8 Over-Hyped Video Games (That Actually NAILED It)

2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Another game that felt like a social movement in waiting until we were collectively let out the gates to enjoy it as one, Skyrim was certainly janky as all hell back in 2011, but we just.didn't.care.

What Bethesda accomplished with this title - bringing in a tighter combat model and more effective waypointing to actually take in everything they'd created - pushed Elder Scrolls far into the mainstream.

Where Oblivion had gone down nicely as an Xbox 360 launch title, Skyrim landed in an age of broadband connections and social media. The anticipation for what the next Bethesda RPG could be was already at fever pitch, and that was before scores of mods and memes took everything to the next level.

You'll likely remember your first time visiting Skyrim, the first time a Giant launched your character into the clouds or the first time a game-generated radiant quest let you see a part of the map that felt completely unique.

Putting it out there: This is the nexus of Bethesda's creativity and mainstream-reaching business mandates delivering a title they themselves haven't come anywhere near since.