Normally in an MMO race choices are restricted by a faction, buying an expansion, or maybe a cash-shop if it's a free to play game. I can't recall the last time I've seen a game go the route of Elder Scrolls Online and put a playable race as a deluxe edition bonus. This isn't just any random race either, it's the Imperials, major players in the Elder Scrolls canon no doubt. Though in the Elder Scrolls Online's timeline, the Imperials have been reduced to a bunch of crazy daedra worshippers and don't even have a leader voiced by Patrick Stewart. If you pre-order, your $69.99 will go towards educating an Imperial human to quit being so silly and join up with one of the three factions you can play as in the game.

In response to the always reasonable amount of internet backlash over the idea, Zenimax assures everyone that playing as an Imperial is purely aesthetic and they have no racial bonuses better than anyone else's.

"This is cool content designed for some of our biggest fans who wish to have something different from other collector's editions in the market. The only other alternative would have been to offer a collector's edition that offers no in-game items whatsoever."

That's right, Playable race or nothing. No potions or vanity armor, titles, or anything like almost every MMO has done since the beginning of MMO deluxe editions being a thing. Of course the Imperial edition gives you more than just an exclusive race. Imperial Edition buyers also get their hands on a unique racial skill line, a free mount, and the ability to craft unique items, but like playing as an Imperial Zenimax confirms that these in fact do not give you an advantage over anyone else.

Sound like a bunch of crap or a reasonable thing for the people who want to drop some extra money? Sound off below.