"Oblivion's Impact Greater Than Skyrim's, Even Today"

Ask most gamers who were around during the Xbox 360 era, and, aside from the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share many fond memories. Among those, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out vividly for many, including myself. Back then, I was working at Official Xbox Magazine, and while the successful Xbox port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind didn't quite capture my interest, Oblivion grabbed me from the start. Originally planned as a launch title for the Xbox 360, Oblivion was the subject of multiple cover stories at OXM, with its stunning screenshots captivating everyone. I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, to delve deeper into the game's development.

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 glorious days in a conference room at Bethesda's basement, immersing myself in Cyrodiil. For four consecutive 11-hour days, I lived in this breathtaking next-gen medieval fantasy world. Before heading home, I had logged 44 hours of gameplay, leading to my heartfelt 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM. Oblivion was a masterpiece with its gripping quests, like those from the Dark Brotherhood, unexpected delights such as encountering the unicorn, and so much more. Since I played a submission build on a debug kit, I had to start over with my retail copy, but that didn't deter me from sinking another 130 hours into the game. So, it's no surprise that I'm thrilled about its remastered and re-released version on modern platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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For the younger generation who grew up with Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will be their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's initial release over 13 years ago. As we continue to wait for The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still likely 4-5 years away, I envy those who get to experience Oblivion anew. However, I must admit that the impact of Oblivion might not resonate the same way for them as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game, and while Bethesda chose to release it now rather than waiting for a more elegant 20th anniversary, other games have since built upon what Oblivion achieved, including Bethesda's own titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. Additionally, the visual impact of Oblivion in 2006, when it was heralded as the first true next-gen game of the HD era, won't be as striking today. The remaster, while improved, doesn't stand out as uniquely as it once did amidst today's gaming landscape.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was the right game at the right time. By leveraging the power of HD televisions and expanding the scope of what gamers could expect from an open-world game, it delivered a visual and experiential leap that was unprecedented for console gamers accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays. Although, just a month before Oblivion's release, EA's Fight Night Round 3 also showcased stunning visuals that left players in awe.

My memories of Oblivion are plentiful, as it was a world brimming with discovery and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it until you've explored every sidequest and activity. The reason? Oblivion gates will start spawning once you begin the main questline, so sealing them off early can enhance your gameplay experience.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls 6 will surprise us. However, playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as groundbreaking as it did compared to any version of Skyrim. Still, whether you're a first-timer or a veteran with hundreds of hours, the fully realized medieval fantasy world of Oblivion and its endless surprises and adventures remain my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm delighted it's back, despite the numerous spoilers before its re-release.