Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Outshines Skyrim in Impact

Ask any gamer who experienced the Xbox 360 era, and despite the notorious Red Ring of Death, they're likely to recount fond memories. Among these, *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* stands out as a cherished title for many Xbox 360 owners, including myself. At the time, I was working at Official Xbox Magazine, and although the successful port of *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* to Xbox didn't quite capture my interest, *Oblivion*—originally slated as a launch title for the second Xbox—hooked me instantly. The magazine ran multiple cover stories on *Oblivion* in the lead-up to its release, with the breathtaking screenshots captivating us all. I eagerly volunteered for trips to Bethesda's headquarters in the quiet town of Rockville, Maryland.

When it came time to review *Oblivion*, in an era where exclusive reviews were commonplace, I was thrilled to take on the task. I returned to Rockville and spent four consecutive, glorious 11-hour days immersed in the game's world, Cyrodiil, in a conference room in Bethesda's basement. By the time I boarded my flight home, I had logged 44 hours on a submission build—a nearly complete version on an Xbox 360 debug kit—before writing OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I still stand by. *Oblivion* was an exceptional game, filled with engaging quests like those of the Dark Brotherhood, unexpected delights such as the unicorn, and much more. Upon receiving the final retail copy, I had to start anew, but that didn't deter me from investing another 130 hours into the game. Thus, it's no surprise that I'm thrilled about its remaster and re-release on modern platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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For the younger generation who grew up with *Skyrim*, the newly released *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered* marks their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since *Skyrim* debuted over 13 years ago. I envy these gamers, as *Oblivion Remastered* will be their fresh introduction to the series while fans of all ages eagerly await *The Elder Scrolls VI*, which is still likely 4-5 years away.

However, I must admit that *Oblivion* might not resonate with them as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a game that's now two decades old, and while Bethesda deserves kudos for releasing it this year rather than waiting for its 20th anniversary, other games have since built upon *Oblivion*'s foundation, including Bethesda's own *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield*. Moreover, the visual impact of *Oblivion* in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD era, won't be the same today. The remaster looks better than the original, but it doesn't stand out as dramatically as it once did. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, unlike full remakes like *Resident Evil*, which are rebuilt from the ground up to match or exceed contemporary standards.

*The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was the perfect game at the perfect time. It fully utilized HD televisions and expanded the scope and scale of open-world gaming, delivering a visual and experiential punch to console gamers accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays. (Incidentally, just before *Oblivion*'s release, EA's *Fight Night Round 3* also stunned players with its graphics.)

My memories of *Oblivion* are plentiful, as it offered a world brimming with discovery and activities. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last after exploring every side quest and open-world activity. The reason? Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates will begin to spawn randomly, which can become a nuisance. It's best to tackle them early on.

The technological leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* might be unparalleled, though perhaps *The Elder Scrolls 6* will eventually surpass it. However, playing *Oblivion Remastered* won't feel as revolutionary as the original did compared to *Skyrim*. Yet, whether you're experiencing *Oblivion* for the first time or revisiting it after countless hours, its richly detailed medieval fantasy world and the adventures it holds remain my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm delighted it's back, even if its return was anticipated long before its actual release.