A Modern Daggerfall Remake: What Should Stay and What Should Change?
For fans of role-playing games and fans of The Elder Scrolls series, Bethesda's potential remake of The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall is a topic of considerable discussion. Would it be better to retain the classic elements that have made this game beloved, or could some key features need updating to cater to modern playstyles? Here is a deep dive into what aspects gamers would like to see stay, change, or be deprecated in a potential remake.
Things to Keep: The Core Elements
Daggerfall is renowned for its lack of direction and vast, open world. Many players enjoy wandering through this expansive world, often finding unexpected adventures. This aspect would appeal to redevelopment, keeping the game's open-ended nature and the adventure it offers.
1. The Complete Lack of Direction
A defining feature of Daggerfall is its lack of direction. Old-school gamers, in particular, appreciate the challenge and freedom of exploring a world with minimal guidance. This contrasts sharply with modern RPGs that often have clear quest markers and objective systems. While some players might find this aspect confusing, many enjoy the thrill of immersing themselves in a game without direct pointers.
2. In-Depth RPG Class Customization
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall stands out for its intricate class customization. The class creation screen offers numerous options for buffing or nerfing skills, selecting primary and secondary skills, and fine-tuning your character. This level of detail is rarely seen in modern games and would be a welcome return in a remake. Gamers today could explore the depth and complexity of character development, which is a staple of Daggerfall's appeal.
3. Comprehensive RPG Elements
Despite its age, Daggerfall offers a wide range of options for players. You can buy houses, boats, and horses, as well as weapons, armor, and other items. Additionally, the game features an extensive quest system involving various guilds and the main storyline. These features provide a sense of immersion and agency, allowing players to truly shape their experience within the world. A remake should retain these elements to preserve the core gameplay.
4. Cheats, Especially Walkspeed
The inclusion of cheats, such as the walkspeed feature, is another aspect that players might agree should be kept in a remake. For those who enjoy swift exploration or simply wish to make gameplay more convenient, having these cheats would enhance the play experience.
5. Quick Intro and Sparse Tutorial
A quick and minimalistic introduction, which allows players to skip through tutorials and get right into the action, is also a positive feature. This streamlined approach would prevent the game from feeling overly cluttered and would maintain the immersiveness of the experience.
Things to Consider Changing or Removing
While many elements of Daggerfall are beloved, there are also some aspects that could be improved for a modern audience. Balance and modernization are essential to making the game appealing to a wider player base.
1. Failable Main Story Quests
Allowing players to fail the main storyline is a unique and challenging aspect of Daggerfall. While this feature can bring a sense of agency and freedom, it might not appeal to all modern gamers who prefer a more linear narrative. A remake could explore ways to keep this aspect while making the main story more accessible and manageable.
2. Randomly-Generated World
The vast and sprawling world of Daggerfall, while impressive, can sometimes feel empty. The lack of consistent quest variety and randomly generated dungeons can make the game feel repetitive. A remake could introduce a more structured, handcrafted world or perhaps an overhauled random terrain generator with diverse events.
3. Starting Dungeon
The starting dungeon, while a great test of character build, can be a deterrent for new players. A redesign of the starting area, making it easier to navigate, would help maintain the “do whatever you want” vibe throughout the game. This could involve simplifying the objective or providing clearer signposts.
4. Build-Your-Own Spell System
The spell creation system in Daggerfall is both a joy and a frustration. While the customization and flexibility it offers are great, the interface can be unintuitive and confusing. A reimagining of this feature, focusing on modern UI design and clarity, could make it more accessible to new players and retain its unique charm.
5. Quest Variety
Side-quests in Daggerfall are often centered around dungeons and killing creatures. While these quests can be engaging, they lack the variety and creativity seen in modern RPGs. A remake could introduce more diverse quest types, including social quests, investigations, and interactive scenarios that would enrich the player's experience.
Conclusion
The potential for a remake of The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall offers an exciting opportunity to revisit and improve an iconic game. By retaining the core elements that make it special—such as its open world exploration and in-depth character customization—while modernizing certain aspects to appeal to today's players, a remake could bridge the gap between the past and the present. Whether you’re an old-school fan or new to Daggerfall, such a remake could provide an enriching experience for both types of players.