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

Ask most gamers who were around during the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories of their gaming experiences. For many, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a cornerstone of those memories. As someone who worked at Official Xbox Magazine at the time, I can attest to this firsthand. Unlike its predecessor, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, which didn't quite capture my interest on Xbox, Oblivion grabbed me from the start. Originally slated as a launch title for the next Xbox, Oblivion was a game changer. We featured it multiple times on our cover, with its stunning screenshots leaving everyone in awe. I eagerly volunteered for each trip to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to cover its 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, immersed in the world of Cyrodiil. Over those four days, I played nearly 11 hours each day, totaling 44 hours before writing a 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM. The game was a masterpiece, with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood and unexpected delights such as the unicorn encounter. Playing on a submission build meant starting over with the retail version, but that didn't deter me. I eagerly dove back in, eventually logging another 130 hours into Oblivion. It's no surprise I'm thrilled about its remastered release on modern platforms.

For younger gamers who grew up with Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's initial release over 13 years ago. As we all await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still several years away, I'm envious of this new generation. However, I doubt Oblivion will resonate with them the way it did for me in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game now, and while Bethesda deserves kudos for releasing the remaster this year rather than waiting another, the game's impact has been somewhat diluted by subsequent titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. Moreover, while the remaster looks better than the original, it doesn't carry the same visual shock value it had in 2006, when it was one of the first true next-gen games of the HD era.

Oblivion was the right game at the right time, leveraging HD televisions to expand the scope and scale of open-world gaming. It was a revelation for console gamers used to 640x480 resolutions. My memories of Oblivion are filled with discovery and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it until you've explored every side quest and activity. Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates begin to spawn, which can be a nuisance.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, and while The Elder Scrolls 6 might bring a similar leap, Oblivion Remastered won't feel as different from Skyrim to today's gamers. Yet, whether you're playing Oblivion for the first time or have hundreds of hours logged, its fully realized medieval fantasy world remains unparalleled. It's my favorite Elder Scrolls game, and I'm thrilled it's back, even if its release was somewhat spoiled beforehand.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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