Ask most gamers who were around for the Xbox 360 era, and aside from the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share a lot of fond memories. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a cornerstone of nostalgia for many Xbox 360 owners, including myself. At the time, I was working at Official Xbox Magazine, and while the successful port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't quite capture my interest, Oblivion grabbed me from the start. Initially planned as a launch title for the Xbox 360, it was a game we covered extensively with multiple cover stories that showcased stunning screenshots, and I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland.
When it came time to review Oblivion, in an era where exclusive reviews were commonplace, I jumped at the chance once again. I returned to Rockville and spent four glorious days in a conference room at Bethesda's basement, immersing myself in the breathtaking world of Cyrodiil. 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 an incredible game, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden surprises like the unicorn, and so much more. Playing on a submission build at Bethesda meant I had to start over with the retail version, but that didn't deter me from diving back in and investing another 130 hours into the game. So, it's no surprise that I'm thrilled about the remastered and re-released version on modern platforms.
For younger gamers who grew up with Skyrim, the newly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's debut over 13 years ago. While fans of all ages eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely still 4-5 years away, I'm envious of this new generation. However, I doubt Oblivion will have the same impact on them as it did for me back in March 2006. It's now a two-decade-old game, and while Bethesda deserves credit for releasing it this year rather than waiting for a more elegant 20th anniversary, other games have since built upon what Oblivion achieved, including Bethesda's own titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. Moreover, the visual impact of Oblivion isn't as striking now as it was in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD Era ushered in by the Xbox 360. The remaster looks better than the original, but it doesn't stand out as uniquely as it once did.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was the right game at the right time, taking full advantage of HD televisions and expanding the scope of what gamers could expect from an open-world game. It was a revelation for console gamers who had previously experienced their games through interlaced 640x480 televisions. My memories of Oblivion are plentiful, filled with discovery and adventure. For first-time players, my recommendation is to either rush through the main quest or save it until you've explored all sidequests and open-world activities. The Oblivion gates start spawning once you engage with the main questline, so it's best to deal with them early.
The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion may never be replicated, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls 6 will surprise us. However, playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as dramatically different from Skyrim as it once did for me. Yet, whether you're a newcomer or a veteran, Oblivion's richly detailed medieval fantasy world and its myriad surprises and adventures remain unparalleled, making it my favorite Elder Scrolls game. I'm excited to see it return, even if its release was anticipated multiple times before its eventual comeback.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
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