We here at Game Rant can barely contain our excitement over Bethesda Softwares upcoming blockbuster; Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The game has been handed an 'M' rating from the ESRB in North America, highlighting the games "blood, gore, intense violence, sexual themes and use of alcohol".

While recent news has given us 20 minutes of Skyrim gameplay footage and a look at the Collector's Edition, it hasn't hit home yet that after five years, The Elder Scrolls is finally set to return, especially with so many Triple-A games coming this fall. Perhaps this official rating will change this.

The rating, which has been published ahead of the games release, sheds light on how Skyrim will play when it finally releases. While not revealing much about the story's plot, the rating does highlight how the game will play.

"As players engage in melee-style combat, some sequences are highlighted by slow-motion effects, particularly for decapitations. Large blood-splatter effects also occur during combat, and some environments are stained with blood or body parts (e.g., heads impaled on spikes).

Those fearful of the game being toned down will be pleased to hear that Skyrim is every bit as daring as its predecessor. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion also received a 'Mature' rating upon its release yet went on to become a critical and sales success for Bethesda. Skyrim continues this trend with plenty of adult themes for gamer's to focus on.

"As the game progresses, the dialogue and on-screen text contains references to sexual material (e.g., '. . . all the whores your heart, or any other organ, desires,' 'She . . . raped the men as cruelly as Bal had ravished her,' and 'Remember when you thought [he] was . . . intent on making you . . . into his personal sex slave?').

Also making an appearance is good old ale, which the player can purchase and consume at will. The rating even makes reference to a particular point when the gamer takes part in a drinking contest.

"Alcohol such as wine, mead, and ale can be purchased and consumed by players' character throughout the game; and in one sequence, players can engage in a drinking contest with another character, which eventually results in slurred speech (e.g., 'One more. No problemsh . . . Thash grape!')."

What are Ranters most looking forward too in Skyrim?

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is set to launch on November 11 for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.

Source: ESRB