The Elder Scrolls VI: 10 Ways To Blow Skyrim Out Of The Water

By James McGrath /

6. Experimental Methods of Transportation

Skyrim makes a habit of handing us objectives that require a certain affinity for long-distance running. Faithful horses and fast traveling to familiar locales always makes things easier, but The Elder Scrolls series is overdue for a broadening of travel options. On foot traversal proves to be the most engaging, as you€™re most likely to explore every nook, camp and crevice. Horseback riding becomes a delicate balance of efficient pacing and studious elevation awareness, lest Sir Long-face should fall prey to a steep decline and a lethal shin splint. Still, that feeling of wide open freedom has the potential to reach even greater heights if Bethesda were only to bring us new ways of exploring it. A whole range of mountable beasts could make Tamriel€™s already vibrant food chain even more fascinating. For that matter, Skyrim already hosts a bucket list of mythical creatures we€™d love to ride bareback. Giant Spiders. Sabre Cats. Horkers. Bears. The final DLC let us ride a Dragon, but not in the way we€™d hoped. James Cameron€™s Avatar did some things very well, and this was one of them. There are plenty of mechanics that make you slower in Skyrim. Over-encumbrance. Frost spell damage. Poison. Curses. Ducking. Far fewer factors boost a player€™s speed. There€™s no spell for running faster. No potion for speed. Skyrim€™s Whirlwind Sprint Shout sends you hurtling directly forward, but the rigid mobility, short distance, lightning speed and sluggish recharge hardly constitute a method of transportation. Don€™t even get me started on€