A Pleasant Surprise

Having been mostly a strategy, simulation, and sports games fan, I decided to give Morrowind a try given its high reviews. What started out as a curious venture into the RPG world turned out to be an encounter with one of the best RPG that has ever been made.

Setup
The world in Morrowind is incredibly massive. The map that is included with the game illustrates that fact as efficient travel through planning will greatly help. Despite it being a large world map, the game is also very detailed. Paths intricately and intelligently link cities and significant places, while there are more buildings/shrines/tombs than you can possibly visit unless you make that your intention. Inside each building are people whom you can talk to and obtain various information. The number of objects in the game is incredible and most can be interacted with.

Gameplay
The greatest aspect about this game is the degree of freedom it offers. While RPGs are supposed to offer freedom, many games might not achieve the same level as Morrowind. You are introduced in the game as a prisoner released from a boat. You are then led to an immigration office (everything is in a somewhat medieval setting) where you select your race, class, which will determine your attributes. There are three ways to select a race: By a list, by customization, or by a survey, which is quite intelligent. Anyway, you are told to report to a certain person in another city and are thrown into the game on your own. You will be required to talk to people and to find out information. There are also many quests asides from the main quest that your character can choose to undertake, based on certain guilds and factions you select to join. The possibilities are limitless. You may choose to approach the game in many different manners, and the thing that makes Morrowind great is that, it doesn't matter. Any way that leads you to success will work, so choose your style. You may prefer a more warrior and battle type, a magical approach, or a stealth/thief perspective, or some combination of those.

Graphics
The graphics are pretty impressive, especially in the first person view. Depending on your monitor, you can truly feel immersed into the Morrowind world. The screenshots that are out there tell the story.

Sound
The sound is very nicely tuned to the setting. A peaceful music is played until you are being attacked, when a more dramatic music is played. That music can be your cue to draw your weapon and be prepared. Also, the sound effects from weather are incorporated well to make the setting seem real.

Controls
This is a possible part where Morrowind can improve- the technicalities. I have played this game on a medium and a high end computer and both had strange effects on the mouse. The ball mouse sometimes jumps in the middle of the game, turning to be somewhat of an annoyance. The optical mouse eliminates that problem but both mice had the problem of being difficult to control in the in-game menus. Nevertheless, it works, and this aspect shouldn't deter you from an otherwise great game.

Glitches
Many users and reviewers have mentioned glitches in the game. For me, they do not happen very frequently. Finding the most recent update will most likely help. I have only encountered glitches twice, having played for a long time. Save frequently if this concerns you.

Overall, Morrowind has to be one of the most impressive game that has ever been made. The interaction between your character and people and objects is incredible. The amount of detail in the game as well as freedom offer many different possible styles to achieve goals. There are more quests than you can do, more places than you can go to. Mixed with great engaging graphics, what else do you want?