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{{Short description|2006 |
{{Short description|2006 video game}} | ||
{{featured article}} | {{featured article}} | ||
{{use mdy dates|date=July 2019}} | {{use mdy dates|date=July 2019}} | ||
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| title = The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | | title = The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | ||
| image = The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion cover.png | | image = The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion cover.png | ||
| alt = Against a plain face of aged and scratched marble, the title of the game is embossed in a metallic font. At the center of the frame, in the same style as the title, is an uneven runic trilith with a dot in its middle. |
| alt = Against a plain face of aged and scratched marble, the title of the game is embossed in a metallic font. At the center of the frame, in the same style as the title, is an uneven runic trilith with a dot in its middle. | ||
| caption = | |||
| caption = North American cover art with original ] | |||
| developer = ] | | developer = ] | ||
| publisher = {{Unbulleted list|]|]}} | | publisher = {{Unbulleted list|]|] {{small|(''Xbox 360, Windows'')}}|] {{small|(''PS3, Europe'')}} }} | ||
| producer = Ashley Cheng | | producer = Ashley Cheng | ||
| designer = ] | | designer = ] | ||
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| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|]|]|]}} | | platforms = {{Unbulleted list|]|]|]}} | ||
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{Nobold|March 20, 2006}}|'''Windows''', '''Xbox 360'''{{Video game release|NA|March 20, 2006|AUS|March 23, 2006|EU|March 24, 2006}}'''''Game of the Year Edition'''''{{Video game release|NA|September 10, 2007|EU|September 21, 2007|AUS|September 28, 2007}}'''PlayStation 3'''{{Video game release|NA|March 20, 2007|AUS|April 26, 2007|EU|April 27, 2007}}'''''Game of the Year Edition'''''{{Video game release|NA|October 16, 2007|AUS|December 13, 2007|EU|December 14, 2007}}}} | | released = {{Collapsible list|title={{Nobold|March 20, 2006}}|'''Windows''', '''Xbox 360'''{{Video game release|NA|March 20, 2006|AUS|March 23, 2006|EU|March 24, 2006}}'''''Game of the Year Edition'''''{{Video game release|NA|September 10, 2007|EU|September 21, 2007|AUS|September 28, 2007}}'''PlayStation 3'''{{Video game release|NA|March 20, 2007|AUS|April 26, 2007|EU|April 27, 2007}}'''''Game of the Year Edition'''''{{Video game release|NA|October 16, 2007|AUS|December 13, 2007|EU|December 14, 2007}}}} | ||
| genre = ] | | genre = ] | ||
| modes = ] | | modes = ] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion''''' is |
'''''The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion''''' is a 2006 ] developed by ], and co-published by ] and ]. It is the fourth installment in '']'' series, following 2002's '']'', and was released for ] and ] in 2006, followed by ] in 2007. Taking place within the fictional province of Cyrodiil, the game's main story focuses on the ]'s efforts to thwart a fanatical cult known as the Mythic Dawn that plans to open portal gates to a demonic realm known as Oblivion. | ||
The game continues the open-world tradition of its predecessors by allowing the player to travel anywhere in the ] at any time and to ignore or postpone the main storyline indefinitely. A perpetual objective for players is to improve their character's skills, which are numerical representations of certain abilities. Early in the game, seven skills are selected by the player as major skills for their character, with those remaining termed as minor skills. | The game continues the open-world tradition of its predecessors by allowing the player to travel anywhere in the ] at any time and to ignore or postpone the main storyline indefinitely. A perpetual objective for players is to improve their character's skills, which are numerical representations of certain abilities. Early in the game, seven skills are selected by the player as major skills for their character, with those remaining termed as minor skills. | ||
] began in 2002, directly after the release of ''Morrowind'', opting for tighter pacing in gameplay and greater plot focus than in past titles. To design the graphics, Bethesda used an improved ] physics engine, ] lighting, ] tools that allowed developers to quickly create detailed terrains, and the ] system, which enabled ]s (NPCs) to make choices and engage in behaviors more complex than in past titles. The game features ] NPCs—a first for the series—and the music of |
] began in 2002, directly after the release of ''Morrowind'', opting for tighter pacing in gameplay and greater plot focus than in past titles. To design the graphics, Bethesda used an improved ] physics engine, ] lighting, ] tools that allowed developers to quickly create detailed terrains, and the ] system, which enabled ]s (NPCs) to make choices and engage in behaviors more complex than in past titles. The game features ] NPCs—a first for the series—and the music of composer ]. | ||
Upon release, ''Oblivion'' was a critical and commercial success, winning a number of industry and publication awards. It was praised for its impressive graphics, expansive game world, and schedule-driven NPCs, and is considered ]. Following a number of smaller content releases, Bethesda released two expansion packs for the |
Upon release, ''Oblivion'' was a critical and commercial success, winning a number of industry and publication awards. It was praised for its impressive graphics, expansive game world, and schedule-driven NPCs, and is considered ]. Following a number of smaller content releases, Bethesda released two expansion packs for the game—'']'' and '']''—which were bundled with ''The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition'' in 2007, and later re-released as a fifth-anniversary edition in 2011. ''Oblivion'' was followed by '']'' in 2011. | ||
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
{{see also|Gameplay of The Elder Scrolls series}} | {{see also|Gameplay of The Elder Scrolls series}} | ||
