Ask most gamers who were around during the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories of their gaming experiences. Among those, *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* stands out as a cherished memory for many Xbox 360 owners, including myself. At the time, I was working at Official Xbox Magazine, and while the successful port of *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* to Xbox didn't quite capture my interest, *Oblivion* did so from the very beginning. Originally slated 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 volunteered for each trip to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to cover the game's development.
When it came time to review *Oblivion*, I jumped at the opportunity, especially since exclusive reviews were common back then. I returned to Rockville, spending four glorious days in a conference room in Bethesda's basement, immersing myself in the world of Cyrodiil. Over those four consecutive 11-hour days, I lived in this breathtaking, expansive medieval fantasy world. Before heading back home, I had logged 44 hours on a submission build of the game on an Xbox 360 debug kit, which led to OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review—a score I still stand by today. *Oblivion* was an incredible game, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises such as the unicorn, and much more. However, since I played a pre-release version, I had to start over when I got the final retail copy, into which I eagerly poured another 130 hours.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
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The recent remaster and re-release of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* on modern platforms has me thrilled. For the younger generation who grew up with *Skyrim*, this remastered version is their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since *Skyrim* was released over 13 years ago. While fans of all ages eagerly await *The Elder Scrolls VI*, which is likely still 4-5 years away, this remaster offers a fresh experience for those new to *Oblivion*.
However, I must admit that *Oblivion* might not have the same impact on today's gamers as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game, and while Bethesda deserves credit for releasing it now rather than waiting for its 20th anniversary, other games have since built upon what *Oblivion* pioneered, including Bethesda's own *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield*. Additionally, the visual impact of *Oblivion* in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD era, won't be as striking today. The remaster looks better than the original, but it doesn't stand out as something entirely new and revolutionary. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, unlike full remakes such as *Resident Evil*, which are rebuilt from the ground up to match or exceed current standards.
AnswerSee Results*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. (Notably, just a month before *Oblivion*'s release, EA's *Fight Night Round 3* also showcased stunning graphics.)
My memories of *Oblivion* are numerous, 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 all side quests and open-world activities. The reason? Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates will begin to spawn randomly, which can become a nuisance. It's best to deal with them early on.
The technological leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* might be unparalleled, though perhaps *The Elder Scrolls 6* will bring a similar revolution if we wait long enough. However, playing *Oblivion Remastered* won't feel as groundbreaking as it did back then, especially for those who grew up with *Skyrim*. Yet, whether you're experiencing *Oblivion* for the first time or revisiting it after hundreds of hours, its fully realized medieval fantasy world and the adventures it holds remain my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its release was anticipated long before it finally arrived.
