Have the Guilds in Skyrim improved?

A place to discuss and ask questions about the fifth part of The Elder Scrolls series and its expansions

Do you find the guilds of Skyrim to be an improvement over the Oblivion Guilds?

Absolutely
12
24%
Better in some aspects
17
35%
Neither better nor worse
5
10%
Worse in some aspects
12
24%
Absolutely not
3
6%
 
Total votes: 49

User avatar
GhostOfNumenor
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:03 pm
ES Games: Morrowind GOTY, Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: Xbox, PS3

Have the Guilds in Skyrim improved?

Post by GhostOfNumenor »

I want to gauge how people feel about the guilds in Skyrim. This is one of four.

I personally liked the Mages Guild better; better storyline, better perks with membership.
User avatar
GhostOfNumenor
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:03 pm
ES Games: Morrowind GOTY, Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: Xbox, PS3

Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by GhostOfNumenor »

I want to gauge how people feel about the guilds in Skyrim. This is one of four.

I personally really like the Companions; the perks (for me) are far better, and I like the vibe the members give.
User avatar
GhostOfNumenor
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:03 pm
ES Games: Morrowind GOTY, Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: Xbox, PS3

Is this Dark Brotherhood an improvement?

Post by GhostOfNumenor »

I want to gauge how people feel about the guilds in Skyrim. This is one of four.

I personally like the Oblivion version better. More memorable, and the way Lucien sneaks up in that version is epic (IMO).
User avatar
Roadcone
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 8:25 pm
Platform: Xbox, PC
Status: Crispy fried and dipped in butter
Location: Sheffield,UK.

Re: Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by Roadcone »

An improvement over the fighters guild? Yeh i think they probably were, Although i like both, i think the companions and their questline had much more depth.
User avatar
GhostOfNumenor
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:03 pm
ES Games: Morrowind GOTY, Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: Xbox, PS3

Is this Thieves Guild an Improvement?

Post by GhostOfNumenor »

I want to gauge how people feel about the guilds in Skyrim. This is one of four.

I'm neutral in this case. Both have their own memorable events.
User avatar
mulder
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 171
Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:08 pm
ES Games: Oblivion, Morrowind, Skyrim
Platform: PC
Status: The Truth is out there

Re: Is the College of Winterhold an improvement?

Post by mulder »

I actually thought it was worse in some aspects. There are no ranks, the questline is too short (and not very interesting), apart from the college and the Jarls' Wizards there are no other mages around Skyrim. And no spellmaking. :Angry:
Twice and twice shall he be marked, twice to live and twice to die.
Once the heron, to set his path. Twice the heron, to name him true.
Once the Dragon, for remembrance lost. Twice the Dragon, for the price he must pay.
urthdigger
Master
Master
Posts: 1086
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:21 pm

Re: Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by urthdigger »

I can barely remember the Fighter's Guild in Oblivion, but the Companions let me be a werewolf.
“Fine day” said the young man.

“Gods!” hollered Zaki, sending the young man flying with a well-placed punch, and dashing away.
Image
User avatar
Mental Mayhem
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 34
Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2012 4:51 pm
ES Games: Morrowind GOTY, Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: PC

Re: Is this Thieves Guild an Improvement?

Post by Mental Mayhem »

I have to vote yes. Mainly because I never was able to finish it in Oblivion.
It got buggy and never let me no matter what "fixes" I used.
Think I only had 1 or 2 more missions to go. :(
This one seems to have a lot more going on as well.
Perfection is found only in a dictionary.
urthdigger
Master
Master
Posts: 1086
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:21 pm

Re: Is this Thieves Guild an Improvement?

Post by urthdigger »

I preferred the Oblivion version of the guild. The ways the cowl messed with the Gray Fox were awesome, and it didn't hurt that I loved the voice actor.

"In fact, I've just told you my name three times but I'm guessing you don't remember." "CAPITAL!"
“Fine day” said the young man.

“Gods!” hollered Zaki, sending the young man flying with a well-placed punch, and dashing away.
Image
JoeyDestructo
Warder
Warder
Posts: 543
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 1:17 am
ES Games: Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind
Platform: Xbox 360

Re: Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by JoeyDestructo »

yes they are.

however, the way the questline was setup was not.
Jauffre Says, "Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F*** wit"
User avatar
Utrechter
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 110
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:13 pm
ES Games: Oblivion (incl. DLC), Morrowind, Skyrim
Platform: PC
Status: Skyrim's waiting for me. Homework comes first. :(
Location: The Netherlands

Re: Is the College of Winterhold an improvement?

