The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles

I’m a bit late to the Shivering Isles party. Let’s say fashionably late, OK?

I absolutely LOVE Oblivion. It’s replay value is through the roof and I have to say that I have a special soft spot in my heart for the Mage’s Guild.

I’m the “leader” of all of the guilds, I’ve closed all of the Oblivion Gates. I’ve done it all. Well, I haven’t done it all since I can still wander around and find a cave or settlement that I didn’t know was there.

Back to Shivering Isles.

I finally got my hands on this handy dandy expansion and I LOVE it.

Shivering Isles was one of those rare games that I bought without reading a single review. I had already drank the Oblivion Kool-Aid; I didn’t need any convincing.

The first thing that struck me was the Matrix esque choice between dementia or mania.

I really don’t think it’s fair to force me to make such an important decision so early on, but, if I hadn’t, I would have much less to write about. [I chose mania by-the-way]

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not finished with the expansion. However, I’ve gotten far enough into it to say that there is a distinct “this is hard as hell” learning curve.

The “monsters” just seem a bit more bad ass. Not to mention [but I will] they’re scarier looking.

I have to tell you that I am a huge wuss when it comes to the “scary” parts. The Oblivion Gates almost made me wet myself and thank the gods for my superior conjuring ability. Not only does it provide me with some company [go ahead and roll your eyes] but, very few things can stand up against Xivilai.

I’m off to play more as soon as I publish this. I expect hours upon hours of missing time…Oblivion games seem to do that to me.

Updates to follow.