While it is true that there is a light at the end of the tunnel — regardless of
which mythical beastie you decide to go with, when the story and quests in the
Dawnguard expansion are over you can seek out and obtain a cure that will turn your
character back into a human (or whatever passes for species for them)… If you want
to. I suspect that many gamers will not want to, because both the Vampire and the
Werewolf each come with some pretty amazing perks as well as formidable powers, and
bear in mind that unlike with the Vampire, the Werewolf form has very little actual
or intrusive impact on play as a human (or whatever you are).
With respect to the game, game play, and the story to be found here, history repeats
itself again as, just like with the base game, the folks at Bethesda brought gamers a
lot more bang for their buck and an intense, immersive, and very addictive story,
with a unique set of challenges to boot! Sadly I cannot tell you about the things I
would change if I could, because 99% of those wants would constitute a spoiler if I
did… Bearing in mind that there are only around ten things I would change, and
most of those relate to interpersonal relationships between the characters in the
game, and not any major game-changing issues, but still… My respect for you is so
great that I simply will not risk spoiling any of this for you because — and I am
sincere when I say it — this is one awesome adventure and you should savor every
second of it!
When you consider that this expansion arrived just as the worse part of the annual
Summer Doldrums was setting in — that period each year when so few new games are
released that it often leaves gamers struggling with boredom and nothing to play —
and clearly here was something to play! I can say that in many ways I envy the
gamers who had not played the base game until this summer, as I can easily imagine
their pleasure in playing through that prior to starting the expansion, and the
satisfaction that the experience certainly delivered!
So, as I wrap this up, I offer a hearty “Well Done!” to Bethesda and specifically to
Todd Howard, the lead designer and man with the iron fist who shaped the game and its
expansion. While there is no official word on the matter, a quiet word at this
year’s E3 from someone who would know suggested that there will be at least three
more DLC offerings for TESV — and possibly more than that. And if they are only
half as big — and half as good — as Dawnguard, we are in for a treat!
