With Bethesda's Skyrim launching its new Dawnguard downloadable content, fans are treated to new features such as Dragon Shouts, weapons, and mission quests. Among the exciting gameplay involves the option to play as a blood thirsty vampire lord. Players can also choose another path by playing as a vampire hunger and joining the Dawnguard.
Despite the new gameplay, some fans consider the DLC mediocre and lacks originality. Running on Skyrim's current formula of slashing foes and talking, there is nothing much beyond the new download. Even some of the quests appear repetitive from the main Skyrim game.
The Dawngaurd DLC contains a moderately good sized map, but overall there were not too many significant places to travel to. Also technical glitches such as spawning and quest markers had fans grumbling about the download's $20 price tag for the Xbox 360. The Dawngaurd DLC plans to make its way to the PC and PlayStation 3 eventually.
The addition of new armor and weapons such as the crossbow add a nice gameplay experience if players obtain high archery skills. Obtaining a decent crossbow requires players to recruit Sorine Jurard into Fort Dawnguard in order to activate the Ancient Technology quest. Recovering crossbow items from locations in Tamriel will unlock an Enhanced Dwarven crossbow. Players also have the ability to put together Dragonbone weapons by upping their smithing skills to unlock Dragon Armor perks. By collecting items such as Dragon Bones and Leather Strips, players are steps away from creating one of the most powerful weapons in the game.
One of the most anticipated features of Skyrim is the Dragon Shouts. Players can use shouts to drain and absorb enemies' stamina and magic. Dragon Shouts are also capable of summoning the undead dragon Durnehviir into Tamriel as well as converting foes into allies during battle.
Some of the new characters and locations that players will encounter include Lord Hakron, leader of the Volkihar Vampires, and his daughter Serana. Lord Hakron's castle becomes an important location, if players choose to become a Vampire. There players feast on blood, replenish supplies, conjure magic, and replenish health in a number of coffins. Another main character players will consistently rely on is Isran, leader of the Dawnguard group. Headquarters for the Dawngaurd is located towards the Southeastern direction of Riften. There players can reside at Fort Dawnguard to replenish health and supplies.
Creatures are also available for assistance as Dawnguard players can purchase Armored Trolls to assist in battle. Vampires can summon Gargoyles to attack foes. Players seeking bigger challenges can do battle with giant creatures called Boneyard Keepers carrying Dragonbone weapons.
Fans who found the new Dawngaurd DLC lacking zeal may be excited to hear rumors about a possible DLC in the works. ZeniMax Media, publisher for Skyrim, filed a trademark for "Heart Fire." The new trademark was done similarly to the term "Dawnguard" which sparked speculations that "Hearth Fire" may be the tile of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim DLC. No official announcements have yet been made.
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