''Oblivion'' is an ] ] (RPG) that incorporates ].<ref name="GS review"/> The player can follow side-quests, interact with NPCs, dispatch monsters, develop their character, and travel anywhere in the province of Cyrodiil at any time while playing the game, provided that the areas are not quest-specific and otherwise inaccessible when not questing.<ref name="GS review"/> The game never ends, and the player can continue playing after completing the main quest.<ref name="Main quest ending">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6147085/p-43.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 9, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=43}}</ref> The gameplay includes a fast-travel system, in which an icon appears on the game world map every time the player visits a new location. This excludes the game world's main cities which are already unlocked for fast travel from the start of the game. The player can arrive at the desired location instantaneously by selecting the icon on the map.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/25/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 24, 2006 |last=Onyett |first=Charles}}</ref> | ''Oblivion'' is an ] ] (RPG) that incorporates ].<ref name="GS review"/> The player can follow side-quests, interact with NPCs, dispatch monsters, develop their character, and travel anywhere in the province of Cyrodiil at any time while playing the game, provided that the areas are not quest-specific and otherwise inaccessible when not questing.<ref name="GS review"/> The game never ends, and the player can continue playing after completing the main quest.<ref name="Main quest ending">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6147085/p-43.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 9, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=43 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702092917/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough/1100-6147085/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The gameplay includes a fast-travel system, in which an icon appears on the game world map every time the player visits a new location. This excludes the game world's main cities which are already unlocked for fast travel from the start of the game. The player can arrive at the desired location instantaneously by selecting the icon on the map.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/25/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 24, 2006 |last=Onyett |first=Charles |access-date=January 15, 2013 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126171301/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/25/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
] | ] | ||
Character development is a primary element of ''Oblivion''. At the beginning of the game, players select one of |
Character development is a primary element of ''Oblivion''. At the beginning of the game, players select one of ten humanoid or ] races, each of which has different natural abilities, and customize their character's appearance.<ref name="GS review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-review/1900-6146657/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (Xbox 360) |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=March 25, 2006 |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |access-date=March 4, 2015 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702084537/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-review/1900-6146657/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/22330/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Manual)|publisher=Bethesda Softworks|pages=16–17|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032435/http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/22330/manuals/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf?t=1447351847|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref> A perpetual objective for players is to improve their character's skills, which are numerical representations of their ability in certain areas. Seven skills are selected early in the game as major skills, with the remainder termed minor.<ref name="GS review"/> The players ] each time they improve their major skills by a total of ten points; this provides the opportunity to improve their ].<ref name="Joynt">{{cite web |url=http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/775981p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (PS3) |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |first=Patrick |last=Joynt |date=March 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083835/http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/775981p1.html |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Attributes are more broad character qualities, such as speed and endurance, while skills are more specific, such as armorer or athletics. Afflictions such as disease and poison can reduce the player's attributes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/22330/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Manual)|publisher=Bethesda Softworks|pages=18–19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032435/http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/22330/manuals/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf?t=1447351847|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Skills" /> When players reach 25, 50, 75, or 100 points in a single skill, they unlock new abilities related to the skill.<ref name="Skills">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=5 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 29, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216024927/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=5 |archive-date=February 16, 2013 }}</ref> | ||
The game's 21 skills fall evenly under the categories of combat, magic, and stealth, and many skills complement more than one area.<ref name="Skills"/><ref name="Manual Skills">{{cite web|url=http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/22330/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Manual)|publisher=Bethesda Softworks|pages=20–25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032435/http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/22330/manuals/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf?t=1447351847|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref> Combat skills are used primarily for battle and incorporate armor and heavy weapons like blades, axes, maces, and hammers.<ref name="Manual Skills"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=6 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 29, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216032433/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=6 |archive-date=February 16, 2013 }}</ref> Magic skills rely on the use of ] to alter the physical world, to affect the minds of others, to injure and debilitate enemies, to summon monsters to help fight, and to heal wounds.