Ask most gamers who experienced the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories of their time with it. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a cornerstone of those memories for many, including myself. Working at Official Xbox Magazine during that time, I found that while the successful port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't captivate me, Oblivion did from the moment it was unveiled. Originally slated as a launch title for the next Xbox, Oblivion was covered extensively in our magazine with breathtaking screenshots. I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, for these stories.
When it came time to review Oblivion, in an era where exclusive reviews were the norm, I jumped at the chance. I returned to Rockville, spending four consecutive days in a conference room in Bethesda's basement, immersed in the game. For nearly 11 hours each day, I explored the stunning, expansive world of Cyrodiil, clocking 44 hours before writing OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I stand by today. The game was a masterpiece, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises like the unicorn, and much more. Playing on a submission build meant starting over with the retail version, but that didn't deter me—I eagerly dove back in, investing another 130 hours into the game.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
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The remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has me thrilled, especially as it introduces a new generation of gamers who grew up with Skyrim to a "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game for the first time since Skyrim's release over 13 years ago. While fans of all ages eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still years away, this remaster offers a fresh experience for younger players.
However, I'm realistic about the impact Oblivion might have on today's gamers. As a game that's now two decades old, it may not resonate as powerfully as it did in 2006. Subsequent games, including those from Bethesda like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, have built on Oblivion's foundation. Visually, while the remaster improves upon the original, it doesn't stand out as it once did when it was considered the first true next-gen game of the HD era. A remaster aims to modernize an older game for current platforms, unlike a full remake which starts from scratch and aims to match or exceed current visual standards.
AnswerSee ResultsThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a game that perfectly captured the essence of its time, leveraging the power of HD televisions to expand the scope and scale of open-world gaming. It was a revelation for console gamers accustomed to lower resolution displays. While EA's Fight Night Round 3, released just before Oblivion, was also visually stunning, Oblivion's impact on open-world gaming was unparalleled.
My memories of Oblivion are filled with exploration and discovery. For those experiencing it for the first time, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it until after exploring all side quests and activities. The reason? Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates begin to spawn, which can be distracting. Sealing them off early can enhance your experience.
The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, and while we may not see such a leap again soon, the release of The Elder Scrolls 6 might bring something similar. For now, playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as different from Skyrim as the original did for me. Yet, whether you're a first-time player or a veteran with hundreds of hours, Oblivion's fully realized medieval fantasy world remains a captivating adventure. I'm excited to see it return, even if its release was anticipated long before it finally arrived.
