Opinion: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Hit Harder Than Skyrim – And Still Does

Ask any gamer who experienced the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories. Among those cherished memories for many, including myself, are the countless hours spent in *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*. Working at Official Xbox Magazine at the time, I found myself less captivated by *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* on Xbox, but *Oblivion* grabbed me from the start. Originally slated as a day-one launch title for the Xbox, *Oblivion* was the subject of multiple cover stories in the magazine. The breathtaking screenshots alone were enough to generate buzz, and I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, to delve deeper into the game.

When it came time to review *Oblivion*, a period when exclusive reviews were still commonplace, I jumped at the chance to immerse myself in the game. I spent four glorious days in a conference room at Bethesda's basement, living almost entirely within the vast world of Cyrodiil. By the time I flew home, I had logged 44 hours in the game, leading to OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I stand by to this day. *Oblivion* was a masterpiece, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises such as the elusive unicorn, and much more. Playing on a submission build meant starting anew when I got the retail version, but that didn't deter me from investing another 130 hours into the game.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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The excitement of *Oblivion* being remastered and re-released on modern platforms is palpable, especially for me, having spent so much time in its world. For younger gamers who grew up with *Skyrim*, *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered* marks their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since *Skyrim* debuted over 13 years ago. While fans of all ages eagerly await *The Elder Scrolls VI*, which is still likely 4-5 years away, this remaster provides a bridge to the past.

However, I must admit, *Oblivion* might not resonate with new players in the same way it did for me in March 2006. As a two-decade-old game, it has been surpassed by subsequent titles, including Bethesda's own *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield*. Additionally, the visual impact of *Oblivion* in 2006, which heralded the HD era on Xbox 360, won't be as striking today. The remaster, while improved, doesn't stand out as dramatically as it did back then, though it does bring the game up to modern standards.

*Oblivion* was a game that perfectly capitalized on the advent of HD televisions and set new standards for open-world gaming. It was a revelation for console gamers accustomed to lower resolution displays. While *Fight Night Round 3* from EA, released just before *Oblivion*, was also visually stunning, *Oblivion* redefined what was possible in gaming.

My memories of *Oblivion* are filled with exploration and discovery. For newcomers, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. The reason? Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates will begin to spawn, potentially disrupting your exploration. The leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* was monumental, and while such a leap might not occur again until *The Elder Scrolls VI*, *Oblivion Remastered* remains a testament to Bethesda's groundbreaking work. Although it might not shock and awe as it once did, its richly detailed medieval fantasy world and the adventures it offers make it my favorite in the series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its return was anticipated long before its actual release.