frozen lake, and find several people who were suppose to be dead. Small task are littered throughout these areas such as aiding a spirit by finding his horse or helping a desperate dragon add new experiences that can aid you. Like the main game these tasks break up the pace and showcase the diversity in each new area.

Like other places in the world of Skyrim you will have your share of puzzles, shouts, and dragons to face. Throughout your journey small, but easy puzzles, usually hinder your progress such as finding a lever or finding pieces of a sun dial. New enemies such as Gargoyles, Armored Trolls, and Revered/Legendary Dragons offer new challenges. With these new challenges you’ll need more modern equipment; fortunately you will have access to new armor and weapons such as the crossbow.

While Dawnguard’s the story doesn’t provide the same intensity as other side quest in the original game. However the journey itself is filled with so many positives additions that add even more beauty and length to an already fantastic game. If you’re looking for more Skyrim content then you’ll find Dawnguard to be a reasonable expansion. 

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed (Twitter)