Does a The Elder Scrolls game fit in your pocket? With TES: Blades, Bethesda aims to prove this. The role-playing game is supposed to have as much depth as a regular RPG in the series – even with multiplayer elements but without overshadowing the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online.
The Elder Scrolls on the go
Tamriel in your pocket. With The Elder Scrolls Blades, the developer studio Bethesda pursues a grand goal: the developers want to create a deep role-playing experience that is worthy of a “regular” TES installment. They want to present this to players as a mobile game.
However, many think of mobile games as simplified gaming experiences or small games for quick play. Even Fallout Shelter from Bethesda is more of a small, nice game for breaks, but could never compare to a “real” entry in the Fallout series. However, what Bethesda showed about TES: Blades at E3 goes far beyond what is generally understood as a mobile game.
A real RPG: TES: Blades is a role-playing game that offers elements typical for the series:
- Epic Story – In The Elder Scrolls: Blades, you take on the role of a “Blade,” one of the top agents of the Empire. You return home from exile only to discover that your hometown has been destroyed. Throughout the story, in which you aim to restore your reputation, you will travel through many dungeons and fight cruel enemies. Additionally, it is your task to rebuild your city.
- Character Development – You develop your hero based on skills, similar to how it’s done in the main series. You will acquire increasingly powerful equipment throughout your adventures. This makes you stronger.
- Exploration – Throughout the adventures, you explore many mystical places, including mysterious and dark dungeons, as well as enchanted forests, ruins, and more. There, you will find treasures like gold that you can use to purchase new equipment.
- Quests – You will receive new quests regularly in your city that will lead you to dangerous places. As you explore these, you will find sinister creatures to fight against. Quests advance the game’s story.
Combat and City Building
Combat without movement. The combat will feel a bit unusual and will likely require some adjustment. While you freely explore the environments, that freedom of movement ceases during battles. In confrontations, you will be more focused on surviving and winning.
While your hero remains rooted during a fight, you touch the touchscreen to charge your attack. A circle fills up, and once it is “full,” you release it, and the attack is executed automatically. You can decide where to hit your opponent. Additionally, power attacks and combos can be executed.
During battles, you will also use powerful skills and even cast spells. It is essential to keep an eye on the health, stamina, and magic status bars.
Build your city. It is not only your task to explore dungeons and dark forests, as well as to fight monsters. You will also receive the responsibility and control over a city that you will need to develop over time. It is even possible to invite other players to your city or visit your friends’ cities.
You determine how your city will look and which buildings you will upgrade. This way, you will gradually unlock new NPCs, who will then have additional quests for you.
Story, Endless Play, PvP
Multiple game modes. TES: Blades offers you the opportunity to play in several modes:
- Arena – In the arena, you challenge other players to 1v1 PvP duels.
- Town – The main game. Your task is to build and develop a city while exploring dungeons and other areas. You will fight against monsters and proceed with the story.
- Abyss – This is an endless dungeon with procedurally generated levels, where you fight against waves of enemies and must survive as long as possible.
Impressive visuals. What was shown of TES: Blades at E3 is quite astonishing for a mobile game. The 3D graphics do not appear significantly worse than those of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.
In the dungeons, atmospheric lighting effects create a spooky atmosphere. The enemies are depicted in detail, just like the showcased outdoor area with beautiful landscapes. Graphically, players can expect an extraordinary experience.
Portrait or landscape mode. One of the cool features of TES: Blades is the option to play not only in a widescreen format when you hold your phone horizontally. You can also play in portrait mode. The view, UI, and all elements will adjust accordingly. This way, Blades should be playable with one hand, convenient if you want to eat something or need your hand for other things.
When is the release and how much does the game cost?
Release not only for smartphones. Bethesda plans to release TES: Blades not only for smartphones but also for PC and “as many other platforms as possible“. The game is even planned for VR systems. However, it will initially launch on mobile. Adapting controls and the UI will likely be necessary for other platforms.
Especially interesting: Bethesda wants to make crossplay possible. So if you are playing on your phone on the bus and challenge another player in the arena, it could be that they are playing on a PC or with a VR headset.
When does it come out and how much does it cost? The Elder Scrolls: Blades will be released this fall as a free-to-play game for Android and iOS devices. Bethesda will announce a specific date later. The other versions for PC, console, and VR are expected to follow at a later date.
In-game shop and premium currency? Bethesda has not yet discussed monetization. However, it is expected that TES: Blades will have some kind of in-game shop with premium currency.
