The Elder Scrolls: Blades brings the massive Elder Scrolls universe to mobile devices, offering a role-playing experience that stays true to the franchise’s tradition of open-world exploration, combat, and lore. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, the game takes a different approach to the usual Elder Scrolls games by focusing on dungeon crawling and town-building mechanics, but it’s still set in the rich world of Tamriel.Gameplay:In Blades, players are tasked with rebuilding their town while simultaneously venturing into dungeons to fight enemies, collect resources, and complete quests. The combat system is one of the most engaging aspects of the game. It uses a swipe-based system for attacks and blocking, which is intuitive for mobile play but still deep enough to require strategy. Each dungeon is procedurally generated, ensuring that no two experiences are the same. However, the dungeon crawls can become repetitive over time, as the basic mechanics remain fairly static.Town-building:Alongside the dungeon exploration, players are also responsible for rebuilding and upgrading their town. This involves managing resources, upgrading buildings, and recruiting new townsfolk. It’s a decent side activity that adds depth, though it can feel like a grind at times, particularly when waiting for construction to finish.Visuals and Sound:Visually, Blades is impressive for a mobile game. The environments are highly detailed, with lush forests, dark caves, and imposing castles. The character models are crisp and animated well, though some might argue that the game’s graphics don’t quite reach the same level of polish seen in the console Elder Scrolls games. The sound design is solid, with atmospheric music and realistic sound effects that complement the setting, though it’s not as immersive as in previous Elder Scrolls titles.Monetization:A significant drawback for some players is the game’s monetization model. While Blades is free to play, it includes in-app purchases, particularly for items that speed up town-building and dungeon exploration. This can lead to a sense of pay-to-win, as progress can be slowed by timers unless players spend money.Final Thoughts:The Elder Scrolls: Blades offers a great introduction to the Elder Scrolls universe for mobile players, with engaging combat and a fun town-building mechanic. However, its grindy nature and reliance on in-app purchases may turn off those looking for a more traditional RPG experience. It’s an enjoyable diversion for fans of the franchise but lacks the depth and scope that console games are known for.