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

For many gamers who experienced the Xbox 360 era, the memories are filled with nostalgia, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out as a cherished title. As a former writer at Official Xbox Magazine, I was immersed in the world of gaming during Oblivion's release. Unlike its predecessor, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, which didn't quite capture my attention on Xbox, Oblivion grabbed me from the start. Originally slated as a launch title for the Xbox 360, the game was the subject of multiple cover stories at our magazine, with its stunning screenshots captivating everyone. I eagerly participated in trips to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to cover the game's development.

When it came time to review Oblivion, I jumped at the opportunity. Exclusive reviews were the norm back then, and I spent four glorious days in a Bethesda conference room, diving deep into the game's world, Cyrodiil. Over those four days, I logged 44 hours of gameplay before writing a glowing 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM. Oblivion was a game that offered gripping quests, like those from the Dark Brotherhood, and unexpected delights, such as the elusive unicorn. Playing on a submission build meant starting over when I got the retail version, but that didn't deter me—I ended up investing another 130 hours into the game without hesitation.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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The release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on modern platforms fills me with excitement. For a younger generation who grew up with Skyrim, this remaster represents their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's debut over 13 years ago. While fans eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is still years away, this remaster offers a chance to experience a classic.

Though I doubt the remaster will have the same impact on new players as it did on me back in March 2006, given its age and the advancements in gaming since then, it's still a significant title. Games like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield have built upon Oblivion's foundation. Visually, the remaster enhances the original but doesn't deliver the same groundbreaking experience as it did in 2006, when it was heralded as the first true next-gen game of the HD era. Unlike a full remake, which aims to bring a game up to modern standards from the ground up, a remaster like this updates the visuals to suit current platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a game that perfectly timed its release. It leveraged HD televisions and expanded the scope of open-world gaming, delivering an unprecedented experience for console gamers used to lower resolution displays. Its impact was significant, though not without competition; just a month prior, EA's Fight Night Round 3 had also set a high bar visually.

My memories of Oblivion are filled with exploration and adventure. For those playing it for the first time, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. The reason? Once you start the main quest, Oblivion gates will begin spawning, potentially disrupting your exploration of the world.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was remarkable, and while The Elder Scrolls 6 might bring a similar evolution, Oblivion Remastered offers a more subtle upgrade. It won't present the same stark contrast to Skyrim that the original did, but for me, Oblivion remains the pinnacle of the Elder Scrolls series. Its fully realized medieval fantasy world, packed with surprises and adventures, has always made it my favorite. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its return was anticipated long before its release.