The first trailer for the fifth major instalment in the Elder Scrolls series was released yesterday, giving us a glimpse at the new engine, and whetting appetites for the dragon-filled land of Skyrim.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, set 200 years after the events of Oblivion, takes a new direction in the series and centres around fire-breathing creatures and the god of destruction.

Bethesda's new engine, the Creation Engine, promises more convincing landscapes and believable scenery. Items in the distance have greater detail and a lot of work has been done on shadows and tiny details, such as the effects from weather on foliage.

Another big talking point is 'Radiant AI', which gives the Skyrim population a more complex and engaging personality. Friendships and grudges will be unique experiences that may generate interesting side quests depending on personality traits.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is out this November. There goes another 100 or so hours of my life then. ®