Reviewed after ~20 hours of gameplay. Zone story and all side quests completed, all points of interest explored and completed, many achievements including Kari’s Hit List collectible hunt completed, some repeatable/daily missions also done. Maw of Lorkhaj was only visited to grasp the story, but not started.
I LOVE this DLC. Yes, it’s way smaller than even Gold Coast that released after it, but it’s got a whole lot of soul.
First of all, this is so far the only DLC set in Hammerfell. Understandably so, since it’s all but confirmed that TES VI is going to be set in Hammerfell, Bethesda told Zenimax to stay out of their turf and this was their last foray into the home of the Redguards. Beautiful washed rocks, an environment that feels scorching and by far one of the most beautiful cities in ESO.
Let’s talk about Abah’s Landing. This IS what Sentinel WAS supposed to look like. It’s massive, dense, detailed and unique on every corner. From the shady docks to the bustling market streets, all the way to the noble townhouses and the palace. Even after trying so many other DLCs after this one (on my first playthrough), Abah’s Landing remains one of those towns that I keep returning to – incredible feeling of immersion there.
The zone story is somewhat dull around the corners. It’s got some great characters but the overall premise is somewhat uninteresting and (as is sadly true with most ESOs storylines) you can spot the twist from 15 miles away. I don’t know if it’s their “keep it simple, stupid” attitude, or their inability to concoct complex storylines, or their attempt to maintain a sense of “fable-like storytelling”, but come ooon.
Besides the zone story, the other parts of the area are beautiful and offer a great, albeit small expansion into Redguard lore.
Storyline and lore: 3/5. Somewhat dull story with great characters and a very cozy Thieves Den.
Environment: 5/5. One of the most beautiful zones and one of the coziest cities.
Gameplay and activities: 4/5. Great introduction to thieving and sneaking, a myriad opportunities within the zone, but it was definitely less than the subsequent Dark Brotherhood DLC.
Music: 4/5. Perfect rendition of Nerevar Rising.
I LOVE this DLC. Yes, it’s way smaller than even Gold Coast that released after it, but it’s got a whole lot of soul.
First of all, this is so far the only DLC set in Hammerfell. Understandably so, since it’s all but confirmed that TES VI is going to be set in Hammerfell, Bethesda told Zenimax to stay out of their turf and this was their last foray into the home of the Redguards. Beautiful washed rocks, an environment that feels scorching and by far one of the most beautiful cities in ESO.
Let’s talk about Abah’s Landing. This IS what Sentinel WAS supposed to look like. It’s massive, dense, detailed and unique on every corner. From the shady docks to the bustling market streets, all the way to the noble townhouses and the palace. Even after trying so many other DLCs after this one (on my first playthrough), Abah’s Landing remains one of those towns that I keep returning to – incredible feeling of immersion there.
The zone story is somewhat dull around the corners. It’s got some great characters but the overall premise is somewhat uninteresting and (as is sadly true with most ESOs storylines) you can spot the twist from 15 miles away. I don’t know if it’s their “keep it simple, stupid” attitude, or their inability to concoct complex storylines, or their attempt to maintain a sense of “fable-like storytelling”, but come ooon.
Besides the zone story, the other parts of the area are beautiful and offer a great, albeit small expansion into Redguard lore.
Storyline and lore: 3/5. Somewhat dull story with great characters and a very cozy Thieves Den.
Environment: 5/5. One of the most beautiful zones and one of the coziest cities.
Gameplay and activities: 4/5. Great introduction to thieving and sneaking, a myriad opportunities within the zone, but it was definitely less than the subsequent Dark Brotherhood DLC.
Music: 4/5. Perfect rendition of Nerevar Rising.