Ask any Xbox 360 veteran (Red Ring of Death aside), and they'll likely reminisce about The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion with great fondness. As a former Official Xbox Magazine editor, Morrowind's acclaimed Xbox port never quite gripped me, but Oblivion - originally planned as an Xbox 360 launch title - instantly captivated me. We ran multiple cover stories previewing its groundbreaking visuals, and I leapt at every opportunity to visit Bethesda's Rockville headquarters.
The Ultimate Review Marathon
When exclusive reviews still mattered, I spent four consecutive 11-hour days in Bethesda's basement conference room, logging 44 glorious hours exploring Cyrodiil before writing our 9.5/10 review. From the Dark Brotherhood questline to hidden unicorn encounters, Oblivion delivered unforgettable adventures. Ironically, playing a debug build meant restarting when my retail copy arrived - not that I minded sinking another 130 hours into Tamriel.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
View 6 Images
A New Generation's First Elder Scrolls
For Skyrim-raised gamers, this remaster serves as their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls entry since 2011 - with ESVI still years away. While I envy their fresh experience, Oblivion's impact can't fully replicate its 2006 revolutionary status. Subsequent Bethesda titles like Fallout 3 and Skyrim have built upon its foundations, and visual comparisons naturally favor contemporary games. Unlike ground-up remakes, remasters aim for parity rather than dominance.
AnswerSee ResultsThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion revolutionized console gaming by fully utilizing HD technology, shattering previous limitations of 480i resolution. Its massive, living world set new benchmarks, though EA's Fight Night Round 3 actually beat it to market with impressive visuals.
For new players: either complete the main quest quickly or delay it. Random Oblivion gate spawns become persistent otherwise. While the Morrowind-to-Oblivion technological leap may never be replicated, this remaster ensures the game remains accessible. Whether you're a veteran or newcomer, Cyrodiil's richly detailed world - now beautifully preserved - stands as my favorite Elder Scrolls experience.
