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

Ask most gamers who were around for the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, you'll likely hear a flood of fond memories. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion certainly contributed its share to those memories, especially for Xbox 360 owners. As someone who worked at Official Xbox Magazine at the time, I can attest to that. While the 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 quickly became a focal point for our magazine. We featured multiple cover stories on it, with the breathtaking screenshots alone captivating everyone. I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, to dive deeper into the game.

When the time came to review Oblivion, I jumped at the chance once again. In an era where exclusive reviews were common, I spent four glorious days in a conference room in Bethesda's basement, fully immersing myself in the game. I lived almost every waking moment in the stunning, expansive world of Cyrodiil, clocking in 44 hours before writing OXM's 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I still stand by. The game was packed with compelling quests like the Dark Brotherhood, unexpected discoveries like the unicorn, and so much more. Playing on a submission build at Bethesda meant starting over when I got the retail version, but I eagerly dove back in, eventually investing another 130 hours into the game.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

View 6 ImagesI am thrilled that Oblivion has been remastered and re-released on modern platforms. For the younger generation who grew up with Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will be their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's initial release over 13 years ago. As we all continue to wait for The Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely still 4-5 years away, I'm envious of this new generation experiencing Oblivion for the first time.

However, I must admit that Oblivion may not have the same impact on today's gamers as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game now, and while Bethesda chose to release it this year rather than wait for its 20th anniversary, other games have since built upon its innovations, including Bethesda's own titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. Additionally, the visual impact of Oblivion in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD era, won't be as striking today. The remaster looks better than the original, of course, but it doesn't stand out as something entirely new and revolutionary. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, unlike full remakes like Resident Evil, which start from scratch and aim to match or surpass modern visuals.

Which Race Are You Playing As in Oblivion? ------------------------------------------

AltmerArgonianBosmerBretonDunmerImperialKhajiitNordOrcRedguard

AnswerSee ResultsOblivion was the perfect game at the perfect time. It took full advantage of HD televisions and expanded what gamers could expect from an open-world game, delivering a stunning visual and gameplay experience to console gamers who had previously only known 640x480 interlaced visuals. (Although, speaking of visual impact, EA's Fight Night Round 3, released just before Oblivion in February 2006, was also breathtaking.) My memories of Oblivion are countless, filled with exploration and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. The Oblivion gates will start spawning once you begin the main quest, so sealing them off early can enhance your experience.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, and while we may not see such a leap again until The Elder Scrolls 6, the remastered version of Oblivion still holds its charm. It may not feel as groundbreaking to those who grew up with Skyrim, but whether you're playing it for the first time or revisiting it, the rich, fully realized medieval fantasy world of Oblivion remains my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its release was spoiled multiple times before its reappearance.