Opinion: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Hit Harder Than Skyrim – And Still Does

Ask any gamer who owned an Xbox 360, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, you'll likely hear many fond memories. For me, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out as one of those cherished experiences. As a former staff member at Official Xbox Magazine, while the port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind never fully captivated me, Oblivion grabbed my attention from the start. Initially planned as a launch title for the next Xbox, Oblivion's breathtaking screenshots and multiple cover stories led me to eagerly volunteer for visits to Bethesda's Rockville, Maryland office.

When the time came to review Oblivion, I was thrilled to return to Bethesda's basement for an immersive four-day session. I spent glorious, consecutive 11-hour days in Cyrodiil, exploring this stunning, wide-open, next-gen medieval fantasy world. By the time I left for home, I had logged 44 hours, which I then poured into my 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM—a score I still stand by. Oblivion was filled with engaging quests, like the Dark Brotherhood, and delightful surprises, such as the unicorn. Playing a submission build on an Xbox 360 debug kit, I had to start anew when the retail version arrived, 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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I'm thrilled that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has been remastered and re-released on modern platforms. For younger gamers who grew up with Skyrim, this remaster represents their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's debut over 13 years ago. As fans continue to wait for The Elder Scrolls VI, which may be another 4-5 years away, this remaster is a welcome treat.

While I doubt Oblivion will resonate with today's gamers the way it did for me in March 2006, it's a two-decade-old game. Bethesda's subsequent titles, such as Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, have built upon Oblivion's foundation. The original's visual impact in 2006, when it heralded the HD era on Xbox 360, won't be replicated in the same way today. The remaster looks better than the original, but it doesn't stand out as groundbreaking as it once did. Unlike a full remake like Resident Evil, remasters aim to modernize an older game for current platforms.

Oblivion was the right game at the right time, fully utilizing HD televisions and expanding the scope and scale of open-world gaming. It was a revelation for console gamers accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays. My memories of Oblivion are rich with exploration and adventure. For new players, I recommend either speeding through the main quest or saving it until after you've explored every side quest and open-world activity. The Oblivion gates will start spawning once you begin the main quest, so sealing them off quickly can enhance your experience.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion might never be replicated, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls VI will surprise us. Nonetheless, playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as revolutionary as the original did compared to Skyrim. Yet, whether you're a first-time player or a seasoned veteran, Oblivion's fully realized medieval fantasy world and its myriad surprises and adventures remain unparalleled. I'm delighted it's back, even if the surprise of its release was diminished by prior announcements.