Ask most gamers who were around during the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, you'll find many of them sharing fond memories. Among those, *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* holds a special place for countless Xbox 360 owners, including myself. Working at Official Xbox Magazine at the time, I found that while the successful port of *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* didn't quite capture my interest, *Oblivion*—initially planned as a day-one launch title for the second Xbox—hooked me right from the start. Our magazine featured multiple cover stories on *Oblivion*, with its stunning screenshots captivating everyone. I eagerly volunteered for each trip to Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, to cover the game's development.
When it came time to review *Oblivion*, back in the days when exclusive reviews were the norm, I jumped at the chance again. I returned to Rockville and spent four glorious days, nearly 11 hours each, immersed in the world of Cyrodiil. Using a submission build on an Xbox 360 debug kit, I logged 44 hours before writing *OXM*'s 9.5 out of 10 review, a score I stand by to this day. *Oblivion* was an incredible game, filled with gripping quests like the Dark Brotherhood and hidden surprises, such as the unicorn encounter. Despite having to start over with the retail version, I eagerly dove back in, clocking another 130 hours. So, it's no surprise that I'm thrilled about the remastered and re-released version on modern platforms.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
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For the younger generation who grew up with *Skyrim*, the remastered *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* will be their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since *Skyrim*'s debut over 13 years ago. As we continue to wait for *The Elder Scrolls VI*, which is likely still 4-5 years away, I'm envious of those who will experience *Oblivion* for the first time.
However, I doubt *Oblivion* will have the same impact on them as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game, and while Bethesda's remaster enhances its visuals, it doesn't stand out as it did in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD era. Subsequent games, including *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield*, have built upon *Oblivion*'s foundation. A remaster aims to modernize an older game for current platforms, unlike a full remake like *Resident Evil*, which starts from scratch and aims to match or exceed current market standards.
AnswerSee Results*The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was the right game at the right time. It fully utilized HD televisions and expanded the scope and scale of open-world gaming, delivering a visual and experiential punch to console gamers accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays. (Notably, EA's *Fight Night Round 3*, released just a month before *Oblivion*, was also visually stunning.)
My memories of *Oblivion* are plentiful, filled with discovery and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. Once you start the main questline, Oblivion gates will begin to spawn, so it's best to deal with them early on.
The technological leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* might be unmatched, though perhaps *The Elder Scrolls 6* will surprise us. However, playing *Oblivion Remastered* won't feel as revolutionary as it did back then, especially for those who grew up with *Skyrim*. Yet, whether you're experiencing *Oblivion* for the first time or revisiting it, its fully realized medieval fantasy world and the adventures it offers remain my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its release was anticipated long before it finally arrived.
