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

Ask most gamers who were around during the Xbox 360 era, and, Red Ring of Death aside, they'll likely share fond memories with you. For many Xbox 360 owners, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a cornerstone of those memories. I'm one of them. While working at Official Xbox Magazine, I found that the successful port of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to Xbox didn't quite capture my interest. However, Oblivion, initially planned as a day-one launch title for the second Xbox, hooked me from the start. We featured multiple cover stories on Oblivion leading up to its launch, and the screenshots alone were breathtaking. I eagerly volunteered for each trip to Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland.

When it came time to review Oblivion, during an era when exclusive reviews were the norm, I jumped at the chance once again. I returned to Rockville and spent four glorious, consecutive 11-hour days in a conference room in Bethesda's basement, immersing myself in the stunning, wide-open world of Cyrodiil. Before flying back home, I logged 44 hours playing a submission build on an Xbox 360 debug kit, and then penned a 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM, a score I stand by to this day. Oblivion was an incredible game, filled with gripping quests like the Dark Brotherhood, off-the-beaten-path surprises such as the unicorn, and much more. Despite having to start over with my retail copy, I eagerly dove back in and spent another 130 hours exploring this medieval fantasy world.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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I'm thrilled that Oblivion has been remastered and re-released on modern platforms. For 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. While fans of all ages continue to wait for The Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely 4-5 years away, I'm envious of those who will experience Oblivion for the first time.

Though I doubt Oblivion will have the same impact for them as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game, and other titles, including Bethesda's own Fallout 3, Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, have built upon its foundation. Additionally, Oblivion no longer packs the same visual punch it did in 2006, when it was heralded as the first true next-gen game of the HD era. While the remaster looks better than the original, it doesn't stand out as it once did. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, unlike full remakes, such as Resident Evil, which are rebuilt from the ground up to match or exceed current market standards.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was the right game at the right time, taking full advantage of HD televisions and expanding the scope of open-world gaming. It was a revelation for console gamers accustomed to interlaced 640x480 displays. (Notably, just before Oblivion's release, EA's Fight Night Round 3 in February 2006 also showcased stunning graphics.)

My memories of Oblivion are filled with discovery and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. Once you begin the main questline, Oblivion gates will start spawning, so it's best to tackle them early on.

The leap from Morrowind to Oblivion was monumental, and while it may not be replicated with The Elder Scrolls 6, playing Oblivion Remastered won't feel as stark a contrast to any Skyrim release. Younger gamers who grew up with Skyrim may not experience what I did, but whether you're a first-timer or a veteran, Oblivion's richly detailed medieval fantasy world and its endless surprises and adventures remain unparalleled. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its surprise release was anticipated.