Features

We've enjoyed pilfering for the Thieves' Guild and murdering on behalf of the Dark Brotherhood. But what we always wanted was the ability to become a bloodsucking nemesis of pure evil. Thank Lucifer (and Bethesda) then for the expansion pack Skyrim: Dawnguard for the Xbox and PC.

We're not tired of Skyrim and we suspect you aren't either; its world is intoxicating, exquisite, bewitching (and all those other superlatives that publishers like to slap on the back of game boxes). Exploring Skyrim is never a chore either; fighting a dragon remains as fresh as the first time you soiled your breeches at the sight of one; and where YouTube parody videos of "Fus Ro Dah!" or "I took an arrow in the knee" quips never grow old. Well, ish.

But there is a sticking point; while you can become a vampire in Skyrim, it can feel a little, well, fangless. But no more as Dawnguard lets you play as Vampire Lord Harkon who wants to destroy the sun itself (after successfully exterminating the News of the World). Hover, turn into a bat, levitate your victims, attend MP Select Committees... all your traditional vampiric powers (and then some) are here.

Of course you can always turn your back on such an opportunity (you utter square) and go all Buffy instead, hunting down the aforementioned fanged fans of human blood as an elite member of the Dawnguard (they're a bit like the A-Team but with crossbows instead of assault rifles). If none of that appeals, then howl at the moon and become a fully-fledged werewolf, a class that has now been properly fleshed out and boasts its own upgradable perks system.

Whatever you decide to do, there are a host of new locations (including two spangly fortresses), fresh fiends to fight (on horseback now if you want) plus new spells to cast and Shouts to, erm, shout. The net result? An expansion pack that evolves the seemingly limitless possibilities of Skyrim's astonishing world. We may never want to leave. And, we suspect, nor will you...