The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by 2K Games, is the fourth installment in the Elder Scrolls series of action role-playing video games. It was released on March 20, 2006, for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Oblivion is set in the province of Cyrodiil, the heartland and Imperial capital of Tamriel, and follows the player character as they attempt to find the lost heir to the throne and prevent the forces of Oblivion from invading the mortal realm.

Oblivion was a critical and commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its vast open world, engaging story, and innovative combat system. Oblivion has been cited as one of the greatest video games of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by players today.

Gameplay

Oblivion is an open-world role-playing game in which the player character can explore the vast province of Cyrodiil at their leisure. The game features a first-person perspective, and the player character can interact with the world through a variety of means, including combat, magic, and stealth.

Oblivion’s combat system is based on a real-time system, in which the player character can attack enemies with a variety of weapons, including swords, axes, and bows. The game also features a magic system, which allows the player character to cast spells in order to attack enemies, heal themselves, or buff their allies.

Oblivion also features a stealth system, which allows the player character to sneak around and avoid detection by enemies. The player character can use stealth to get the drop on enemies, or to avoid combat altogether.

Story

Oblivion’s story begins with the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII. With the emperor’s death, the Amulet of Kings, a powerful artifact that is said to be able to seal the gates of Oblivion, is stolen. The player character, a prisoner who is being transported to the Imperial City to be executed, is tasked with finding the Amulet and returning it to its rightful place.

As the player character investigates the emperor’s assassination, they learn that the forces of Oblivion are planning to invade the mortal realm. The player character must race against time to find the Amulet and close the gates of Oblivion before the forces of darkness can overrun the world.

Characters

Oblivion features a cast of memorable characters, including:

  • The Hero of Kvatch: The player character, who is a prisoner who is tasked with finding the Amulet of Kings and saving the world from the forces of Oblivion.
  • Martin Septim: The lost heir to the throne of Tamriel, who is the only one who can close the gates of Oblivion.
  • Jauffre: The Grandmaster of the Blades, a secret order of knights who protect the emperor.
  • Baurus: A Blade who is tasked with escorting the player character to the Imperial City.
  • Sheogorath: The Daedric Prince of Madness, who plays a major role in the game’s story.

Setting

Oblivion is set in the province of Cyrodiil, the heartland and Imperial capital of Tamriel. Cyrodiil is a diverse province, with a variety of landscapes, including forests, mountains, and deserts. The province is also home to a number of major cities, including the Imperial City, the largest city in Tamriel.

Reception

Oblivion was a critical and commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its vast open world, engaging story, and innovative combat system. Oblivion has been cited as one of the greatest video games of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by players today.

Legacy

Oblivion has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game’s open-world design and innovative combat system have been imitated by many other games, and Oblivion is considered to be one of the most influential RPGs of all time.

Oblivion has also been the subject of a number of mods, which have extended the game’s content and features. Some of the most popular mods for Oblivion include:

  • Shivering Isles: A major expansion pack that adds a new landmass to the game, as well as a new storyline and new characters.
  • Knights of the Nine: A smaller expansion pack that adds a new faction to the game, as well as a new questline.
  • Better Cities: A mod that overhauls the game’s cities, making them more detailed and immersive.
  • OOO – Organic Optimization Overhaul: A mod that improves the game’s performance and stability.

Oblivion continues to be a popular game today, and it is considered to be one of the best RPGs of all time. The game’s vast open world, engaging story, and innovative combat system have made it a classic, and it continues to be enjoyed by players today.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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