Is Skyrim a Dark Fantasy Like Dark Souls?

The question of whether Skyrim can be considered a dark fantasy, akin to the ominous world of Dark Souls, is an intriguing one. While both games delve into themes of mortality, despair, and moral ambiguity, they take different approaches to these elements. In this article, we explore the similarities and differences, and discuss the ways in which Skyrim can indeed be interpreted as a dark fantasy, albeit with its own unique characteristics.

Similarities: A Shared Dark Aesthetic

Skyrim and Dark Souls share several thematic and aesthetic similarities, making it possible for Skyrim to be considered a dark fantasy.

Themes of Mortality and Despair

Both games grapple with themes of mortality and despair. Skyrim features the oppressive presence of dragons, an ongoing civil war, and other threats that add a sense of urgency and danger to the gameplay. Similarly, Dark Souls is characterized by relentless challenges and a profound sense of mortality, immersing players in a world where their actions have severe consequences.

Moral Ambiguity

The moral landscape of both games is filled with gray areas. Skyrim introduces morally ambiguous characters and organizations like the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood, allowing players to explore and inevitably shape a dark narrative. Conversely, Dark Souls offers a fragmented and cryptic narrative, forcing players to uncover the story through subtle hints and environmental elements.

Mythical Creatures and Lore

The incorporation of rich lore and mythical creatures is another common feature. Both games are replete with undead demons, dragons, and other creatures that contribute to an oppressive and eerie atmosphere. These elements are carefully crafted to enhance the dark and mysterious world-building.

Gothic Aesthetics

The Gothic aesthetics of both games are evident in their environments. Skyrim features haunting dungeons and dark, eerie regions that echo the desolate and haunting landscapes of Dark Souls.

Differences: Tone and Player Experience

While Skyrim and Dark Souls share similarities, they differ significantly in tone and player experience.

Tone and Presentation

Skyrim generally has a more adventurous and epic tone, focusing on heroism and grand exploration. In contrast, Dark Souls is characterized by its bleakness, punishing difficulty, and cryptic storytelling. The former game often feels like an epic adventure, while the latter is a continuous struggle against impossible odds.

Narrative Structure

The narrative structures of the two games are also distinct. Dark Souls employs a fragmented narrative, where players must piece together the story through subtle environmental clues. In contrast, Skyrim offers a more straightforward quest structure with clear objectives, making the narrative easier to follow and explore.

Player Empowerment

In Skyrim, players often feel powerful and capable of heroic deeds. This empowerment is a stark contrast to the constant vulnerability and threat of failure in Dark Souls. While Skyrim allows players to feel mighty and heroic, Dark Souls keeps players on the edge of their seats, forever aware of the treacherous nature of the world.

From Dark Skyrim to the Murder Club

The potential for dark elements in Skyrim is even more pronounced when one considers the game's darker realities. The cannibalistic Thirst rogues, for example, are a unsettling bunch. Nevertheless, the true darkness can be unleashed by embracing the darker facets of the game.

Imagine a world where murdering every non-player character (NPC) is an option. Perhaps you might join the Murder Club, a twisted faction dedicated to assassination. Or, you could simply savor the satisfaction of striking down enemies in the countless battles that lie ahead. After all, aren't you going to be doing a lot of killing anyway? Embracing this darker side of Skyrim can enhance your gaming experience and create a more immersive, terrifying world.

Of course, not all NPCs are killable in Skyrim. This was once not the case. I remember accidentally killing a character in Morrowind, which led to dire consequences. If you made a similar mistake in Skyrim, you might find yourself ostracized from key quests or left in a precarious situation, much worse than simply losing a fight.

Ultimately, whether Skyrim is a dark fantasy like Dark Souls depends on how you choose to experience it. The game offers both light and shadow, allowing players to explore both heroic and dark narratives. While the overall tone of Skyrim is more epic and adventurous, the potential for dark themes and gameplay remains a testament to the game's versatility and depth.