I’ve not been solidly playing since launch, but I’ve clocked up a fair few hours.

Here are so more random, disorganised thoughts regarding Skyrim. (See other similar posts by clicking here.)

Face Lift

I am pretty obsessive over how my characters look. Thank goodness there is (on the PC at least) a console command that lets you re-do the character creation screen. From memory, it is showracemenu. I’ve found it doesn’t alter the other aspects of your character, but I’ve always kept the same race, gender and name when using it. (If you don’t know how to use the console, Google that command and I’m sure you’ll find instructions.)

You may remember from my earlier post that I was having trouble re-creating my Oblivion Dark Elf character. I was unhappy with my first try, but thanks to that console command I was able to tweak her appearance without being forced to start again. Before shots on the left, afters on the right:

The original character almost looked mannish, especially when dressed up in certain types of armour. So, I applied lessons I have absorbed through a lifetime of being exposed to Western fashion. Feminine means big eyes, dark eye makeup, big lips, coloured lips and lighter skin tones (for women who are naturally dark-skinned). I made a few other tweaks too. I think you’ll agree that the results were good, but still not looking anything my Oblivion character despite intentions.

I feel I’ve got it right now. And even if I later desire some change, there’s always the console, and that comforts me. (Yes, these thoughts somewhat disturb me too. I’m not the type of person who thinks plastic surgery coupons make a great birthday gift.)

Other Random Thoughts

  • Linear, Lit Dungeons with Back Doors
    I am troubled with some of the things I am seeing in my few dungeon visits so far. They seem rather linear. Which may be fine for main-plot dungeons which must be challenging. But it doesn’t fit in with the free-roaming exploration vibe.
    They’re also really well lit. Despite having a torch, I’ve not needed it once, not even a little bit. This is bad for several reasons. Firstly, style. Aren’t dungeons meant to be dark? Secondly, game-play. Why bother putting a torch in the game if you don’t need it? And poor people choosing a khajit character — that dark vision is pointless! Thirdly, it’s unrealistic for any dungeon not inhabited by people. Finally, it makes stealth seem strange. Stealth is supposed to be hiding in the shadows. When there are no shadows it feels really freaking weird. You can’t even do a Sam Fischer or Metro 2033 and turn off the lights.
    And back doors. What I assume is the first main-plot dungeon is a linear affair with a back-door at the end. I can appreciate that players don’t want to trudge back through a dungeon once it’s been cleared, but it’s going to stretch disbelief if this is a common thing.


An age-old dilemma. Do you wear the demeaning armour even if it has a better armour rating that your normal armour?

  • Crash!
    The game has been crashing for me. Most of the time, it’s when I use Steam’s F12 to take a screenshot. But not always. Still, the game loads pretty fast and there’s usually an auto- or quick-save that’s recent.
    I’ve had a few odd bugs, too. Mostly graphics glitches Nothing too serious. Except for the time I entered a miner’s house and it had no floor, and everything inside (including the NPCs and myself) started falling.


Were you listening to me, Neo? Or were you looking at the roughly hewn wooden table?

  • Carrying Capacity
    I like how Oblivion tackled carrying capacity. The more you carried, the slower you moved. Each item carried or worn slowed you down. You couldn’t lug about an arsenal of weapons or a dungeon-full of loot without consequences.
    Skyrim doesn’t have that gradual approach. How much you’re carrying seems to have no effect until you take that proverbial straw-that-broke-the-camel’s-back. Then — wham — you can only walk.
    Apparently wearing armour slows you down. Since I was getting pummeled in close-quarters combat I decided to try clothes instead of light armour. I thought the speed might help me avoid blows. But it didn’t seem to make me a jot faster (yes, even with the armour stowed away in a chest).
    So, because I don’t cast spells, I am a fool to not be wearing light armour. I don’t like being rail-roaded into that decision. I wish there were some pros and cons to weigh up, as there was in Oblivion.
    It’s not all bad news, though. At least in Skyrim you can go way over carrying capacity and not get stuck to the floor. Which is good for those short trips to the shops with huge piles of loot.


Khajit always walk single file to hide their numbers.

  • Blacksmithing vs Repairs
    In Oblivion, your gear got worn out, and your crafting skills determined how easily and cheaply you could repair it. It was a pain either way.
    In Skyrim, your weapons are indestructible. Your crafting skills now allow you to make and/or improve your gear.
    This is a better system, hands-down. It’s less annoying and more realistic. It’s more interesting too — you need to collect crafting components rather than just hoarding a stash of disposable repair tools.
    It also gives regular equipment a little extra usefulness. Like upgrades like, it seems. You’ll find plenty of leather to upgrade your leather armour and iron to upgrade your iron sword. It’s not so easy to find the exotic components to upgrade the exotic equipment.
    I only have two small complaints.
    I miss having to consider taking a back-up weapon, in case my main weapon broke. Making do with a plain old dagger in the depths of a dungeon can be a fun extra challenge. If weapons are indestructible in Skyrim, are backup weapons obsolete? Maybe if future enemies start to disarm.
    Why don’t blacksmiths sell the same improved versions of equipment that you can make? The prices could be massive, to keep crafting a viable skill. It just seems odd that, as a new character, I can upgrade my armour in a way that a professional blacksmith seemingly cannot.