Ask most gamers who experienced the Xbox 360 era, and beyond the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely recount fond memories. For many, including myself, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a cornerstone of those cherished times. Working at Official Xbox Magazine during its release, I found myself captivated by Oblivion in a way that its predecessor, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, never managed to achieve. Originally slated to be a launch title for the Xbox 360, Oblivion quickly became a focal point for us, with multiple cover stories and stunning screenshots that left everyone in awe. I eagerly participated in trips to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to cover its development.
When it came time to review Oblivion, I jumped at the opportunity. Exclusive reviews were the norm back then, and I spent four glorious days immersed in Bethesda's basement conference room, living in the expansive world of Cyrodiil. Over those 11-hour sessions, I logged 44 hours of gameplay before writing OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I stand by to this day. The game was a marvel, with gripping quests like those from the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises such as the elusive unicorn, and much more. Playing on a submission build meant starting over with the retail version, but that didn't deter me. I invested another 130 hours into Oblivion, and now, with its remastered release on modern platforms, I'm beyond thrilled.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
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For gamers who grew up with Skyrim, the remastered The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion represents their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's initial release over 13 years ago. I envy these younger gamers, as they experience Oblivion for the first time while we all eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still likely years away. However, I must admit that Oblivion might not strike them the same way it did for me back in March 2006. As a game that's now two decades old, it's been surpassed by subsequent titles, including Bethesda's own Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. Additionally, while the remaster visually improves upon the original, it doesn't have the same groundbreaking impact it once did, especially when compared to full remakes like Resident Evil.
AnswerSee ResultsThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was the perfect game at the perfect time. Leveraging the power of HD televisions, it expanded the scope and scale of what gamers could expect from an open-world experience. It was a revelation for console gamers accustomed to lower resolution displays. (It's worth noting that just before Oblivion's release, EA's Fight Night Round 3 also made waves with its stunning graphics.)
My memories of Oblivion are numerous, fueled by its vast world filled with secrets and activities. For newcomers, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. Once you engage with the main storyline, Oblivion gates start spawning, which can become a nuisance. Completing the main quest quickly can help manage this.
The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, and while we may not see such a leap again, the remastered version of Oblivion still holds up. For those who grew up with Skyrim, the experience might not be as revolutionary, but for anyone, whether playing for the first time or revisiting, Oblivion's rich medieval fantasy world and its endless adventures remain unparalleled. I'm thrilled it's been re-released, despite the many spoilers leading up to its return.
