Oblivion's Impact Surpasses Skyrim's, Even Today

Ask any gamer who owned an Xbox 360, and, aside from the notorious Red Ring of Death, chances are they'll reminisce about countless memorable gaming experiences. For many, including myself, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out as a highlight. As a former writer for Official Xbox Magazine, I found myself captivated by Oblivion right from the start, unlike its predecessor The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, which didn't quite capture my interest despite its successful Xbox port. Oblivion was poised to be a launch title for the Xbox 360, and our magazine dedicated multiple cover stories to it, showcasing stunning screenshots that left everyone in awe. I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to delve deeper into the game.

When the time came to review Oblivion, I jumped at the chance again. Exclusive reviews were the norm back then, and I returned to Bethesda, spending four glorious days in a conference room in their basement, fully immersed in the breathtaking world of Cyrodiil. Over these 11-hour sessions, I logged 44 hours of gameplay before flying back home to write OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I still stand by today. Oblivion was a masterpiece, packed with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises like the unicorn, and so much more. Playing on a pre-release build meant starting over with the retail version, but that didn't deter me from investing another 130 hours into the game. So, it's no surprise that I'm thrilled about The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered now available on modern platforms.

For gamers who grew up with Skyrim, Oblivion Remastered marks their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim debuted over 13 years ago. While we all eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still several years away, the younger generation gets to experience the magic of Oblivion for the first time. However, I must admit, the impact of Oblivion might not resonate with them as it did with me back in March 2006. As a nearly two-decade-old game, it's been surpassed by subsequent titles from Bethesda like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. Additionally, its visual impact, while enhanced in the remaster, doesn't carry the same groundbreaking appeal it had in 2006 when it was the epitome of next-gen gaming on the Xbox 360. Remasters aim to modernize older games, but they don't reach the transformative heights of a full remake like Resident Evil.

Oblivion was the right game at the right time, harnessing the power of HD televisions to redefine open-world gaming. It was a revelation for console gamers used to the limitations of 640x480 resolution. My memories of Oblivion are filled with endless discovery and adventure. For new players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last to avoid the constant interruptions from randomly spawning Oblivion gates.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, and while we might see something similar with The Elder Scrolls VI, Oblivion Remastered won't feel as groundbreaking to those accustomed to Skyrim. Yet, whether you're a first-time player or a seasoned veteran, the rich medieval fantasy world of Oblivion and its myriad of adventures remain my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm delighted it's back, even if its release was anticipated well in advance.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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