Post by Utrechter »

For so far I like it more. I've only done two quests or so, but I like it. The Mages Guild was a bit too bureaucratical. I also like the College's students a lot more. They just feel far less generic. And, I found the recommendations quests at the Mages Guild really annoying.
Me: "So, how did you get this rich?"
Random Jarl: "I'm the Jarl and so were my father, grandfather, and his father. How about you?"
Me: "I've just spent some days chopping wood."
User avatar
scribbane
Champion
Champion
Posts: 939
Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2008 5:26 am
ES Games: III GOTY, IV GOTY, V-All DLC
Platform: Xbox, PC
Status: Scrib Kill Count: 289
Other Profiles: Xbox-piercem3
UESPoints: 7

Re: Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by scribbane »

Can we combine these into one thread? I don't really think we need 4 separate threads for this, instead, just have one thread called "Are the Guilds Improved?". And then we can just generally discuss the guilds.
BetaB17 wrote: scrib - Chief of Security & not giving a [&@%!]
User avatar
The Dog Whisperer
Champion
Champion
Posts: 980
Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2008 5:19 pm
Location: Loch Garman, Éire (´ー`)

Re: Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by The Dog Whisperer »

urthdigger wrote:but the Companions made me be a werewolf.
My only problem with the faction.

Also, should I spoiler that or are these threads gonna be spoilerific?
The Altered Course of The Brotherhood. ~last.fm Image
User avatar
GhostOfNumenor
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:03 pm
ES Games: Morrowind GOTY, Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: Xbox, PS3

Re: Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by GhostOfNumenor »

scribbane wrote:Can we combine these into one thread? I don't really think we need 4 separate threads for this, instead, just have one thread called "Are the Guilds Improved?". And then we can just generally discuss the guilds.
Up to the Mods. I think it's better this way, so that each can get its deserved attention, but if the Mods agree that it's too much, it can be done that way.
User avatar
Wolfie
Grand Master
Grand Master
Posts: 2846
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:17 pm
ES Games: Oblivion, Morrowind, Arena
Platform: Xbox 360, PC

Re: Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by Wolfie »

I'm wit GhostOfNumenor, I feel like if we megred them only two or so would get the talk it needs.


I liked them but (DB and companions)
Spoiler:
it sucks that you HAVE to be one, why cantit be like DB and have it where you can "wipe out" the werewolfs?
A Snow-Hammer of the UESP Stormcloaks
Drakling
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 39
Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:34 pm
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim
Platform: PC, Xbox 360

Re: Are the Companions an Improvement?

Post by Drakling »

I'd say a little bit of an improvement. O-o, The fighters guild sent you on the most random errands in the begging, whereas the companions feel more direct. Fighter's guild was more like a misc helping mercenary guild. The Companions are also a mercenary guild-but their mercenary work seemed more strictly involving beating up people/killing things; I'd say the companions are more fighter class than the fighters guild was imo.
ThePurpleNinja
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 37
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2011 7:09 pm
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim
Platform: Xbox 360, PC

Re: Is the College of Winterhold an improvement?

Post by ThePurpleNinja »

I liked the College of Winterhold up until the very end of the quest. It was such a let down because it felt very....anti-climatic.

I do wish they had more generic NPCs spawn. Like "mage apprentice" or had generic teachers that had a school of magic attributed to them. For example like a "Conjuration Teacher" will teach you Conjuration to common level etc.
User avatar
Ilikeskooma
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 138
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 7:35 pm
ES Games: Oblivion
Platform: Ps3/xbox360
Status: I always feel like someone's watching me
Location: Anvil

Re: Is the College of Winterhold an improvement?

Post by Ilikeskooma »

Main quest was WAY to short.
Ilikeskooma wrote:Who believes a s'wit? They're known for being s'witty
ThePurpleNinja
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 37
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2011 7:09 pm
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim
Platform: Xbox 360, PC

Re: Is this Dark Brotherhood an improvement?

Post by ThePurpleNinja »

Gameplay Oblivion is better. The Assassinations are all creative, and the execution of the quests are all so well done.

NPC and over all interaction wise I prefer Skyrim. The members are all so likeable in my opinion. Not to mention the main quest line is pretty good in terms of storyline. I like how it ended.
User avatar
Iamgoofball
Warder
Warder
Posts: 477
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 3:44 am

Re: Is this Dark Brotherhood an improvement?

Post by Iamgoofball »

Of course! It. Is. Pure. Awesomeness!
it is a mystery
Drakling
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 39
Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:34 pm
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim
Platform: PC, Xbox 360

Re: Is the College of Winterhold an improvement?

Post by Drakling »

Er..I liked the students and that they'd follow you if you helped them test their crazy magics-that was a large improvement, as was each of the teacher's personalities. Not being able to make one's own spells was a minor game balancing change I think, so that wasn't a letdown-and there are plenty of restocking alchemy ingredients in the end.

