Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Outshines Skyrim in Impact

Ask most gamers who were around for the Xbox 360 era, and despite the notorious Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories. Among those, *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* holds a special place for many, including myself. Working at Official Xbox Magazine during its release, I found Morrowind's Xbox port intriguing but not captivating. However, *Oblivion*—initially slated as a launch title for the Xbox 360—captured my attention from the start. Our magazine featured multiple cover stories on *Oblivion*, with its screenshots leaving everyone in awe. I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda's offices in Rockville, Maryland, to cover the game's development.

When the time came to review *Oblivion*, I was all in, especially since exclusive reviews were the norm back then. I returned to Rockville, spending four consecutive, glorious 11-hour days in Bethesda's basement, immersed in the stunning, expansive world of Cyrodiil. By the time I was ready to fly back home, I had logged 44 hours in the game before writing OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I still stand by. *Oblivion* was an incredible game with gripping quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises like the unicorn, and much more. Since I played a submission build on a debug kit, I had to start over once I received the retail version, into which I eagerly poured another 130 hours.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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I'm thrilled that *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* has been remastered and re-released on modern platforms. For younger gamers who grew up with *Skyrim*, this remaster offers their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since *Skyrim* debuted over 13 years ago. As fans eagerly await *The Elder Scrolls VI*, which is still several years away, *Oblivion Remastered* provides a fantastic opportunity to explore this beloved world.

While I doubt *Oblivion* will have the same impact on today's gamers as it did for me in March 2006—partly because it's a two-decade-old game and partly because other titles have since built upon its innovations—the remaster still looks better than the original. However, it doesn't have the groundbreaking visual impact it had back in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD era. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, unlike full remakes like *Resident Evil*, which start from scratch and aim to match or exceed contemporary graphics standards.

*The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was the perfect game at the perfect time. It capitalized on the advent of HD televisions and expanded the scope and scale of open-world gaming, delivering a visual and experiential punch to console gamers who had previously been limited to interlaced 640x480 displays. (Speaking of visual punches, EA's *Fight Night Round 3*, released just before *Oblivion*, was itself stunningly beautiful.)

My memories of *Oblivion* are numerous, as it offered a world brimming with discoveries and activities. For newcomers, I recommend either rushing through the main quest to seal off the Oblivion gates quickly or saving it until you've explored every side quest and activity. The technological leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* was monumental, and while *The Elder Scrolls 6* may bring similar advancements, *Oblivion Remastered* remains a testament to its enduring appeal. Whether you're experiencing it for the first time or returning after countless hours, its fully realized medieval fantasy world continues to captivate, making it my favorite Elder Scrolls game. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its return was anticipated long before its surprise release.