The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle - Not Your Typical Island Vacation

A Perilous Adventure Through a Brand New Area of Tamriel

A New Addition to the Elder Scrolls Collection

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has been a staple in the world of MMORPGs since its release in 2014, and High Isle is the newest release for the popular franchise. Developed by Zenimax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, High Isle allows players to explore new areas and take on new adventures in the game's iconic world. The immersive new expansion game is available for PC (via the ESO Store and Steam), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 4 | 5.

If you're a fan of the original ESO or other popular MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, New World, or Lost Ark, The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle will surely satisfy your gaming tastes.

Explore an Amazing New Area of Tamriel

Like the previous installments of Elder Scrolls Online, High Isle takes place on the mythical continent of Tamriel. However, this time, the adventures occur in an entirely new area, which, as you may have guessed, is called High Isle.

The game's main story focuses on the relationships and conflicts of the great houses and families of the Bretons, human descendants who hail from the province of High Rock. The Three Banners War is ongoing, and two opposing factions are battling for supremacy on High Isle.

Discover the stunning home of Breton nobility and experience all-new stories, quests, monsters, challenges, and rewards.

There's The Steadfast, an organization funded by a wealthy philanthropist, and their main goal is securing peace and lasting cooperation. Then there's the Ascendant Order, led by the mysterious Magus and intent on destroying alliances and continuing the war to gain profit.

You play as your customizable character. To start, choose a character from various races and classes. Your attacks, spells, and passive effects will vary depending on your character choice. As you progress through the game and build up your character, it will be up to you to discover the true motives and secrets behind High Isle's major political players.

High Isle is played primarily from a third-person perspective and in an open-world style. You'll spend most of your time exploring various landscapes, completing quests, and taking on enemies in intense battles.

Concept Rating: 4/5

The Best Elder Scrolls Graphics Yet

Although the sharpness of the graphics will vary depending on the platform, there's no denying that the world of High Isle is aesthetically beautiful. The archipelago setting is lush and thematic, making it extremely easy to immerse yourself in the mythical universe. The movement of the animation is relatively smooth, and the designs of the setting and characters are well-detailed.

The game has a subtle, atmospheric soundtrack that will fade to the back of your consciousness as you become more engaged with the game. The sound effects are plentiful and crisp, and the many NPC voices are well-acted.

Graphics & Audio Rating: 4/5

Choosing Your Character Type

At its heart, The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is an RPG, and players can enjoy various elements that exemplify that. When you begin the game's storyline mode, you must first decide which faction, race, and class you want your character to be. There are three factions, ten races, and six classes to choose from; some are available for all players, while others require extra purchases.

Each of the three factions offers three associated races, with one separate neutral race available. Which race you choose will have a massive effect on your gameplay experience, as a Dark Elf, for example, will have very different abilities and gameplay effects than a Khajit or a Breton. As for your classes, you can choose to be a Dragonknight, Sorcerer, Nightblade, Templar, Warden, or Necromancer, each of which offers different attacks and spells.

Forging Your Journey

When playing High Isle, the way you move through the game, the missions you take on, and the speed at which you progress are all up to your preferences. If you want to spend your time focusing on the main plot, working to uncover the secrets of the Ascendant Lord, you're more than welcome. However, if you'd prefer to get a group of your friends together to raid the hideout of the Dreadsail pirates, you can do that too.

Traverse stunning white cliffs, majestic castles, and perilous jungles as you encounter a chivalrous Breton society.

Interacting With Other Players

If you'd prefer to do your own thing, you can spend your time on High Isle bravely embarking on solo adventures and fighting your own battles. However, it doesn't have to be that way. Because High Isle is an MMORPG, you'll constantly be sharing the world with many other players of varying factions, classes, and races, and you can join up with them to take on challenges as a group.

Regardless of the character types you and your friends have chosen, you can join together in groups to take on challenges and vicious monsters. Together, you can reclaim the lost treasures of the Breton people and unlock new gear, collectible items, and achievements.

Tales of Tribute

One of the unique aspects of The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is the Tales of Tribute card game, which is a nice change of pace from the rest of the gameplay. You can collect different cards, build your deck, and compete against other players or NPCs.

Tales of Tribute is, in some ways, reminiscent of competitive real-life card games, such as Magic the Gathering or even Pokèmon. Each card has its attributes, and if you know what you're doing, some card combinations can be more powerful than the sum of their parts. The card game requires quite a bit of strategy and practice, but once you get the hang of it, it presents a fun-filled challenge.

Gameplay Rating: 5/5

How To Get Your Hands on the Game

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle launched on June 8, 2022. You can purchase the PC version through the ESO Store or Steam for $39.99, and the Collector's Edition is available for an extra $10. Whether or not you're already an Elder Scrolls fan, paying $40 or $50 is worth the amount of engaging fun that High Isle offers.

The Elder Scrolls at Its Best

Whether you're a veteran of The Elder Scrolls world or a complete newbie, there's a ton for you to enjoy here. High Isle offers unique characters, an immersive world, a compelling storyline, and plenty of diverse challenges for players to attempt.

The game offers you complete freedom to play exactly how you want to, so you experience the plethora of content in whatever fashion you prefer. You can speed through the main storyline or meander through the world, completing side missions and having fun with friends. High Isle offers something for everyone and caters to every playstyle; what's not to like?

Replay Value Rating: 4/5

The Pros

• Complex and intriguing storyline.
• Variety of character choices.
• Beautiful setting.
• Freedom to play at your pace.

The Cons

• Excessively difficult at times.
• Relatively steep gameplay learning curve.

TL;DR

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is an excellent addition to the ESO universe, featuring a compelling storyline, charming characters, and plenty of engaging challenges.