The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon

"The Prophecy of another expansion has come true, and it's brought a Bloodmoon..."

Morrowind's first expansion Tribunal was a fair attempt at an expansion pack by Bethesda for their hit Morrowind. It lacked quite a bit however, and Bethesda has given the expansion idea a second shot and this second time is a charm. Morrowind's second expansion Bloodmoon won't disappoint any fans with it's two story arcs.

Story 8/10:
You aren't drawn to Bloodmoon's story in an epic way like Tribunal. From talking to people you can learn about a frozen island to the north west of Vvardenfell called Solstheim where the East Empire Trading Company is setting up a colony and where the Empire set up a brand new fort, Frostmoth, to protect the operation. In one storyline arc you can join the East Empire Trading Company as it builds up it's new colony in Solstheim's hostile frozen forest. Rather dangerous idea since it's quite far from the fort, but I suppose no one's perfect. You can either help the colony grow by doing quests for the noble colony site leader and eventually getting your very own estate at the colony, or destroy it by aiding your greedy employer. Regardless of your choice, it has little effect on the second storyline arc, which is where the name Bloodmoon comes in. The Captain of the guards at Forst Frostmoth needs help, and you're the lucky one who gets to help him. The prophecy of the bloodmoon is upon Solstheim, and there are rumors of dangerous creatures wandering Solstheim at night, eventually you'll get infected with lycanthropy and can choose to rid yourself of the curse or embrace it and become one of the most dangerous creatures of the night...

Gameplay 8/10:
Bloodmoon offers a new playing experience as you can become a mighty werewolf. However you must kill at night in order to survive as a werewolf. Besides the ability to become a werewolf, there is no new gameplay features added to Morrowind. The new island of Solstheim is a good size however, and certainly makes up for that. While Solstheim is only a quarter of the size of Vvardenfell you can still expect to do a lot of walking (as the only settlement is Fort Frosmoth, and eventually Raven Rock if you choose to help the colony grow) and a dark ice fortress, but that place is not friendly. You'll encounter new monsters and protective natives as you journey across this cold arctic island.

Overall 8/10:
Bloodmoon offers many fun new things to do in Morrowind. If you thought Tribunal was a good expansion, you owe it to yourself to journey across Solstheim and see a new landmass. If you were disappointed by Tribunal, you should try Bloodmoon anyway, it will no doubt impress you moreso than Tribunal. Bloodmoon is a fine expansion to a fine game, any Morrowind fan owes it to themselves to check this one out.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/16/04