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

Ask most gamers who owned an Xbox 360, and, setting aside the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories with you. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a major part of those memories for many, including myself. Working at Official Xbox Magazine at the time, I found that while the port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't quite capture my attention, Oblivion hooked me from the start. Originally slated to be a launch title for the second Xbox, Oblivion was featured in multiple cover stories, with its screenshots leaving everyone in awe. Eagerly, I volunteered for trips to Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, to cover its development.

When it came time to review Oblivion, in an era when exclusive reviews were commonplace, I jumped at the opportunity. I returned to Rockville and spent four glorious, consecutive 11-hour days in a Bethesda basement conference room, deeply immersed in the stunning, open world of Cyrodiil. Before heading back home, I had logged 44 hours in the game, which led to my enthusiastic 9.5 out of 10 review in OXM. Oblivion was an incredible game, packed with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, unexpected discoveries such as the unicorn, and much more. Playing a submission build on an Xbox 360 debug kit, I had to start over upon receiving the final retail version, but I eagerly dove back in, clocking another 130 hours.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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I'm thrilled that Oblivion has been remastered and re-released on modern platforms. For the younger generation who grew up with Skyrim, this remastered version will be their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's initial release over 13 years ago. While fans of all ages eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely still 4-5 years away, this remaster offers a fantastic opportunity to explore one of the series' most beloved entries.

Though I doubt Oblivion will have the same impact on new players as it did for me in March 2006, it's a game that defined a generation. Being two decades old, it has been surpassed in some aspects by subsequent titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. Moreover, its visuals, while enhanced in the remaster, don't carry the same shock value as they did in 2006 when it was considered the first true next-gen game of the HD era. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, but they don't recreate the groundbreaking experience that a full remake, like Resident Evil, offers.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was the right game at the right time. It fully utilized HD televisions to expand the scope and scale of what gamers could expect from an open-world game, delivering a visually stunning experience. It was a game-changer for console gamers accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays. (Incidentally, EA's Fight Night Round 3, released just a month before Oblivion, was also a visual spectacle).

My memories of Oblivion are numerous, filled with exploration 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 open-world activity. This approach helps manage the Oblivion gates, which start spawning once you begin the main questline.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion may be unmatched, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls 6 will surprise us. While playing Oblivion Remastered won't offer the same stark contrast to Skyrim as the original did, it remains a fully realized medieval fantasy world full of surprises and adventures. It's always been my favorite Elder Scrolls game, and I'm thrilled it's back, despite the many leaks before its release.