Ask most gamers who were around for the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, many will recount fond memories. Among those memories, *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* stands out for numerous Xbox 360 owners, including myself. Working at Official Xbox Magazine at the time, I found that while the successful port of *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* to Xbox didn't quite capture my interest, *Oblivion* did so immediately. Initially planned as a day-one launch title for the second Xbox, *Oblivion* was the subject of multiple cover stories leading up to its launch. The breathtaking screenshots alone were enough to captivate everyone, and I eagerly volunteered for each trip to Bethesda's office in Rockville, Maryland.
When it came time to review *Oblivion*, a period when exclusive reviews were common, I jumped at the opportunity. I returned to Rockville and spent four glorious, consecutive 11-hour days immersed in the stunning world of Cyrodiil. Before returning home, I had logged 44 hours of gameplay on a submission build at Bethesda, using an Xbox 360 debug kit. This led to my glowing 9.5 out of 10 review in OXM, a score I stand by to this day. *Oblivion* was filled with gripping quests, such as those from the Dark Brotherhood, and delightful surprises like the unicorn. However, because I played a pre-release version, I had to start anew when I got the final retail copy—a small price for such an incredible game.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
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I eagerly dove back into *Oblivion*, investing another 130 hours into the game without hesitation. It's no surprise then that I'm thrilled about its remaster and re-release on modern platforms. For the younger generation who grew up with *Skyrim*, the newly released *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 likely still 4-5 years away, this remaster offers a fresh experience.
However, I must admit, *Oblivion* might not have the same impact on today's gamers as it did for me in March 2006. As a game now two decades old, it faces stiff competition from titles that have built upon its innovations, including Bethesda's own *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield*. Visually, the remaster, while improved, doesn't stand out as it did back in 2006, when it was hailed as the first true next-gen game of the HD Era. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, contrasting with full remakes like *Resident Evil*, which are rebuilt from the ground up to match contemporary standards.
AnswerSee Results*The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was the right game at the right time. It fully utilized HD televisions and expanded the scope and scale of what gamers could expect from an open-world game, delivering a visual and experiential punch to console gamers accustomed to lower resolution displays. Just a month before *Oblivion*'s release, EA's *Fight Night Round 3* also showcased stunning graphics, setting the stage for what was to come.
My memories of *Oblivion* are vast, filled with discovery and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it until you've explored every side quest and open-world activity. The reason? Oblivion gates will begin to spawn once you start the main quest, so it's best to tackle them early on.
The technological leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* might be unparalleled, though perhaps *The Elder Scrolls 6* will bring a similar advancement if we wait long enough. However, *Oblivion Remastered* won't present as stark a contrast to any *Skyrim* release, and younger gamers might not experience what I did. Yet, whether you're playing *Oblivion* for the first time or revisiting it, its fully realized medieval fantasy world and its myriad surprises and adventures remain my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, despite the many spoilers leading up to its re-release.
