The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – A Timeless Classic Review

Introduction

The chilling screams echoing from the Oblivion Gates, the unsettling lullaby of the Dark Brotherhood, and the sprawling, vibrant landscapes of Cyrodiil – these memories remain etched in the minds of gamers who ventured into the world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Released in the year two thousand and six, Oblivion arrived as a revolutionary role-playing game, setting a new standard for immersion, freedom, and world-building. It plunged players into a rich, dangerous world where the fate of Tamriel rested on their shoulders. Over a decade and a half later, does Oblivion still hold up as a worthwhile gaming experience?

This review seeks to answer that very question. While time has marched on and gaming technology has evolved significantly, Oblivion still maintains a unique charm. While the years might not have been entirely kind to its visuals, Oblivion remains a compelling and deeply immersive role-playing game experience thanks to its remarkable world, its engaging questlines, and an unparalleled sense of freedom that continues to captivate players. Oblivion cemented itself as a vital entry in the Elder Scrolls lineage, influencing countless role-playing games that followed. This review will explore why Oblivion continues to be a significant title, even among modern role-playing game titans.

Story and World

The narrative of Oblivion is grand in scope, throwing the player into a crucial role. Following the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim, Cyrodiil descends into chaos as the gates of Oblivion, the Daedric realm of Mehrunes Dagon, begin to spew forth monstrous creatures. As one of the few survivors of the attack on the Emperor, the player is tasked with a monumental responsibility: finding the lost heir to the throne, Martin Septim, and preventing Dagon from conquering Tamriel.

The main questline is a thrilling ride, punctuated by moments of intense action, suspense, and genuine emotional weight. The relationship between the player and Martin Septim forms the backbone of the story, lending a sense of urgency to the quest. While some may find the ending a bit abrupt, the journey is filled with memorable encounters and challenges that push the player to their limits.

However, what truly sets Oblivion apart is not just its central narrative, but the world itself. Cyrodiil is a stunning tapestry of diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Gold Coast to the dense forests of the Great Forest and the snow-capped peaks of the Jerall Mountains. Each region feels distinct and carefully crafted, inviting exploration and discovery.

Scattered throughout Cyrodiil are bustling cities, each with its own unique culture, architecture, and secrets. From the opulent Imperial City to the humble farming town of Skingrad, every settlement feels alive and lived-in, populated by intriguing characters with their own stories to tell. The lore of Cyrodiil is rich and deep, drawing from centuries of Tamrielic history and mythology.

Beyond the main quest, Oblivion offers a plethora of side quests that are often as engaging, if not more so, than the main story. The Dark Brotherhood questline, with its dark humor and morally ambiguous choices, remains a fan favorite. The Thieves Guild, with its intricate heists and shadowy dealings, offers a different kind of adventure. These side quests are not mere distractions, but opportunities to delve deeper into the world, uncover hidden secrets, and shape the player’s destiny. The breadth and depth of these optional storylines contribute greatly to the sense of freedom and agency that defines Oblivion.

Gameplay Mechanics

Oblivion’s gameplay mechanics are a blend of traditional role-playing game elements and innovative features that were ahead of their time. The character creation system is incredibly robust, allowing players to customize everything from their race and class to their appearance and birthsign. Each race possesses unique abilities and attributes, adding a layer of depth to character building. The class system allows for specialization, but also encourages experimentation, as players can develop their characters in any direction they choose. The birthsign, chosen at the end of character creation, grants a unique power or bonus, further tailoring the character to the player’s preferred playstyle.

The combat system in Oblivion offers a mix of melee, archery, and magic, allowing players to engage enemies in a variety of ways. Melee combat is straightforward but satisfying, with different weapon types offering unique strengths and weaknesses. Archery provides a ranged option, allowing players to snipe enemies from afar. Magic is the most versatile combat option, with a vast array of spells that can be used for offense, defense, and utility. The combat system can feel somewhat clunky at times, particularly compared to modern action role-playing games, but it remains engaging thanks to the variety of options and the satisfying feedback of landing a well-timed blow.

Skills play a crucial role in Oblivion’s gameplay. Every action the player takes contributes to the development of their skills. Using a sword improves the blade skill, casting spells improves the magic skill, and so on. As skills increase, the player becomes more proficient in those areas, unlocking new abilities and improving their effectiveness. The leveling system is tied to skill progression, rewarding players for focusing on specific skills and encouraging them to explore different playstyles.

Navigating the world of Cyrodiil is made easier by the user interface. The menus provide access to inventory management, spell selection, and quest tracking. While the user interface can feel a bit dated by modern standards, it is functional and easy to use. The map is particularly helpful, allowing players to quickly locate points of interest and plan their journeys.

Graphics and Sound

When it was released, Oblivion was hailed for its stunning visuals. The environments were lush and detailed, the character models were expressive, and the spell effects were dazzling. While the graphics may not hold up perfectly by today’s standards, they still possess a certain charm. The art style is vibrant and colorful, creating a world that is both beautiful and immersive. It is a testament to the art direction that even with age, Oblivion remains a visually appealing experience.

The sound design in Oblivion is equally impressive. The music, composed by Jeremy Soule, is epic and evocative, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the game. The sound effects are realistic and immersive, adding to the sense of danger and excitement. The voice acting is a mixed bag. While some of the performances are excellent, others can feel wooden or repetitive. However, even the weaker voice acting adds to the unique charm of Oblivion.

The Influence of Mods

One of the enduring strengths of Oblivion is its active modding community. Over the years, modders have created countless modifications that improve graphics, gameplay, and add new content. Mods can address some of the game’s shortcomings, such as the dated graphics or the enemy scaling. They can also enhance the experience by adding new quests, items, and characters.

The modding community has kept Oblivion alive for years, providing players with a constantly evolving and expanding experience. With the right mods, Oblivion can look and play like a modern game, while still retaining its unique charm.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Oblivion boasts numerous strengths that have contributed to its enduring appeal. The immersive world, engaging questlines, and unparalleled freedom are all hallmarks of the game. The character creation system is robust and flexible, allowing players to create characters that truly reflect their playstyles. The atmosphere is captivating, drawing players into a world of magic, mystery, and danger.

However, Oblivion also has its weaknesses. The graphics, while still charming, are undeniably dated. The enemy scaling can be frustrating, as enemies often level up alongside the player, making it difficult to feel like you are progressing. The voice acting, while memorable, can be repetitive and occasionally uninspired. Finally, the Oblivion Gates, while visually striking, can become repetitive and tedious after a while.

Conclusion

Despite its age and some technical limitations, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remains a timeless classic. Its immersive world, engaging questlines, and unparalleled freedom continue to captivate players. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, the art style is timeless. While the voice acting may be repetitive, the characters are memorable.

Oblivion is recommended for fans of role-playing games, open-world games, and the Elder Scrolls series. New players may encounter some initial hurdles, such as the dated graphics or the clunky combat, but those who persevere will be rewarded with a rich and rewarding gaming experience.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion earns a solid score of four out of five stars. Its lasting impact on the role-playing game genre is undeniable, and its influence can be seen in countless games that have followed. Oblivion is a testament to the power of world-building, storytelling, and player freedom. It is a game that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for years to come.