"Oblivion's Impact Surpasses Skyrim's, Even Today"

For many gamers who lived through the Xbox 360 era, the Red Ring of Death might be a painful memory, but The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion evokes a different kind of nostalgia. As someone who worked at Official Xbox Magazine during its release, I can attest to the game's profound impact. While the port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't fully capture my interest, Oblivion was an instant hit. Initially planned as a launch title for the Xbox 360, it became the subject of numerous cover stories, with its stunning screenshots captivating us all. I eagerly participated in every trip to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to cover the game's development.

When it came time to review Oblivion, I jumped at the opportunity. Exclusive reviews were common back then, and I spent four glorious days in a Bethesda conference room, immersing myself in Cyrodiil. Over those four days, I 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 a masterpiece, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden gems like the unicorn, and countless other adventures. Since I played a submission build on a debug kit, I had to start over once I got the retail version, but that didn't deter me. I eagerly poured another 130 hours into the game, and I'm thrilled it's been remastered for modern platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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For the younger generation who grew up with Skyrim, the remastered release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's debut over 13 years ago. As we all eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still years away, this remaster offers a fresh experience. However, I must admit, Oblivion might not resonate with them the way it did for me back in March 2006. It's a game that's now two decades old, and while the remaster enhances its visuals, it doesn't have the same groundbreaking impact it once did. Subsequent games, including Bethesda's own Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, have built upon Oblivion's foundation. Moreover, the remaster, while improved, doesn't stand out as dramatically as it did in the early days of the HD era.

Oblivion was the right game at the right time, leveraging HD televisions to deliver an expansive open-world experience that was a revelation for console gamers accustomed to lower resolution displays. It was a technological leap from Morrowind, one that might never be replicated to the same degree. While the remastered version of Oblivion won't feel as groundbreaking to those who grew up with Skyrim, its rich, fully realized medieval fantasy world remains unparalleled. For newcomers, I recommend either rushing through the main quest to quickly deal with the Oblivion gates or saving it until you've explored every side quest and activity. This approach allows you to enjoy the game's vast world without the constant interruptions from the gates.

My memories of Oblivion are filled with countless adventures and discoveries, and I'm excited that it's back for new and returning players alike. Even if its return was anticipated, the joy of revisiting Cyrodiil is undiminished. Whether you're experiencing it for the first time or returning after hundreds of hours, Oblivion's world and its endless surprises continue to make it my favorite Elder Scrolls game.