1. DawgLB51

   9

   Strangely Addictive.
   
   I get that this DLC isn't action packed or doesn't really add any "adventure" to the Skyrim experience, but if you are a fan of this enormous RPG you should love this add-on too.
   
   After completing all of the quests my warrior was ready to settle down and build him a house. I love the fact I can store everything and display it in my own Armory. After all that hard work it's nice to see those weapons and armor you worked so hard to obtain on display for all to see.
   
   I would give it a 10 if not for a few minor bugs. However, this add-on is affordable and a lot of fun if you are like me and have a need to organize all your loot.… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 2 users said Yes.
2. Oxcart

   8

   Hearthfire is relatively up front about what it intends to do and how it intends to do it. Point blank and period, it's about giving the player the chance to put together a home of his or her own, customized to match individual preference. On the positive side, it does enable one to create a home that feels more your own than any other you can buy in the game. You are given options on how the house is to be built and what is to go inside. And, if you are so inclined, you can build your house largely without expense; it's possible to gather and make the necessary components yourself (more on that in a tick). Now, on the flip side, the negatives. First, there are a lot of glitches. Little bugs that should be squished during the next update, but it's a little unnerving that Bethesda QA let so many errors slip through. One such bug prevents expense-free construction, even if you do everything right, which is frustrating to self-sufficient game styles. But bigger than that is the mutual-exclusion construction model -- if you want this room, then you can't have these two no matter what. Frankly, for the size house you're putting together, being limited to three wings without any possible compromise seems like an artificial limit. Realistically, I can see limiting buildings to three wings and two towers. There are also precious few options beyond "do you want this or not?" You get no say in what furniture is installed or where, just whether you want to use the offerings hard-coded into the system, there are no aesthetic options, either interior or exterior. In short, there's very little flexibility. Options are the key in add-ons like this, and Hearthfire has enough to make it worth buying, but not nearly enough to make it a 10. Add in the bugs, and 7-8 is a reasonable (possibly slightly generous) score.… Expand

   • Helpful? 2 of 2 users said Yes.
3. JRocks247

   6

   Does it add to the game play? Not really...Bandit/Kidnapper/Troll attacks are meh. Does it add to the immersion? Yes. Love building my own estate with all the fixins. Could it have been more customizable and robust? Sure, but remember it only a $4 add on and gives you one less loading screen to access you're own house (versus entering a city, then entering your house). If you're a collector of stuff or alchemist these estates with their greenhouse, trophy room, armory and gardens area must have. Haven't tried the adoption thing and find it hard to believe its anything but tedious but whatevs...6/10 not bad, fairly priced and a definite buy if you still wander the realm of the Dovakiin… Expand

   • Helpful? 6 of 7 users said Yes.
4. MelancholyAcid

   3

   Okay, I just made an account here, specifically to express my opinion on this DLC. First, PC-players should steer clear. This DLC does not add anything that is not already available through plug-ins made by other players.
   As for XBOX360 owners, I reckon that even a big Skyrim fan might be disappointed by this DLC. The house building mechanic is fun and such, but the customizability is exaggerated in the trailer, it's actually quite limited. As far as I am concerned, this DLC does not live up to my expectations for it, just like Dawnguard has been a disappointment for most. Seriously Bethesda, I thought you were going for DLC-content that actually adds something to the game, instead of a vampire chicken monster and SimSkyrim. Now stop kidding and make something that really adds to the game. Sincerely, a TES fan.… Expand

   • Helpful? 14 of 18 users said Yes.

See all 16 User Reviews