Released a few years ago, The Elder Scrolls Online didn't have the start everyone expected. Lack of content and technical problems had initially undermined the gaming experience. However, thanks to some important updates and above all regular updates, the title to date has nothing to envy to its colleagues / rivals of the genre. And with this latest expansion, Zenimax gives us a taste of what we should expect when the new season kicks off in June. Why The Elder Scrolls Online: Flames of Ambition it's just a tasty appetizer, waiting for an even more succulent first course.
Although the current season has catapulted us into the Heart of Skyrim, ZeniMax and Bethesda are inexorably leaving the northernmost region of Tamriel. More and more directed towards the Gates of Oblivion, The Elder Scrolls Online: Flames of Ambition introduces two new dungeons that let us savor the tone of the next content. Reluctantly we greet the vampires and werewolves who have accompanied our deeds for a year, and we welcome the Daedra, waiting for Mehrunes Dagon.
Introduced by Update 29, this DLC introduces important changes regarding the skill structure and the Champion System. Additionally, this content requires the player to be at least level 45 in order to be played. While this limit allows for a much more balanced gameplan, it can be frustrating for newcomers not to be able to access the content right away. Careful choice by Zenimax, which intends to make only experienced people enjoy the title so as not to undermine the experience of the group.
Blake Drake Villa
The first level is called Blake Drake Villa, in which - together with a small group of people - you will explore an ancient mansion with classic tones. In the same we will find an old acquaintance of the past, Eveli Sharp-Arrow, committed to deciphering the secrets of the mansion. Inside the mansion, however, True Sworn mercenaries, goblins and other monstrosities will stand in our fireplace. And - of course - there will be mid and late level bosses.
The first opponent will be a kind of giant warrior who wields a huge club, and - once defeated - you will have access to the lower floors of the mansion. The environmental puzzles will be the daily bread of this experience, and - for lovers of Tamriel's lore - dozens of manuscripts will be available to deepen many notions of the past of the mansion, Skyrim and many other question marks often left open.
The fights will also alternate sections of "repositioning" with sessions of real brute force, unleashing the creative vein of each player. By solving some environmental puzzles, then, you will have access to optional arenas to earn more experience points. Arriving at the boss level, the clash is divided into several phases, very similar to what has already been seen in Blackreach.
The Cauldron
With a setting that deliberately recalls The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the second dungeon, The Cauldron, takes on more reddish hues. Clear through with what will be The Gates of Oblivion, this level represents the starting point to learn more about the Order of the Awakening Flame, in the company of Lyranth and Drathas.
The dark setting is still more linear than the Blake Drake Villa, but that doesn't mean it's less beautiful. Making your way between prisons and lava chimneys, you will soon find yourself facing the boss of this dungeon: Baron Zaudrus. In an exciting fight with no holds barred, the clash is strongly characterized by a chaotic soul, always lively and that leaves little room for breathing and repositioning.
As already explained, Blake Drake Villa and The Cauldron are the prologue to the news that will await players with Blackwood. A trailblazer for the Gates of Oblivion, the new ZeniMax Online adventure will be available starting June 1, and will narrate the events that led to the rise of Mehrunes Dagon among mortals. A nice way to restore luster to the never forgotten Oblivion.
Final comment
The Elder Scrolls Online: Flames of Ambition is not a real stand-alone content, more like a prologue for the coming season. The purchase is recommended and the two dungeons are well structured, but in the base game you don't miss them. However, the feeling that with Blackwood some pieces may be missing is present, but regardless of this we would like to recommend the purchase.
