The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles

"Perfect expansion for a perfect game"

Welcome back to The Elder Scrolls! The latest addition to the epic story of Tamriel is here. Old and new players alike will be engrossed in the literal madhouse that is the Shivering Isles.

If you haven't already purchased a copy of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, do so now. Go on. I'll wait. I have to finish writing the review :D. Play that open-ended game - as any true RPG should be - 'till you have become the Champion of Cyrodiil, and experienced all that land has to offer. If you are particularly rash, download the new houses, adventures and factions Bethesda has released to Xbox Live, and outfit your character some more. Once you're familiar with that game and its world, we'll continue.

Oblivion's first and last expansion pack takes place in the Shivering Isles, plane of Oblivion pertaining to Sheogorath, Daedric Prince of Madness. If you've played through Oblivion, you'll be familiar with the plane of Oblivion that invades Cyrodiil in that game. Pits of lava and broken towers are commonplace there, but that is the realm pertaining to Mehrunes Dagon, Prince of Destruction. This plane, with its colourful citizenry and outlandish fauna (of value to any Alchemist) is completely different, so don't think this is just a repeat.

Upon installing the expansion and waiting for up to 24 hours, you will receive the quest "A Door in Niben Bay", directing you to a new island in Niben Bay near Bravil upon which stands a rock. The rock is divided into three faces, joined at the eyes, which display the schizophrenia of Sheogorath - something you will become well acquainted with. At the mouth of the middle head is the gateway to the Isles.

A Bravil guard, Gaius Prentus, will warn you away, because if you enter you will be made insane. Heeding his warning would be a waste of money, so enter, and meet Haskill, Sheogorath's chamberlain. He will initiate the Isles questline by explaining that his Lord requires a Champion - you. The first quest will have you enthralled in true ES style, as you attempt to break free of The Fringe, a holding area designed to test those who wish to receive Sheogorath's Blessing. You'll have to defeat the terrible Gatekeeper with the help of the citizens of Passwall, such as the hardy adventurer Jayred Ice-Veins and the sorceress Relmyna Verenim, whom Sheogorath had build the Gatekeeper. The Fringe is fascinating enough, but once you have access to the Gates of Madness and the entire Isles, you will be swept away. Allow me to act as your tour guide, a rather better one than Alessia Ottus.

The Shivering Isles are divided into two parts. In the mountains to the North sits the land of Mania. Ruled by the Duke of Mania, Thadon, this represents the cheerfully drug-addicted citizens of the Isles. The flora and the side-quests here are very bright and colourful, and you'll find the citizens in the settlements of Hale and Highcross. The seat of Mania is in New Sheoth, the capital, in the district of Bliss. There the Aureal, or Golden Saints, keep order under Thadon.

In the lowlands and the cheerfully named Hill of Suicides you will find Dementia. Ruled by the Duchess of Dementia, Syl, this represents the paranoid, psycopathis citizens of the Madhouse. The overall feel is of depression and treachery, perfect for sneaky characters, and the strange side quests will be found in Fellmoor, Deepwallow, or strange Vitharn. The seat of Dementia is in New Sheoth, the capital, in Crucible district. There the Mazken, or Dark Seducers, keep order under Syl.

These two lands meet at Sheogorath's palace, and you can see the thread of the carpets merge at the join. There is a settlement, Split, halfway between, which has an amusing quest. I'll say this: Haskill, Sheogorath's sardonic chamberlain, stands on the Demented side of the carpet. Dementia is better for this, and many other, reasons. You choose what you will, but you will face my wrath if you choose Mania. Be warned!

The main quest will see plenty of both as you fight to stop the Greymarch, an attack upon the Isles by Jyggalag, Daedric Prince of Order, who naturally hates the Isles. As you fight against his Knights and Priests, you'll get to do plenty, such as becoming ruler of Mania or Dementia yourself, activating some nice dungeon traps for the Forces of Order, and even rebuilding the Gatekeeper himself. I won't spoil too much, but the ending is superb. Suffice to say that Sheogorath is more schizophrenic than you might have thought, and that the reward you get at the end of the main quest is well worth the struggle with Jyggalag. Oh, and you get to annoy Haskill. That's always nice!

The flaws of the expansion are few. Mostly they are the flaws of Oblivion, though slightly reduced. I suppose it doesn't really deserve a 10 out of 10, but it would be sacrilege to give it anything less. If you are at all interested in quality gaming, buy this expansion.

10/10.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/21/08

Game Release: The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles (EU, 11/23/07)