<ref name="Manual Skills"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=7 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 29, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216024347/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=7 |archive-date=February 16, 2013 }}</ref> Stealth skills allow the player to crack locks, haggle for goods, use speech to manipulate people, and apply cunning in combat through the use of a bow or with a sneak attack.<ref name="Manual Skills"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=10 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 29, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216030217/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=10 |archive-date=February 16, 2013 }}</ref> The spells, weapons, and other tools such that a player needs to employ and enhance these skills, such as ], can be purchased in shops, stolen from NPCs, or found as loot on the bodies of foes or in dungeons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/857879/page_28.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Guide & Walkthrough – PlayStation 3 (PS3) – IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |page=28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504122134/http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/857879/page_28.html |archive-date=May 4, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | The game's 21 skills fall evenly under the categories of combat, magic, and stealth, and many skills complement more than one area.<ref name="Skills"/><ref name="Manual Skills">{{cite web|url=http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/22330/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Manual)|publisher=Bethesda Softworks|pages=20–25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032435/http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/22330/manuals/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf?t=1447351847|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref> Combat skills are used primarily for battle and incorporate armor and heavy weapons like blades, axes, maces, and hammers.<ref name="Manual Skills"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=6 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 29, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216032433/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=6 |archive-date=February 16, 2013 }}</ref> Magic skills rely on the use of ] to alter the physical world, to affect the minds of others, to injure and debilitate enemies, to summon monsters to help fight, and to heal wounds.<ref name="Manual Skills"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=7 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 29, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216024347/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=7 |archive-date=February 16, 2013 }}</ref> Stealth skills allow the player to crack locks, haggle for goods, use speech to manipulate people, and apply cunning in combat through the use of a bow or with a sneak attack.<ref name="Manual Skills"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=10 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=January 29, 2013 |last=Rorie |first=Matthew |page=10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216030217/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-walkthrough-6147085/?page=10 |archive-date=February 16, 2013 }}</ref> The spells, weapons, and other tools such that a player needs to employ and enhance these skills, such as ], can be purchased in shops, stolen from NPCs, or found as loot on the bodies of foes or in dungeons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/857879/page_28.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Guide & Walkthrough – PlayStation 3 (PS3) – IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |page=28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504122134/http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/857879/page_28.html |archive-date=May 4, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
''Oblivion'' can be played in either a ]- or ],<ref name="Joynt" /> except in the mobile phone version, in which the game can only be played in ].<ref name="Mobile version">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-oblivion |title=The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=May 3, 2006 |last=Buchanan |first=Levi}}</ref> The player may change the level of difficulty at any time, thereby weakening opponents and increasing the chance of success for particular actions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/13/difficulty-systems-101 |title=Difficulty Systems 101 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=July 13, 2009 |last=O'Connor |first=James}}</ref> The screen constantly presents a ], which provides information about the character's health, magicka, and fatigue, all of which can be increased by leveling up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/22330/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Manual)|publisher=Bethesda Softworks|page=5|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032435/http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/22330/manuals/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf?t=1447351847|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> Health can be restored by spells, potions, or resting; the loss of all health results in death.<ref name="Manual19">{{cite web|url=http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/22330/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Manual)|publisher=Bethesda Softworks|page=19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032435/http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/22330/manuals/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf?t=1447351847|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> Magicka enables and is depleted by the use of spells; it is rejuvenated naturally over time, but it can be restored similarly to health.<ref name="Manual19"/> Fatigue affects the character's effectiveness in combat and general efficiency, and can be alleviated by resting, potions, and spells.