video game – Gamer Peak

How Historically Accurate is Skyrim? Part 4

There’s lots of things I enjoy about over-analysing Skyrim, and the responses I get are a big part of that. There are a pleasingly small number of people that misread the title and my intentions (“Oh sure, the game with dragons is veeery accurate…”), and a fantastic number of readers willing to add their own knowledge and join the discussion. Sometimes, one of you lovely people will step in and flesh out something I have mentioned or correct a minor mistake, which is awesome to see. Learning should be a two-way exercise after all. And there’s still a lot of untapped History within The Elder Scrolls.

If you’re joining this gaming/history blog at Part 4, hello and welcome. I started playing Skyrim for the first time last November, and I’ve been climbing every tower and turning every rock for signs of History. Sometimes real life Historic details are the clear inspiration for a detail in the game, and sometimes the game appears to stumble into a historic comparison. And in one particular situation, History actually helps to explain one of the most famous lines in the game…

Which Game Characters would help you Move House?

A month ago, I moved into my new home. The house is a big project in itself, with lots of renovation work and plenty of TLC required. Between the DIY and the new school term, I’ve had very little time to game in the last few weeks. That hasn’t stopped me thinking about video games, which is how we’ve arrived at the vitally important question above.

The home you currently reside in might be your first, or your fifteenth. Regardless, at some point you will have to move. The act of boxing, transporting, and unboxing your entire life will take a considerable amount of time and effort. Whilst the prospect of living somewhere new and shiny is exciting, the act of getting there is not. When this immense event unfolds, you will hopefully have friends and family to assist you, or have hired help.

What video game features would improve your everyday life?

I’m at odds with myself. On the one hand, I would really like to own a grappling hook. Video games have shown me the immense enjoyment of this item. Characters like Batman, Link, Scorpio and even Sackboy all look like they are having the best of times bounding across the landscape using their hand-held winch. I can’t be the only gamer to have contemplated our normal lives made better with this contraption. The simple acts of crossing the road or travelling to work would be so much more entertaining.

On the other hand… the grown-up, rational side of my brain is quick to point out that owning a grappling hook in real life would not produce the results I’m expecting. If I wasn’t slamming into the sides of buildings I’d be popping my shoulder out of its socket at a hundred miles an hour. It would only be a matter of time before I accidentally grappling-hooked the side of a speeding car as I tried to crossed the road, or knocked out a passer-by with a poorly judged shot. Sure, that grown-up side isn’t very fun, but it’s keeping me from causing mischief and harm.