The phenomenon of labeling various fantasy games as “Skyrim-like”has become increasingly prevalent, yet this trend warrants reevaluation. While some titles may genuinely share characteristics with Skyrim, the term has become overly generalized, diluting its significance. As a dedicated player, I have a clear vision of what to expect from a game described as “like Skyrim.” However, as the term becomes a catch-all for any game set in a fantasy realm, it risks losing its value and leading to misconceptions among players.
As the criteria for associating games with Skyrim broadens, the effectiveness of these comparisons diminishes, ultimately failing to provide prospective players with meaningful insights. Such vague associations can also distort expectations, leading players to believe they are purchasing a game akin to The Elder Scrolls, when in reality, it may not deliver that experience. Consequently, this can foster unfair judgments toward new titles, dismissing them as inadequate simply because they fall short of a “Skyrim-like”experience.
The Erosion of Meaning Behind Skyrim Comparisons
The Issue With Indiscriminate Comparisons to Skyrim
While not all comparisons to Skyrim are unfounded, some games like Avowed do garner this label due to shared qualities, such as their action RPG format and similar combat dynamics, including first- and third-person perspectives. Although there are valid points to be made for calling Avowed “Skyrim-like,” the term becomes problematic when applied to games that lack substantial similarities.
A glaring instance of this misapplication is found in games like World of Anterra and City Tales – Medieval Era, both described as “Skyrim meets Stardew Valley.” Yet, despite the similarity in their descriptions, the two games differ significantly. World of Anterra, while non-linear and open-world, incorporates turn-based combat, which contrasts sharply with the action-oriented gameplay that players expect from a Skyrim comparison.
City Tales – Medieval Era represents an even more tenuous association, as it functions primarily as a city-building and resource management game with little in common with either Skyrim or Stardew Valley, apart from a medieval backdrop devoid of high-fantasy elements.
Unrealistic Expectations Emerge from Skyrim Comparisons
The Clarity of Skyrim Comparisons and Their Misleading Nature
The core issue with vague Skyrim comparisons lies in their ability to create unrealistic expectations for new titles. Most players, like myself, can quickly recognize that a city-builder like City Tales is far removed from the Skyrim experience. However, if someone expects a “Skyrim-like” game only to find themselves immersed in a completely different genre, disappointment is inevitable. It’s worth noting that this judgment doesn’t reflect the game’s quality, but rather the disconnect between expectations and reality.
This misalignment becomes even more pronounced with titles like Avowed, which, despite being compared to Skyrim, received criticism for not fully meeting player expectations. With continuous discussions framing it as a Skyrim successor and the gameplay appearing to mirror it at first glance, players developed lofty anticipations—some of which went unfulfilled.
Once again, this doesn’t suggest that Avowed isn’t a worthy game—in fact, I find it more appealing than Skyrim. However, the practice of making blanket comparisons can leave games in an unfavorable light, as they may not resonate with players who had differing, perhaps unfounded, expectations, leading to harsh assessments of their value.
Celebrating Diversity in Fantasy Gaming
Diverging From Skyrim’s Template as a Strength
Using Skyrim as shorthand for any fantasy-themed game undermines other titles that strive to carve out their own identity beyond its legacy. For instance, Avowed intentionally opts for a non-open world format, concentrating on narrative choices that can significantly influence the player experience. This decision highlights a conscious effort by Obsidian to differentiate itself from Bethesda’s models, fostering a unique gameplay experience that may not have been realized if constrained by expectations to replicate Skyrim’s mechanics.
It’s valid to compare games like Skyrim and Avowed based on specific mechanics they share, as they both operate within the same genre. However, such comparisons should not encompass an entire game’s identity.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to question whether Skyrim should be viewed as a gold standard for assessing other games. While enjoyable, it does have its flaws—such as a storyline that fails to engage on a meaningful level.
Personally, I have invested countless hours in Skyrim since its release in 2011, owning multiple versions and exceeding 50 hours on Steam alone. Yet, I have never completed the main questline due to a lack of compelling interest, especially when faced with familiar tropes and lackluster characters. In contrast, I find myself replaying titles such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, where the character development and intricate narrative create a captivating experience.
Additionally, Skyrim’s structure lacks the depth of meaningful narrative choices that characterize the best RPGs. The few decisions I recall—such as aligning with the Stormcloaks—pale in comparison to the impactful choices presented in games like Mass Effect, where player decisions resonate throughout the narrative.
In summary, my intent isn’t to suggest Skyrim is inherently flawed; rather, it seems curious that it has become the benchmark against which many fantasy games and RPGs are judged. Such comparisons often lead to confusion and unmet expectations, a common outcome in the gaming community when discussing widely celebrated titles.
The Wider Implications of Inaccurate Comparisons
Beyond Skyrim: The Broader Impact of Imperfect Comparisons
Although Skyrim serves as a prominent case, it is far from the only game susceptible to this type of superficial analysis. A similar issue arises with Stardew Valley, often invoked whenever a new game features pixel art. To me, the essence of Stardew Valley lies not just in its aesthetics, but in gameplay mechanics. Therefore, if a game is likened to it, I would expect a rich experience centered around life simulation or farming. In this case, a better comparison for World of Anterra might be earlier Harvest Moon titles, instead of a game that merely shares stylistic elements.
While using a popular title like Skyrim can provide a rough framework for understanding new games, such surface-level comparisons ultimately contribute to confusion. More critically, they may harm the reputation of games with intrinsic merit that simply do not align with the unrealistic expectations set by these generalized comparisons.