"Oblivion's Impact Greater Than Skyrim's, Even Now"

Ask most gamers who were around for the Xbox 360 era, and, Red Ring of Death aside, they'll likely share fond memories of their gaming experiences. One game that stands out for many, including myself, is *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*. I worked at Official Xbox Magazine during that time, and while *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* didn't capture my interest on Xbox, *Oblivion* grabbed me from the start. Originally planned as a launch title for the Xbox 360, *Oblivion* was the subject of multiple cover stories, with its breathtaking screenshots captivating everyone. I eagerly participated in each trip to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to cover its development.

When it came time to review *Oblivion*, I jumped at the chance again. Exclusive reviews were common back then, and I spent four glorious days in a Bethesda conference room, immersing myself in the stunning world of Cyrodiil. I logged 44 hours before writing a 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM, a score I still stand by. *Oblivion* was an incredible game, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises like the unicorn, and so much more. I played a submission build on an Xbox 360 debug kit, which meant starting over when I got the final retail version, but I was undeterred and poured another 130 hours into the game.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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I'm thrilled that *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* has been remastered and re-released on modern platforms. For the younger generation of gamers who grew up with *Skyrim*, this remaster will be 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 still years away, this remaster is a welcome return to the beloved world of Cyrodiil.

While I doubt *Oblivion* will have the same impact on today's gamers as it did for me in March 2006, it remains a significant title. It's a two-decade-old game, and many titles have since built upon its innovations, including Bethesda's own *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield*. The remaster, while visually improved, doesn't stand out as it did in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD era. Remasters aim to bring older games up to modern standards, unlike full remakes that start from scratch and strive to match current top-tier visuals.

*The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was the perfect game at the perfect time, fully utilizing HD televisions to expand the scope and scale of open-world gaming. It was a visual and experiential leap for console gamers accustomed to 640x480 resolution. (Incidentally, just before *Oblivion's* release, EA's *Fight Night Round 3* was also stunningly beautiful.)

My memories of *Oblivion* are plentiful, filled with exploration and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. Once you begin the main questline, Oblivion gates will start spawning randomly, so it's best to tackle them early to minimize interruptions.

The technological leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* might be unprecedented, though perhaps *The Elder Scrolls 6* will surprise us. However, playing *Oblivion Remastered* won't feel as different from *Skyrim* as the original did. Still, whether you're experiencing *Oblivion* for the first time or revisiting it, its fully realized medieval fantasy world and the adventures it holds make it my favorite Elder Scrolls game. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its release was anticipated long before it finally arrived.