"Oblivion's Impact Surpasses Skyrim's, Even Today"

Ask most gamers who experienced the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, they're likely to share a wealth of fond memories. Among those, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out vividly for many Xbox 360 owners, including myself. Back then, I was immersed in the world of gaming journalism at Official Xbox Magazine. While The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind's Xbox port didn't quite capture my attention, Oblivion, initially slated as a day-one launch title for the Xbox 360, grabbed me from the get-go. We dedicated multiple cover stories to it, showcasing breathtaking screenshots that left everyone in awe. Eagerly, I volunteered for each trip to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to dive deeper into the game's development.

When it came time to review Oblivion, a task that in those days often meant an exclusive review, I was thrilled to take on the challenge. I spent another trip to Rockville, holed up in a conference room in Bethesda's basement for four days, immersing myself in the expansive world of Cyrodiil. Over four glorious 11-hour days, I explored this stunning, wide-open, next-gen medieval fantasy world. Before heading back home, I had logged 44 hours on a submission build of the game, a near-final version on an Xbox 360 debug kit, which led to my 9.5 out of 10 review in OXM. I stand by that score to this day. Oblivion was a masterpiece, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises like the unicorn, and so much more. Upon receiving my retail copy, I had to start anew, but that didn't stop me from dedicating another 130 hours to the game. So, you can imagine my excitement at the news of its remastering and re-release on modern platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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For the younger generation of gamers who grew up with Skyrim, the newly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will be their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's debut over 13 years ago. While fans of all ages eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still likely years away, I'm envious of those who will experience Oblivion for the first time. However, I must admit that the game might not have the same impact on them as it did on me back in March 2006. It's now a two-decade-old game, and while Bethesda has delivered it this year instead of waiting for its 20th anniversary, the remaster, though improved, doesn't carry the same visual shock it did back then. Games like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield have built upon what Oblivion pioneered. Additionally, the remaster, while enhancing the original, doesn't stand out as a groundbreaking visual experience in today's context, unlike a full remake such as Resident Evil.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a game that arrived at the perfect moment. It fully utilized HD televisions and expanded the scope and scale of open-world gaming, delivering a visual and experiential punch that console gamers, used to 640x480 interlaced displays, had never seen before. (It's worth noting that before Oblivion's release, EA's Fight Night Round 3 in February 2006 also set a high bar with its stunning visuals.)

My memories of Oblivion are plentiful, filled with endless discoveries and adventures. For those new to the game, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. Why? Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates will begin spawning, potentially disrupting your exploration. It's best to tackle them early on to enjoy the game's vast world more freely.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion might be unprecedented, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls 6 could challenge that notion if we're patient enough. However, playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as revolutionary as it did moving from Morrowind to Oblivion. Yet, whether you're a first-time player or a veteran with hundreds of hours logged, Oblivion's richly detailed medieval fantasy world, full of surprises and adventures, remains my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its re-release was anticipated for some time.