The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine

"Although it dwells in a familiar landscape, Knights of the Nine proffers an experience that brims with pilgrimage and knight-errantry."

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a cosmopolitan sensation. Regarded as one an immense, gratifying RPG experience, the game proffered an experience that no other can hold a candle to. It was a composite of nice, solid combat, sterling graphics, and a free-form cynosure that unified physics and a wonderful, province-wide landmass. Both PC and Xbox360 owners alike were immediately indulged into the immersiveness of the product.

Now, with Knights of the Nine, Bethesda Softworks holds their game with even more gravity. They bring to life a plethora of new characters, divine armour, new locations, and a faction wholly pertinent to law, order, and the destruction of Umaril the Unfeathered, a "Daedric Lord" who cheated bereavement from the Divine Crusader and destroyed his mortal combatant. In this DLC, it comes down to you, the latest of the Divines, to take back the antediluvian armor and challenge Umaril.

You are not directly inducted into the mission, however. You must first discover the recent hecatomb of the Anvil chapel, speak to the "prophet" of The Nine, and agree to embark on a peregrination to the nine wayshrines of Cyrodiil. Eventually, consummating your task will raise you to the very celestial heights, where you learn the location of the Divine Helmet from the first Crusader. Thus, your journey manifests.

Throughout your reclamation of the armour, you will meet several aspirants who implore to join the ranks of The Nine. By accepting them, you secure brothers and sisters in the forthcoming irruption of Umaril's current haunt, Garlas Malatar. When you upset the very fabric that constitutes time to face the man himself, your order will "ressurect" to populate your priory - offering prospects of future missions for The Nine.

As in Oblivion, the graphics for Knights of the Nine are meritorious. The framerate still exists, but when you ponder the absolute ambit and scope of the game, such a stigma is instantaneously amended. The sound, as per usual, is also very fitting, orchestral, and beautifully composed by an irrefutably talented Mr. Jeremy Soule.

The only real miff with Nine is how facile the battle with Umaril is. Filling the difficulty to hard does proffer a fine solution, but he really does seem callow. Not being able to don his armour was a morose truth. However unfortunate, you are treated with the Unfeathered's sword, and a fine comeuppance for your deeds of utmost chivalry.

Wholly considered, Knights of the Nine is a wonderful, solid package. It recognizes the possibilities that abound in Oblivion, add in six or seven hours of jollity, and erect some in the form of a well-rounded, goody-two-shoes faction. Players opposite of The Dark Brotherhood, I'd say, should find a surfeit of fun things to do with this download - accessable for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live, or $19.99 in retail shape.

+ Continues with the traditional composite of wonderful visuals and a sterling score.

+ Good or evil, the new content is sure to enliven.

+ A fine addendum of new content.

- Umaril the Prostrate.

- Does not excercise all of the game's potential.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/11/06