"Oblivion Outshines Skyrim: A Deeper Impact"

Ask most gamers who were around for the Xbox 360 era, and, aside from the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories. Among those cherished memories, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out vividly for many Xbox 360 owners. I'm one of those enthusiasts. During my time at Official Xbox Magazine, while the successful port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't quite captivate me, Oblivion, initially slated as a day-one launch title for the Xbox 360, grabbed my attention from the get-go. We featured Oblivion on multiple cover stories, with the game's stunning screenshots captivating everyone. I eagerly volunteered for each trip to Bethesda's headquarters in the quiet town of Rockville, Maryland.

When it came time to review Oblivion, in an era when exclusive reviews were standard practice, I eagerly seized the opportunity. I returned to Rockville and spent four glorious, consecutive 11-hour days immersed in a conference room in Bethesda's basement, virtually living in the world of Cyrodiil. Before heading back home, I had already invested 44 hours into the game, leading to my heartfelt 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM. This score, I stand by to this day. Oblivion was a masterpiece, brimming with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, unexpected delights such as the unicorn, and so much more. Since I was playing a submission build on an Xbox 360 debug kit, I had to start anew when I received the final retail version, into which I poured another 130 hours without hesitation. Thus, it's no surprise that I'm thrilled about its remastered and re-released version on modern platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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For younger gamers who grew up with Skyrim, the recently released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered marks their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's debut over 13 years ago. As a veteran of the series, I envy this generation for whom Skyrim defines The Elder Scrolls. While fans eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely still 4-5 years away, the remastered Oblivion offers a fresh experience.

However, I must admit, Oblivion might not resonate with today's gamers as powerfully as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a game now two decades old, and Bethesda's decision to release it this year, rather than waiting for its 20th anniversary, is commendable. Subsequent games, including Bethesda's own Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, have built upon Oblivion's foundation. Moreover, the visual impact that made Oblivion the first true next-gen game of the HD era ushered in by the Xbox 360 is less pronounced now. The remaster, while improved, doesn't stand out as it once did among its contemporaries. It's a reminder that remasters aim to modernize older games on current platforms, unlike full remakes such as Resident Evil, which start from scratch and aim to match or surpass modern standards.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was the perfect game at the perfect time. By fully leveraging HD televisions and expanding the scope of what gamers could expect from an open-world game, it delivered a groundbreaking experience. Console gamers, accustomed to interlaced 640x480 screens, were in for a visual treat. Though, it's worth noting that EA's Fight Night Round 3, released a month earlier in February 2006, also set a high visual bar.

My memories of Oblivion are plentiful, filled with discovery and adventure. For those experiencing Oblivion for the first time, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. Once you start the main questline, Oblivion gates begin to spawn, potentially disrupting your exploration. Sealing them off early can enhance your experience.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion might be unparalleled, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls VI will eventually match it. However, playing Oblivion Remastered today doesn't offer the same stark contrast to Skyrim as it did back in 2006. Younger gamers might not experience the same shock and awe, but whether you're a first-timer or a veteran, Oblivion's fully realized medieval fantasy world, packed with surprises and adventures, remains my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, despite the many spoilers leading up to its surprise re-release.