<ref name="Manual19"/> | ''Oblivion'' can be played in either a ]- or ],<ref name="Joynt" /> except in the mobile phone version, in which the game can only be played in ].<ref name="Mobile version">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-oblivion |title=The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=May 3, 2006 |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |access-date=February 1, 2013 |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724131738/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/03/the-elder-scrolls-oblivion |url-status=live }}</ref> The player may change the level of difficulty at any time, thereby weakening opponents and increasing the chance of success for particular actions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/13/difficulty-systems-101 |title=Difficulty Systems 101 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=July 13, 2009 |last=O'Connor |first=James |access-date=January 29, 2013 |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724005132/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/13/difficulty-systems-101 |url-status=live }}</ref> The screen constantly presents a ], which provides information about the character's health, magicka, and fatigue, all of which can be increased by leveling up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/22330/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Manual)|publisher=Bethesda Softworks|page=5|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032435/http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/22330/manuals/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf?t=1447351847|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> Health can be restored by spells, potions, or resting; the loss of all health results in death.<ref name="Manual19">{{cite web|url=http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/22330/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Manual)|publisher=Bethesda Softworks|page=19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032435/http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/22330/manuals/obliv_goty_pc_man-v2.pdf?t=1447351847|archive-date=January 9, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> Magicka enables and is depleted by the use of spells; it is rejuvenated naturally over time, but it can be restored similarly to health.<ref name="Manual19"/> Fatigue affects the character's effectiveness in combat and general efficiency, and can be alleviated by resting, potions, and spells.<ref name="Manual19"/> | ||
Throughout the world are a variety of enemies, including standard fantasy monsters such as ]s and ]s, and animals such as bears and wolves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/oblivion-25-creatures-to-find-and-kill/|title=Oblivion – 25 creatures to find and kill|last=Hurley|first=Leon|date=July 23, 2007|work=]|publisher=Future Publishing|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911204435/http://www.gamesradar.com/oblivion-25-creatures-to-find-and-kill/|archive-date=September 11, 2017}}</ref> Enemies become stronger, and weapons and armor more effective as the player levels up. This game mechanic of level-scaling was incorporated to maintain a constant and moderate aspect of difficulty.<ref name="Escapist"/> However, level-scaling combined with the leveling system has received criticism, as it has the potential to unbalance the game; characters with major skills that increase on an involuntary basis, such as athletics or armor, can find that they level too quickly, making the enemies proportionately harder than intended.<ref name="Escapist">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/op-ed/992-Oblivion-The-Dagobah-Cave |title=Oblivion: The Dagobah Cave |publisher=Alloy Digital |work=] |date=August 3, 2006 |last=Pitts |first=Russ |access-date=January 30, 2010 |archive-date= |
Throughout the world are a variety of enemies, including standard fantasy monsters such as ]s and ]s, and animals such as bears and wolves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/oblivion-25-creatures-to-find-and-kill/|title=Oblivion – 25 creatures to find and kill|last=Hurley|first=Leon|date=July 23, 2007|work=]|publisher=Future Publishing|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911204435/http://www.gamesradar.com/oblivion-25-creatures-to-find-and-kill/|archive-date=September 11, 2017}}</ref> Enemies become stronger, and weapons and armor more effective as the player levels up. This game mechanic of level-scaling was incorporated to maintain a constant and moderate aspect of difficulty.<ref name="Escapist"/> However, level-scaling combined with the leveling system has received criticism, as it has the potential to unbalance the game; characters with major skills that increase on an involuntary basis, such as athletics or armor, can find that they level too quickly, making the enemies proportionately harder than intended.<ref name="Escapist">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/op-ed/992-Oblivion-The-Dagobah-Cave |title=Oblivion: The Dagobah Cave |publisher=Alloy Digital |work=] |date=August 3, 2006 |last=Pitts |first=Russ |access-date=January 30, 2010 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518123237/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/op-ed/992-Oblivion-The-Dagobah-Cave |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
==Plot== | ==Plot== | ||
''Oblivion'' is set during the Third Era, six years after the events of '']'', although it is not a direct sequel to it or any other game.<ref name="GSPTQA">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6111720|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Q&A – Overview, Character Development, Fallout|date=October 28, 2004|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408172515/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-qanda-overview-character-development-fallout/1100-6111720/|archive-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> The game is set in Cyrodiil—a province of Tamriel, the continent on which all the games in the series have so far taken place.<ref name="Plot"/> | ''Oblivion'' is set during the Third Era, six years after the events of '']'', although it is not a direct sequel to it or any other game.<ref name="GSPTQA">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6111720|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Q&A – Overview, Character Development, Fallout|date=October 28, 2004|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408172515/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-qanda-overview-character-development-fallout/1100-6111720/|archive-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> The game is set in Cyrodiil—a province of Tamriel, the continent on which all the games in the series have so far taken place.<ref name="Plot"/> | ||
