Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Impact Surpasses Skyrim

Ask most gamers who owned an Xbox 360, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, many will share fond memories. One game that contributed significantly to those memories is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. As a former writer for Official Xbox Magazine, I can attest that while the port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't capture my attention, Oblivion did so from the start. Originally slated to be a launch title for the Xbox 360, our magazine featured multiple cover stories on Oblivion, showcasing stunning screenshots that left everyone in awe. I eagerly participated in every trip to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to cover the game.

When it was time to review Oblivion, I jumped at the opportunity. In the era of exclusive reviews, I returned to Bethesda's basement in Rockville and spent four glorious days—each lasting 11 hours—immersed in the game. Before flying back home, I had logged 44 hours on a submission build of the game on an Xbox 360 debug kit, which led to my 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM. I stand by that score to this day. Oblivion was an incredible experience, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood and delightful surprises, such as the elusive unicorn. I had to start anew when I received my retail copy, but that didn't stop me from dedicating another 130 hours to the game. The news of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered thrilled me, as it means a new generation of gamers can experience this classic.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

View 6 Images

For gamers who grew up with Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's initial release over 13 years ago. I envy the younger generation who see Skyrim as their definitive Elder Scrolls experience. As fans of all ages continue to wait for The Elder Scrolls VI, which might be another 4-5 years away, Oblivion Remastered offers a fresh taste of the franchise.

However, I doubt Oblivion will have the same impact on younger players as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game now, and while Bethesda deserves credit for releasing it this year rather than waiting for a more elegant 20th anniversary, it's been surpassed by subsequent titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. The visual impact of Oblivion in 2006 was groundbreaking, heralding the HD era on Xbox 360. Although the remaster looks better, it doesn't offer the same revolutionary experience. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, unlike remakes that rebuild games from the ground up, such as the Resident Evil series.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a game that perfectly captured the essence of its time. It leveraged the power of HD televisions and expanded the scope of open-world gaming, offering console gamers an unprecedented experience. The game's release in March 2006 was a revelation, especially when compared to the visuals of games like EA's Fight Night Round 3 released just a month earlier.

My memories of Oblivion are abundant, reflecting a world full of discovery and adventure. For those new to Oblivion, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it until you've explored every side quest and open-world activity. The reason? Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates begin to spawn, which can become a nuisance. It's best to deal with them early.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental and may never be replicated, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls VI will surprise us. Playing Oblivion Remastered won't offer the same stark contrast to Skyrim, but its fully realized medieval fantasy world, with its surprises and adventures, remains my favorite in the series. I'm thrilled it's back, despite the many leaks and rumors that preceded its release.