New information pertaining to Bethesda's new Elder Scrolls game, Skyrim, has surfaced in the latest issue of PC Gamer magazine and a number of other previews. Bethesda is undoubtedly ramping up its announcements for the game towards the game's upcoming presentation at E3 a week from now.

The land of Skyrim is described as gargantuan in size, encompassing the cities of Solitude, Dawnstar, Winter Hold, Whiterun, Riften, Markarth and the ancient "pure Nord" city of Windhelm. The city of Solitude can be seen in the game's preview trailer, made prominent by its windmill.

Bethesda is putting a strong emphasis on weather effects in the game to accent the game's varying altitudes—weather will be more intense the higher you go.

Players will not have to roam aimlessly around the terrain—either outside, or within dungeons—to find locations of interest, as rivers will serve as a natural way to lead players to special areas. Every zone in the game is populated by wildlife, including rabbits, which the player can kill for the acquisition of raw meat.

Spells in the game are being given a drastic overhaul over the previous games, which were either direct or area-of-effect. One such addition is the chain lightning spell, which arcs from target to target.

Players can expect for more information to come to light with Bethesda's upcoming presentation at E3.

The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim will be released for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.