"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, they'll likely share fond memories of their time with the console. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a game that generated countless such memories for Xbox 360 owners, and I'm no exception. As a former staff member at Official Xbox Magazine, I found that while the port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't capture my interest, Oblivion captivated me from the start. Originally planned as a launch title for the Xbox 360, Oblivion was the subject of multiple cover stories, with its breathtaking screenshots leaving us in awe. I eagerly participated in each trip to Bethesda's headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

When it came time to review Oblivion—a period when exclusive reviews were common—I jumped at the opportunity. I spent four consecutive, glorious 11-hour days immersed in Bethesda's basement, living in the world of Cyrodiil. This stunning, wide-open medieval fantasy world consumed almost every waking moment of mine. Before returning home, I had logged 44 hours on a submission build of the game, running on an Xbox 360 debug kit. My review for OXM scored Oblivion a 9.5 out of 10, a rating I stand by to this day. The game was filled with gripping quests like the Dark Brotherhood, unexpected discoveries such as the unicorn, and much more. When I finally received my retail copy, I had to start over, yet I eagerly poured another 130 hours into the game. Thus, it's no surprise that I'm thrilled about its remaster and re-release on modern platforms.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

View 6 ImagesFor the younger generation of gamers who grew up with Skyrim, the newly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim debuted over 13 years ago. I envy those gamers for whom Skyrim represents The Elder Scrolls experience, as they get to experience Oblivion anew. Meanwhile, fans of all ages continue to wait for The Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely still 4-5 years away.

However, I must admit, the impact of Oblivion for today's gamers may not match the awe it inspired in 2006. For one, it's a two-decade-old game, though I commend Bethesda for releasing the remaster this year rather than waiting for its 20th anniversary. Other games have since built upon Oblivion's innovations, including Bethesda's own Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. Additionally, while the remaster enhances the visuals, it doesn't stand out as the groundbreaking experience it was in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD era. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, in contrast to full remakes like Resident Evil, which are built from the ground up to match or exceed contemporary standards.

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

AltmerArgonianBosmerBretonDunmerImperialKhajiitNordOrcRedguard

AnswerSee ResultsOblivion was the perfect game at the perfect time. It fully utilized HD televisions and expanded the scope and scale of open-world gaming, delivering a visual and interactive leap for console gamers accustomed to 640x480 resolution. (It's worth noting that just before Oblivion's release, EA's Fight Night Round 3 also stunned players with its graphics.) My memories of Oblivion are rich and plentiful, filled with exploration and adventure. 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 embark on the main quest, Oblivion gates will start spawning, potentially disrupting your exploration. It's best to deal with them quickly.

The technological leap from Morrowind to Oblivion might be unparalleled, though perhaps The Elder Scrolls 6 will bring a similar revolution if we're patient enough. Playing Oblivion Remastered won't offer the same dramatic shift from Skyrim that the original did, but that's okay. Whether you're playing Oblivion for the first time or revisiting it after countless hours, its fully realized medieval fantasy world, brimming with surprises and adventures, remains my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its return was anticipated for a while.