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

Ask most gamers who experienced the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories of their time with the console. For many, *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was a cornerstone of those memories. As someone who worked at *Official Xbox Magazine* during that time, I can attest to the excitement surrounding Oblivion. Unlike its predecessor, *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind*, which didn't quite capture my interest on the Xbox, Oblivion grabbed my attention from the start. Originally slated as a launch title for the Xbox 360, our magazine featured multiple cover stories showcasing the game's breathtaking screenshots, and I eagerly participated in trips to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

When it came time to review Oblivion, I jumped at the chance, especially since exclusive reviews were commonplace back then. I spent four glorious days in a Bethesda conference room, immersing myself in the stunning world of 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, unexpected discoveries like the unicorn, and much more. Playing a submission build on an Xbox 360 debug kit meant starting over once I got the retail version, but that didn't deter me. I poured another 130 hours into the game without hesitation, and I'm thrilled it's been remastered for modern platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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For younger gamers who grew up with *Skyrim*, the remastered *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* is 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, the remastered Oblivion offers a fresh experience. However, I doubt it will have the same impact on them as it did for me in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game now, and while Bethesda's remaster improves its visuals, it doesn't stand out as it once did. Subsequent games like *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield* have built upon Oblivion's foundation. Additionally, the remaster, while better than the original, doesn't deliver the same groundbreaking visual experience that Oblivion did in 2006, marking it as a true next-gen game of the HD era.

*The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was the right game at the right time. It leveraged HD televisions to expand the scope and scale of open-world gaming, delivering a visual punch that console gamers hadn't experienced before. Prior to Oblivion's release, games like *Fight Night Round 3* had already set high visual standards, but Oblivion took it to another level.

My memories of Oblivion are filled with countless discoveries and adventures. 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. The reason? Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates will begin spawning and can become a nuisance. It's best to deal with them early on.

The technological leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* might be a once-in-a-generation event, though perhaps *The Elder Scrolls 6* will bring similar advancements. However, playing *Oblivion Remastered* won't feel as different from *Skyrim* as it did back in 2006. Younger gamers might not experience the same awe I did, but whether you're playing *Oblivion* for the first time or revisiting it, its fully realized medieval fantasy world and the adventures it holds remain unmatched. I'm thrilled to see it return, even if its re-release was widely anticipated.