Oblivion's Impact Surpasses Skyrim's, Even Today

Ask any gamer who lived through the Xbox 360 era, and aside from the infamous Red Ring of Death, chances are they'll regale you with fond memories. Among those cherished experiences, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out vividly for many, including myself. Back then, I was part of the Official Xbox Magazine team, and while the successful Xbox port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind didn't quite capture my imagination, Oblivion did so from the get-go. Originally slated as a launch title for the next Xbox, Oblivion became the subject of multiple cover stories, its screenshots mesmerizing our team. I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, for previews and updates.

When the time came to review Oblivion, I seized the opportunity once more. In the era when exclusive reviews were the norm, I returned to Rockville, spending four glorious days in a Bethesda conference room, diving deep into the game. For nearly 11 hours each day, I immersed myself in the expansive, stunning world of Cyrodiil. By the time I left, I had logged 44 hours on the game before writing OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I stand by to this day. Oblivion was a masterpiece, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden gems like the unicorn, and countless other adventures. I played a near-final build on a debug Xbox 360, which meant starting over once I got the retail version, but that didn't deter me from investing another 130 hours into the game.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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The release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a thrilling event for me, especially as I eagerly anticipate diving back into this beloved world. For the younger generation of gamers who grew up with Skyrim, this remaster marks their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls experience since Skyrim's debut over 13 years ago. As we all await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still several years away, this remastered version offers a fantastic opportunity to explore one of the series' most iconic entries.

While I doubt Oblivion will resonate with younger gamers in the same way it did for me back in March 2006, it's important to acknowledge that it's a game from two decades ago. Bethesda's subsequent titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield have built upon Oblivion's foundation. Additionally, while the remaster enhances the visuals, it doesn't carry the same groundbreaking impact as it did in 2006, when it was one of the first true next-gen experiences on the Xbox 360. Unlike a full remake, which aims to start from scratch and compete with modern graphics, a remaster seeks to update the game for contemporary platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a game that perfectly captured the zeitgeist of its time. Leveraging the power of HD televisions, it expanded the horizons of what gamers expected from open-world games. It was a revelation for console gamers accustomed to the limitations of 640x480 interlaced displays. (Incidentally, around the same time, EA's Fight Night Round 3 also stunned with its graphics.)

My memories of Oblivion are rich and plentiful, reflecting a world teeming with discovery and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest to avoid the constant spawn of Oblivion gates or saving it for after you've explored every nook and cranny of the game's world. The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, and while such leaps may not happen again, the remaster offers a chance to experience this classic. Even though it may not surprise in the same way as it did originally, Oblivion's fully realized medieval fantasy world remains my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. Its remastered release, though anticipated, is a welcome return to a cherished gaming experience.