But I found the main questline kinda like...lolwtfblitzkrieg. o_O, The second you get in there-the first quest Tolfdir sends you on
Spoiler:
Not counting gaining entry or the ward casting. The crazy ruins just leads to one random jump after another. :x /trap/ /giant glowy deathball of doom/ -bring back the giant deathball that almost kills everyone. Find info on the death orb. Fishy guy everyone knew wasn't good takes giant glowy deathball and kills ArchMage. <__<
-and the small line of happenings afterwards are just too convenient/destiny like, it feels very forced imo.
I also wanted to read the library-but even after ya make Archmage the big bad librarian still doesn't trust you touching the locked archives. :cry:
JoeyDestructo
Warder
Warder
Posts: 543
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 1:17 am
ES Games: Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind
Platform: Xbox 360

Re: Is the College of Winterhold an improvement?

Post by JoeyDestructo »

Drakling wrote: I also wanted to read the library-but even after ya make Archmage the big bad librarian still doesn't trust you touching the locked archives. :cry:
I am 99.9% sure that will be part of some sort of smaller DLC. similar to the Orrery in Oblivion
Jauffre Says, "Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F*** wit"
Moirae
Novice
Novice
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:18 pm
ES Games: Skyrim, Oblivion
Platform: PC

Re: Have the Guilds in Skyrim improved?

Post by Moirae »

Dark Brotherhood: Fun but short. It lost all the interesting special parameters for the contracts that oblivion had, so that's a loss, but the characters are more interesting.

Companions: Way too short, and a bit too werewolf oriented, which was interesting, but I felt detracted from the feeling of being a warrior's guild type organization.

College of Winterhold: Fun, but was rushed in addition to being short. I kinda liked that a large number of spells were available only at the college, but hated that you didn't actually need to use any magic to get in and become a member or to advance to Arch-Mage.

Thieve's Guild: Horrible, unlikable characters for the most part, poorly designed quests, felt way to World of Warcraft-esque with the repetitious grindy fetch-quests, and it stopped being at all about thieving once the ridiculous Nocturnal part got thrown in. Worst. Guild. Ever.
The Wabbajack! Huh? Huh? Didn't see that coming, did you?
Belgarion98
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 132
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:49 pm
ES Games: Oblivion 5th anniversary KOTN SI, Skyrim
Platform: Xbox 360
Status: Ever popular socialite
Location: Dive Rock

Re: Have the Guilds in Skyrim improved?

Post by Belgarion98 »

"Absolutely Not"... The guilds in Oblivion just had more things to do. The Companions are a great example. I joined the circle in, what, two or three quests? One could complete that questline in less than three hours. :shock: And the DB and The Thieves Guild are missing those uber-memorable characters like the Gray Fox and Lucien Lachance. Plus the Thieves Guild becomes Not the Thieves Guild as soon as Nocturnal gets involved. :x Don't get me wrong, I loved the Dark Humor in the DB, but it just wasn't the same. Seems like considerably less Quests this time. The only one that really lived up to expectations for me was the Mages Guild; just the right mix of wonder and charm that makes it great.

Favorite Oblivion Guild, by the way: Thieves Guild 8)

Rant Over :)
Vote Belgarion For Dunmer Superiority!
ELDER SCROLLS FOREVER!!!!
User avatar
GoatLiver
Warder
Warder
Posts: 554
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2009 2:54 am
ES Games: Daggerfall, Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim
Platform: PC
Contact:

Re: Have the Guilds in Skyrim improved?

Post by GoatLiver »

I haven't played every guild yet, but I've done the college and the companions. I thought both were incredibly short in terms of the actual quest line, how ever I liked the set up of the companions a lot more than the fighters guild. The mead hall that is an upturned long boat is pretty cool and quest although shorter was more interesting. I actually likes the mages guild a bit more than the college, gaining access to the arcane university was a cool little quest and the university felt more epic than the college. Also the quest line in oblivion was much better and felt like it had more importance with Mannimarco returning and all, the quest in skyrim just didn't feel like it meant anything.

So far I have felt every quest to be way to short in Skyrim, main quest included. Personally I still prefer the Morrowind setup where before you could advance a rank you needed to have a certain skill level on a range of skills related to that guild. Also the stories seemed much longer, but even the stories in Oblivion were an adequate length.

As a quick comparison the college in skyrim has 8 main quests and 7 side quests, vs the mages guild in oblivion which has 7 joining quests, 11 main quests and 2 side quests. Side note there are 33 quests listed for the Morrowind mages guild.
I'm on my way to Windhelm to join up with the Stormcloaks, Ulfric has the right of it!
Locked