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

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. Among those cherished games, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out as a cornerstone for many, including myself. Working at Official Xbox Magazine at the time, I found myself less captivated by The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind's Xbox port, but Oblivion grabbed my attention from the get-go. Initially slated to be a launch title for the Xbox 360, Oblivion was the subject of numerous cover stories at our magazine. The screenshots alone were enough to generate excitement, and I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, to get a closer look.

When it came time to review Oblivion, I was thrilled to take on the task. Exclusive reviews were the norm back then, and I spent four consecutive days immersed in a Bethesda conference room, exploring the vast, medieval fantasy world of Cyrodiil. Over those four days, I logged 44 hours in the game before writing a 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM, a score I still stand by. Oblivion was a masterpiece, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, hidden secrets like the unicorn, and countless other delights. Playing a submission build on an Xbox 360 debug kit meant starting fresh with the retail version, but I didn't hesitate to dive back in, eventually spending another 130 hours in Cyrodiil.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

View 6 ImagesWith the release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, I'm thrilled to see this beloved game available on modern platforms. For younger gamers who grew up with Skyrim, this remaster serves as their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim's initial release over 13 years ago. While fans eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely still 4-5 years away, this remaster offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the rich world of Oblivion.

Though I doubt Oblivion will have the same impact on new players as it did for me back in March 2006, it's a two-decade-old game. Bethesda's subsequent titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield have built upon Oblivion's foundation. Additionally, the visual impact isn't as groundbreaking now as it was in 2006 when Oblivion set the bar for what a next-gen game could be. The remaster looks better than the original, of course, but it doesn't stand out as it once did. Remasters aim to bring older games up to modern standards, unlike full remakes like Resident Evil, which start from scratch and aim to be on par with current top-tier games.

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

AltmerArgonianBosmerBretonDunmerImperialKhajiitNordOrcRedguard

AnswerSee ResultsThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a game that arrived at the perfect time. It harnessed the power of HD televisions to deliver an expansive open-world experience that left console gamers in awe. Before Oblivion, gamers were accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays, but this game changed everything. (And speaking of impactful releases, EA's Fight Night Round 3 in February 2006 was also visually stunning.) My memories of Oblivion are numerous, as the game offered endless exploration and activities. For those experiencing Oblivion for the first time, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. The reason? Once you begin the main storyline, Oblivion gates will start appearing and can become a nuisance. Completing the main quest quickly can minimize this distraction.

The leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, and while we may never see such a dramatic shift again, perhaps The Elder Scrolls 6 will surprise us. However, playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as revolutionary to those who grew up with Skyrim. Yet, whether you're new to Oblivion or a returning fan, its fully realized medieval fantasy world, filled with surprises and adventures, remains my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its release was anticipated long before it finally arrived.