The story begins with the player imprisoned in a cell for an unknown crime. Emperor Uriel Septim VII, accompanied by Imperial bodyguards known as the Blades, arrives in the prison, fleeing from assassins who have murdered the emperor's three sons and are now targeting him. The emperor and the Blades reveal that the player's jail cell contains a secret entrance to a part of the city's sewer that functions as an escape route. Pardoned by the emperor, the player follows the group into the sewer, where they come under attack by assassins. The Blades' captain is cut down during the fighting that ensues. Knowing he is destined to die by the hands of the assassins, Uriel Septim entrusts the player with the Amulet of Kings, worn by the Septim emperors of Tamriel, and orders the player to take it to a man named Jauffre, the grandmaster of the Blades, at Weynon Priory. Immediately afterward, one of the assassins kills the emperor. The player escapes the sewer and heads out into the open world of Cyrodiil.<ref name="Plot">{{cite book |year=2006 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Official Game Guide |url=https://archive.org/details/elderscrollsivob00olaf |url-access=registration |pages= |publisher=Prima Games |isbn=978-0-7615-5276-5}}</ref> | The story begins with the player imprisoned in a cell for an unknown crime. Emperor Uriel Septim VII (]), accompanied by Imperial bodyguards known as the Blades, arrives in the prison, fleeing from assassins who have murdered the emperor's three sons and are now targeting him. The emperor and the Blades reveal that the player's jail cell contains a secret entrance to a part of the city's sewer that functions as an escape route. Pardoned by the emperor, the player follows the group into the sewer, where they come under attack by assassins. The Blades' captain is cut down during the fighting that ensues. Knowing he is destined to die by the hands of the assassins, Uriel Septim entrusts the player with the Amulet of Kings, worn by the Septim emperors of Tamriel, and orders the player to take it to a man named Jauffre (]), the grandmaster of the Blades, at Weynon Priory. Immediately afterward, one of the assassins kills the emperor. The player escapes the sewer and heads out into the open world of Cyrodiil.<ref name="Plot">{{cite book |year=2006 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Official Game Guide |url=https://archive.org/details/elderscrollsivob00olaf |url-access=registration |pages= |publisher=Prima Games |isbn=978-0-7615-5276-5}}</ref> | ||
The lack of an heir for Uriel Septim has broken an old ]—the barrier to Oblivion: a dangerous realm that is in another dimension. Multiple gates to Oblivion open, and an invasion of Tamriel begins by magical creatures known as Daedra, killing and destroying anything in their path. Jauffre tells the player that the only way to close the gates permanently is to find someone of the royal bloodline to retake the throne and relight the Dragonfires—with the Amulet of Kings—in the Imperial City. However, there is an illegitimate son named Martin, who is a priest in the city of Kvatch. Upon arriving at Kvatch, the player finds that the Daedra have destroyed the city and very few survivors remain. A massive Oblivion Gate is obstructing the main city entrance, and the player must venture through the gate into the Deadlands—one of the planes of Oblivion—in order to close it from the inside and allow access to the city. After closing the gate, the player enters Kvatch and takes it back from the Daedra with the assistance of surviving guardsmen. Martin has survived, and the player persuades him to come to Weynon Priory.<ref name="Plot"/> | The lack of an heir for Uriel Septim has broken an old ]—the barrier to Oblivion: a dangerous realm that is in another dimension. Multiple gates to Oblivion open, and an invasion of Tamriel begins by magical creatures known as Daedra, killing and destroying anything in their path. Jauffre tells the player that the only way to close the gates permanently is to find someone of the royal bloodline to retake the throne and relight the Dragonfires—with the Amulet of Kings—in the Imperial City. However, there is an illegitimate son named Martin (]), who is a priest in the city of Kvatch. Upon arriving at Kvatch, the player finds that the Daedra have destroyed the city and very few survivors remain. A massive Oblivion Gate is obstructing the main city entrance, and the player must venture through the gate into the Deadlands—one of the planes of Oblivion—in order to close it from the inside and allow access to the city. After closing the gate, the player enters Kvatch and takes it back from the Daedra with the assistance of surviving guardsmen. Martin has survived, and the player persuades him to come to Weynon Priory.<ref name="Plot"/> | ||
The player, now recognized as the Hero of Kvatch, returns to Weynon Priory with Martin, finding that it has come under attack by assassins and that the Amulet of Kings has been stolen. The player escorts Jauffre and Martin to Cloud Ruler Temple, the stronghold of the Blades. There, Martin is recognized as the emperor and is given command of the Blades. The player is optionally entered into their ranks and sets off in search of the amulet. After gathering information, the player learns that the group responsible for Uriel Septim's assassination and the theft of the amulet are the Mythic Dawn, a cult dedicated to the worshiping of Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of Destruction. The cult believes Dagon is the true creator of the world and wish for him to "cleanse" it of all impurities. Killing the emperor and thus removing the barriers to Oblivion was the first step in realizing this idea. The player attempts to infiltrate the secret meeting place of the cult in the hopes of retrieving the amulet. When the player does so, the cult's leader, Mankar Camoran, escapes through a portal, taking the amulet with him. The player takes the book that had opened the portal to Martin, who deduces a way to reopen the portal. The player seeks out three key artifacts necessary to recreate the portal: a Daedric artifact, The Blood of the Divines (in this case, the armor of the first Septim emperor serves as a substitute), and a Great Welkynd Stone. With all three retrieved, Martin reveals that a final ingredient is needed: a Great Sigil Stone from inside a Great Gate similar to the one that devastated Kvatch. Martin and Jauffre decide to allow the city of Bruma to be attacked by Daedra so that a Great Gate will be opened. Once it is, the player obtains the Stone and closes the Gate, also saving Bruma.