Oblivion's Impact Surpasses Skyrim, Even Today

Ask most gamers who were around during the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, you'll find them reminiscing fondly about their gaming experiences. One game that stands out vividly for many, including myself, is *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*. Back then, I was working at Official Xbox Magazine, and while *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* had been a successful port to Xbox, it didn't quite capture my imagination. However, *Oblivion*—originally slated as a launch title for the Xbox 360—did so from the very beginning. Our magazine featured multiple cover stories on *Oblivion* leading up to its release, with its stunning screenshots leaving us in awe. I eagerly made trips to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to cover its development.

When the time came to review *Oblivion*, I jumped at the opportunity. Exclusive reviews were the norm back then, and I found myself back in Rockville, spending four glorious days in a conference room at Bethesda's basement. Over these four consecutive 11-hour sessions, I immersed myself in the breathtaking world of Cyrodiil. By the time I was ready to fly back home, I had already logged 44 hours of gameplay before writing *OXM*'s 9.5 out of 10 review—a score I stand by to this day. *Oblivion* was an exceptional game, filled with captivating quests like those from the Dark Brotherhood, delightful surprises like the elusive unicorn, and so much more. Playing on a submission build meant I had to start over once I got the retail version, but that didn’t deter me. I eagerly dove back in, clocking another 130 hours without hesitation. Naturally, I'm thrilled about the remastered version now available on modern platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

View 6 Images

For the younger generation who grew up with *Skyrim*, the newly released *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered* is 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, I envy those who get to experience *Oblivion* for the first time. However, I'm honest enough to admit that *Oblivion* might not hit the same way for them as it did for me in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game now, and while Bethesda's timely release this week is commendable, it doesn't have the same visual impact it did back then. Games like *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield* have since built upon *Oblivion*'s foundation. The remaster, while improved, doesn't stand out as radically as it did in the HD era ushered in by the Xbox 360. Unlike a complete remake such as *Resident Evil*, remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms.

*The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was the perfect game at the perfect time. It fully utilized HD televisions and expanded the scope of open-world gaming, delivering a visual punch to console gamers accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays. (Though, it's worth mentioning that just before *Oblivion*'s release, *Fight Night Round 3* by EA was also visually stunning.)

My memories of *Oblivion* are plentiful, as it offered a world brimming with discovery and activities. For newcomers, here's my advice: either rush through the main quest or save it for last after exploring every sidequest and open-world activity. The reason? Once you begin the main questline, Oblivion gates start spawning, which can be quite intrusive.

The leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* was monumental, and while *The Elder Scrolls 6* might bring similar advancements, playing *Oblivion Remastered* won't feel as starkly different from *Skyrim* releases. Yet, whether you're a first-time player or a seasoned veteran, *Oblivion*'s richly crafted medieval fantasy world, filled with surprises and adventures, remains my favorite in the series. I'm excited that it's back, even if its surprise release was anticipated.