The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

In the end, Skyrim will be hailed as both the best and worst title of the year depending on whom you ask. RPG gamers who look for subtle storytelling and endless replay value are going to love every minute. But gamers that have even a slight problem with impatience will quickly become frustrated. However, even the most devoted naysayer has to admit that Skyrim is at the top of its genre, and that's no small feat.

And yet we still recommend you play it. The game doesn't deviate too heavily from the staples Bethesda's carved out for itself, but it is a game that's above and beyond the sum of its parts. Visually and mechanically it's not the most compelling experience in the world, but its setting, outstanding sense of place and wealth of content make it an intriguing experience from beginning through to your 150th hour.

With Skyrim Bethesda have truly succeeded in crafting not a sandbox, but a world. It's a world that's more exciting to live and play in than any other they've created. It's a game where the world is the greatest character of all, reigning supreme over all others. Skyrim's world is beautiful. That, combined with exciting gameplay, open-ended character development and engaging story threads is all it takes to be truly great - but it all starts with the world. From that, through that, the game itself is beautiful too.