<ref name="Plot"/> | The player, now recognized as the Hero of Kvatch, returns to Weynon Priory with Martin, finding that it has come under attack by assassins and that the Amulet of Kings has been stolen. The player escorts Jauffre and Martin to Cloud Ruler Temple, the stronghold of the Blades. There, Martin is recognized as the emperor and is given command of the Blades. The player is optionally entered into their ranks and sets off in search of the amulet. After gathering information, the player learns that the group responsible for Uriel Septim's assassination and the theft of the amulet are the Mythic Dawn, a cult dedicated to the worshiping of Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of Destruction. The cult believes Dagon is the true creator of the world and wish for him to "cleanse" it of all impurities. Killing the emperor and thus removing the barriers to Oblivion was the first step in realizing this idea. The player attempts to infiltrate the secret meeting place of the cult in the hopes of retrieving the amulet. When the player does so, the cult's leader, Mankar Camoran (]), escapes through a portal, taking the amulet with him. The player takes the book that had opened the portal to Martin, who deduces a way to reopen the portal. The player seeks out three key artifacts necessary to recreate the portal: a Daedric artifact, The Blood of the Divines (in this case, the armor of the first Septim emperor serves as a substitute), and a Great Welkynd Stone. With all three retrieved, Martin reveals that a final ingredient is needed: a Great Sigil Stone from inside a Great Gate similar to the one that devastated Kvatch. Martin and Jauffre decide to allow the city of Bruma to be attacked by Daedra so that a Great Gate will be opened. Once it is, the player obtains the Stone and closes the Gate, also saving Bruma.<ref name="Plot"/> | ||
A portal is created at Cloud Ruler Temple, and the player is sent through to Mankar Camoran's created realm of Paradise. After bypassing Daedra, Mythic Dawn members and obstacles, the player confronts Camoran and kills him. The player returns the Amulet of Kings to Martin, and they subsequently travel to the Imperial City with the Blades to relight the Dragonfires and end the Daedric invasion. They find the city under attack by Daedra and an enormous avatar of Mehrunes Dagon himself. The player and Martin fight their way to the Temple of the One. There, Martin laments that they are powerless against Dagon's avatar and explains that they can only defeat him one way. He bids farewell to the player and shatters the Amulet of Kings, merging himself with the spirit of Akatosh, the Dragon-God of Time, thus becoming Akatosh's avatar. After a battle, Akatosh casts Dagon back into Oblivion and lets out a mighty roar before turning to stone. Martin, whose soul was consumed by the amulet, enters the afterlife to join his forebears. In a telepathic monologue to the player, he sheds an optimistic light, explaining that while the Amulet of Kings is destroyed and the throne again lies empty, the gates of Oblivion are now shut forever, and the future of Tamriel now lies in the player's hands. The Empire's high chancellor sincerely thanks the player for their service during the crisis and proclaims them as the seventh Champion of Cyrodiil.<ref name="Plot"/> | A portal is created at Cloud Ruler Temple, and the player is sent through to Mankar Camoran's created realm of Paradise. After bypassing Daedra, Mythic Dawn members and obstacles, the player confronts Camoran and kills him. The player returns the Amulet of Kings to Martin, and they subsequently travel to the Imperial City with the Blades to relight the Dragonfires and end the Daedric invasion. They find the city under attack by Daedra and an enormous avatar of Mehrunes Dagon himself. The player and Martin fight their way to the Temple of the One. There, Martin laments that they are powerless against Dagon's avatar and explains that they can only defeat him one way. He bids farewell to the player and shatters the Amulet of Kings, merging himself with the spirit of Akatosh, the Dragon-God of Time, thus becoming Akatosh's avatar. After a battle, Akatosh casts Dagon back into Oblivion and lets out a mighty roar before turning to stone. Martin, whose soul was consumed by the amulet, enters the afterlife to join his forebears. In a telepathic monologue to the player, he sheds an optimistic light, explaining that while the Amulet of Kings is destroyed and the throne again lies empty, the gates of Oblivion are now shut forever, and the future of Tamriel now lies in the player's hands. The Empire's high chancellor sincerely thanks the player for their service during the crisis and proclaims them as the seventh Champion of Cyrodiil.<ref name="Plot"/> | ||
==Development== | ==Development== | ||
{{main|Development of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion}} | {{main|Development of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion}}{{See also|Development history of The Elder Scrolls series}} | ||
