Ask most gamers who were around during the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, you'll likely hear many fond memories. For Xbox 360 owners, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a cornerstone of those memories, and I count myself among them. While working at Official Xbox Magazine, I found that the successful port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't quite capture my interest. However, Oblivion, initially slated as a launch title for the Xbox 360, instantly drew me in. We featured Oblivion on multiple cover stories leading up to its launch, with screenshots that left everyone in awe. I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, to delve deeper into the game.
When the time came to review Oblivion, back when exclusive reviews were the norm, I was more than willing to take on the task. I returned to Rockville, spending four consecutive, glorious 11-hour days immersed in the game. I lived almost entirely in Cyrodiil, exploring its stunning, expansive medieval fantasy world. Before heading back home, I had logged 44 hours on a submission build at Bethesda, which I then reviewed for OXM, giving it a well-deserved 9.5 out of 10. The game was packed with engaging quests, such as those from the Dark Brotherhood, and unexpected discoveries, like the unicorn. Having played on a debug kit, I had to start anew with my retail copy, into which I poured another 130 hours without hesitation. The remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion thrills me, and I'm excited for its 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 remastered release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion marks their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's debut over 13 years ago. As fans eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still several years away, this remaster offers a fresh experience. However, I must admit, Oblivion might not capture the same magic for them as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game now, and while Bethesda has delivered this remaster this week, it could have waited for the 20th anniversary. Moreover, subsequent games have built on Oblivion's foundation, including Bethesda's own Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. The visual impact of Oblivion in 2006 was unparalleled, marking it as the first true next-gen game of the HD era. While the remaster undoubtedly looks better than the original, it doesn't stand out as dramatically today. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, unlike full remakes such as Resident Evil, which are built from the ground up.
AnswerSee ResultsThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a game that arrived at the perfect moment. It fully utilized HD televisions, expanding the scope and scale of what gamers expected from an open-world game. It was a revelation for console gamers accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays. (Though, just before Oblivion's release, EA's Fight Night Round 3 also made waves with its stunning visuals.)
My memories of Oblivion are plentiful, filled with discovery and adventure. For those experiencing Oblivion for the first time, my recommendation is to either rush through the main quest or save it until you've explored every sidequest and open-world activity. The reason? Oblivion gates will start spawning once you begin the main questline, so it's best to address them swiftly.
The leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, a feat that might not be replicated, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls VI will surprise us. Playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as groundbreaking as the original release did compared to Skyrim, and younger gamers might not experience the same awe. Nevertheless, whether you're a first-time player or a veteran with hundreds of hours logged, the rich medieval fantasy world of Oblivion, with its endless surprises and adventures, remains my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if the surprise of its release was somewhat diminished by anticipation.
