10 Phenomenal Games With AWFUL Stories
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Look, put the pitchforks down and let's be adults here. No one is saying that Skyrim isn't a phenomenal game. It's a beloved classic for a reason. But, when it comes to the main story, it's pretty awful. Hell, according to the global gameplay stats on Steam (linked here), only about 30% of players have even finished the final story mission. Not a great look, Bethesda.
Skyrim's main story suffers from the sin of genericism. It's the tale of a chosen one who develops special powers, grows stronger, and then battles an evil deity hellbent on ending the world. You become a pawn in the game of the Blades, with the narrative going down a predictable and bland route that has close to no unexpected twists and turns.
That's not to say that all of the storytelling in Skyrim is bad. Obviously, the side content is off the chain. The Stormcloaks vs Imperials Civil War, Guild quests, and other side adventures are dripping with personality and thrills. Unfortunately, that same level of love was not given to the tale of the Dragonborn. It's no wonder so many players ignore the main quest and look elsewhere for entertainment.