The game was developed by the United States ] ]. ], who was ''Morrowind''{{'}}s lead designer, oversaw the development team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-19-oblivion-and-amalur-lead-designer-ken-rolston-heads-to-turbine |title=Oblivion and Amalur lead designer Ken Rolston heads to Turbine |work=] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=October 19, 2012 |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey}}</ref> The PC and Xbox 360 versions of the game were co-published by ] and Bethesda.<ref name="COPUB">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6117825|title=Take-Two to copublish Elder Scrolls IV, Cthulhu|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=February 3, 2005|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121141243/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-to-copublish-elder-scrolls-iv-cthulhu/1100-6117825/|archive-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref> Work on ''Oblivion'' began shortly after the release of ''Morrowind'' in 2002.<ref name="EIVPCNG">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6107156|title=Elder Scrolls IV coming to PC, next-gen|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=September 10, 2004|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828071834/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/elder-scrolls-iv-coming-to-pc-next-gen/1100-6107156/|archive-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref> By mid-September 2004, ''Oblivion'' had been officially announced, and its title revealed.<ref name="EIVPCNG"/><ref name="RUMORS">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/development-of-next-gen-elder-scrolls-under-way/1100-6100799/ |title=Development of next-gen Elder Scrolls under way? |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=June 16, 2004 |quote=Obviously, we like candidates who understand RPGs and are familiar with the games we've made in the past.}}</ref> | The game was developed by the United States ] ]. ], who was ''Morrowind''{{'}}s lead designer, oversaw the development team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-19-oblivion-and-amalur-lead-designer-ken-rolston-heads-to-turbine |title=Oblivion and Amalur lead designer Ken Rolston heads to Turbine |work=] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=October 19, 2012 |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |access-date=February 21, 2013 |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724155216/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-19-oblivion-and-amalur-lead-designer-ken-rolston-heads-to-turbine |url-status=live }}</ref> The PC and Xbox 360 versions of the game were co-published by ] and ], while the PlayStation 3 version was co-published by ] in Europe alongside Bethesda.<ref name="COPUB">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6117825|title=Take-Two to copublish Elder Scrolls IV, Cthulhu|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=February 3, 2005|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121141243/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-to-copublish-elder-scrolls-iv-cthulhu/1100-6117825/|archive-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref> Work on ''Oblivion'' began shortly after the release of ''Morrowind'' in 2002.<ref name="EIVPCNG">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6107156|title=Elder Scrolls IV coming to PC, next-gen|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=September 10, 2004|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828071834/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/elder-scrolls-iv-coming-to-pc-next-gen/1100-6107156/|archive-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref> By mid-September 2004, ''Oblivion'' had been officially announced, and its title revealed.<ref name="EIVPCNG"/><ref name="RUMORS">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/development-of-next-gen-elder-scrolls-under-way/1100-6100799/ |title=Development of next-gen Elder Scrolls under way? |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=June 16, 2004 |quote=Obviously, we like candidates who understand RPGs and are familiar with the games we've made in the past. |access-date=March 4, 2015 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702105524/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/development-of-next-gen-elder-scrolls-under-way/1100-6100799/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
During ''Oblivion''{{'}}s development, Bethesda concentrated on creating a system with a more realistic storyline, believable characters, and meaningful quests than had been done in the past. In comparison with previous titles in the series, the game features improved ] thanks to the use of Bethesda proprietary ] software,<ref name="ignoblans">{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/686/686663p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Answers – PC Feature at IGN |first=Charles |last=Onyett |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=February 8, 2006}}</ref> and enhanced physics facilitated by the ] ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s2846199.htm |title=15 March 2010 The Elder Scrolls |publisher=ABC |work=] |date=March 15, 2010}}</ref> The graphics take advantage of advanced lighting and shader routines such as ] (HDR) and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2006/04/07/ati_oblivion_aa_hdr/1 |title=ATI delivers AA+HDR for Oblivion |publisher=Dennis Publishing |work=] |date=April 7, 2006 |last=Harris |first=Will}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/23/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-2?page=3 |title=Bethesda shares details on the next chapter in the epic RPG series |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=November 22, 2004 |last=Butts |first=Steve}}</ref><ref name="TVG">{{cite web |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Q&A |url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/Elder-Scrolls-IV-Oblivion/feature-7685.html |first=Derek |last=dela Fuente |work=TVG |publisher=TVG Media |date=July 20, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717090038/http://www.totalvideogames.com/Elder-Scrolls-IV-Oblivion/feature-7685.html |archive-date=July 17, 2012 }}</ref> Bethesda developed and implemented procedural content creation tools in the building of ''Oblivion''{{'}}s terrain, leading to the expedited creation of landscapes that are more complex and realistic than in past titles.<ref name="RPGCRT"/> | During ''Oblivion''{{'}}s development, Bethesda concentrated on creating a system with a more realistic storyline, believable characters, and meaningful quests than had been done in the past. In comparison with previous titles in the series, the game features improved ] thanks to the use of Bethesda proprietary ] software,<ref name="ignoblans">{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/686/686663p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Answers – PC Feature at IGN |first=Charles |last=Onyett |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=February 8, 2006 |access-date=November 18, 2011 |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213003138/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/02/08/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-answers |url-status=live }}</ref> and enhanced physics facilitated by the ] ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s2846199.htm |title=15 March 2010 The Elder Scrolls |publisher=ABC |work=] |date=March 15, 2010 |access-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-date=December 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227061231/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s2846199.