The Elder Scrolls Online

A genuine surprise whose quests are far closer to Skyrim than to typical MMO busywork, with even the weakest quest matching the best of other MMOs, plus standout music, well-separated environments, and a flexible classless progression system. It's dragged down by low-rent issues: janky animations, terrible hit detection, pervasive clipping, bad lip-syncing, and a money-grabbing paywall for Imperials. At its base price there's easily 60-plus hours of worthwhile content, making it a buy despite the budget-grade rough edges.

Lack of world PVP, poor customization, excessive dialogue, overpriced.

Strong expansion with engaging Skyrim setting, fun storyline, and worthwhile exploration.

ZP: loses franchise identity; combat dumbed down.

Well-crafted MMO expansion with faithful Morrowind recreation; divisive MMO mechanics and pricing keep it from must-buy.

Disappointing MMO extension with poor grouping, expensive monetization, and forgettable quests; identity crisis between SP and MMO.