The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

Happy isth birthday Elder Scrolls. Before Bethesda were making post-apocalyptic RPGs, they were prancing about as elves with phallic greatswords. It seems they're keen not to forget their roots, which, to the delight of recession-clad gamers everywhere, has resulted in the release of the second Elder Scrolls game - Daggerfall - for free.

Comparing Daggerfall to the other indie games this month is a bit cheeky, because this was a game developed by a huge studio (well, they're huge now) and you can't avoid the fact that it's previously had a price tag. But it's free now. Let's repeat that over and over until it hits home.

There are plenty of options available to the 'classics' for reaching new audiences, like Steam, Good Old Games, Impulse, etc. but Bethesda have rewarded us with one of the best RPGs out there. For free.

The Elder Scrolls formula hasn't changed over 13 years - you still create a character, pick their class and set off in search of treasure. It's difficult to present Daggerfall as anything unique, as it plays out like a history lesson rather than an actual game. Then again, did we happen to mention that it's free? Oh, we did, right, sorry.

Everything is instantly familiar, from the MIDI soundtrack to the old-school blocky graphics. You'll quickly forget about the high-definition era. Massive, open ended, engaging, engrossing -take your pick. Multiple endings, a lifestealing amount of gameplay and enough NPCs to run a country, Daggerfall's scope is unfathomable -it really is a gigantic game. It's as engaging as it was on release and it's lovely to be able to revisit a classic.

You'll notice the issues that plague the game (unfinishable quests, texture issues, game breaking bugs) but overlook all that and you'll be compensated with one of the best RPGs of all time. It's not asking to be compared to today's greats, so if you refrain from doing so, you'll be well on your way to enjoying it.

If you've never had the chance to play it then you've got no excuse now. And anyone who's visited Daggerfall before will instantaneously remember what made it so good in the first place. And it's free. And on this month's DVD.