The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was one of the most acclaimed releases of 2011, drawing critical praise for itsart style, leveling system and changes to the series’ traditional combat. Now, Elder Scrolls modding community Dark Creations is getting ready to release the first part of a massive addition to the game: Beyond Skyrim – Bruma.
Dark Creations describes Beyond Skyrim as:
…a community-wide effort to craft the remaining provinces of Tamriel [the world where the series is set] in a single worldspace, allowing players to cross borders wherever it’s geographically possible. The project is also intended to facilitate cooperation between province expansion mods by sharing knowledge & resources.
Bruma is itself the first part of a larger effort called Beyond Skyrim: Cyrodiil – The Seat of Sundered Kings. Set during the Fourth Era (the time period when Skyrim is set), the mod will reflect the political turmoil of the time and allow the player to take part in the struggle over the succession of the Ruby Throne. There will be new quests, dungeons, character models, weapons, armor and creatures. There will also be full voice acting and an original soundtrack.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/oCRWN2Emgbw[/youtube]
It is interesting that the Beyond Skyrim project would choose Cyrodiil as the first providence to attach to Skyrim. The previous game in the series, Oblivion, was set in Cyrodiil. Why not a less well-known location such as Hammerfell or High Rock? In addition, Todd Howard, director of Skyrim, purposely designed the game to feature a more diverse environment than Oblivion‘s, which he considered less interesting by comparison. In any case, the mod itself looks gorgeous, even if many of the snowy environments bear a close resemblance to Skyrim‘s.
In any case, the scope of the project must be applauded. Dark Creations is welcoming contributors at their forums here. The trailer can be seen here.