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The graphics take advantage of advanced lighting and shader routines such as ] (HDR) and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2006/04/07/ati_oblivion_aa_hdr/1 |title=ATI delivers AA+HDR for Oblivion |publisher=Dennis Publishing |work=] |date=April 7, 2006 |last=Harris |first=Will |access-date=February 22, 2013 |archive-date=January 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032434/http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2006/04/07/ati_oblivion_aa_hdr/1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/23/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-2?page=3 |title=Bethesda shares details on the next chapter in the epic RPG series |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=November 22, 2004 |last=Butts |first=Steve |access-date=February 22, 2013 |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724154540/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/23/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-2?page=3 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TVG">{{cite web |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Q&A |url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/Elder-Scrolls-IV-Oblivion/feature-7685.html |first=Derek |last=dela Fuente |work=TVG |publisher=TVG Media |date=July 20, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717090038/http://www.totalvideogames.com/Elder-Scrolls-IV-Oblivion/feature-7685.html |archive-date=July 17, 2012 }}</ref> Bethesda developed and implemented procedural content creation tools in the building of ''Oblivion''{{'}}s terrain, leading to the expedited creation of landscapes that are more complex and realistic than in past titles.<ref name="RPGCRT"/> | ||
], ] lighting and long draw distance, improvements made as part of a goal to create "cutting-edge graphics"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/products/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/originals/the-graphical-advancements-of-skyrim-a-comparison-to-oblivion |title=The Graphical Advancements of Skyrim: A Comparison to Oblivion |work=GameZone |publisher=GameZone Online |date=October 26, 2011 |last=Liebl |first=Matt}}</ref>]] | ], ] lighting and long draw distance, improvements made as part of a goal to create "cutting-edge graphics"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/products/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/originals/the-graphical-advancements-of-skyrim-a-comparison-to-oblivion |title=The Graphical Advancements of Skyrim: A Comparison to Oblivion |work=GameZone |publisher=GameZone Online |date=October 26, 2011 |last=Liebl |first=Matt |access-date=February 11, 2013 |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127051308/http://www.gamezone.com/products/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/originals/the-graphical-advancements-of-skyrim-a-comparison-to-oblivion |url-status=live }}</ref>]] | ||
While designing ''Oblivion''{{'}}s landscape and architecture, developers worked from personal travel photographs, nature books, texture images, and reference photographs.<ref name="TVG"/> Procedural content generation tools used in production allowed for the creation of realistic environments at much faster rates than was the case with ''Morrowind''.<ref name="RPGCRT">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/elderscrolls/elder4/elder4interview.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Interview with Gavin Carter |work=RPGamer |publisher=CraveOnline Media |access-date=June 17, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207174858/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/elderscrolls/elder4/elder4interview.html |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |
While designing ''Oblivion''{{'}}s landscape and architecture, developers worked from personal travel photographs, nature books, texture images, and reference photographs.<ref name="TVG"/> Procedural content generation tools used in production allowed for the creation of realistic environments at much faster rates than was the case with ''Morrowind''.<ref name="RPGCRT">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/elderscrolls/elder4/elder4interview.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Interview with Gavin Carter |work=RPGamer |publisher=CraveOnline Media |access-date=June 17, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207174858/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/elderscrolls/elder4/elder4interview.html |archive-date=February 7, 2012 }}</ref> Erosion algorithms incorporated in the landscape generation tools allowed for the creation of craggy terrain quickly and easily, replacing ''Morrowind''{{'}}s artificially smoothed-over terrain.<ref name="RPGCRT"/> | ||
''Oblivion''{{'}}s ] is far greater than its predecessor's, extending player sightlines to the horizon and giving views of distant towns and mountain ranges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/the_elder_scrolls_iv_oblivion/review.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review for PS3 |publisher=Pro-G Media |work=VideoGamer.com |date=April 27, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106034948/http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/the_elder_scrolls_iv_oblivion/review.html |archive-date=November 6, 2013 }}</ref> According to a Microsoft press release, ''Oblivion''{{'}}s game world is approximately 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) in size.<ref name="sixteen">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/t/theelderscrollsIVoblivion/20051110-fe.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223022131/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/t/theelderscrollsIVoblivion/20051110-fe.htm |archive-date=December 23, 2007 |first=Danny |last=Chihdo |publisher=] |work=] |title=Reinventing Oblivion |url-status=dead}}</ref> Wilderness quests, ruins, and dungeons were added to fill surplus space.<ref name="RPGCRT"/> Content in the dungeons is more densely packed than in dungeons in ''Morrowind'', with an increase in the frequency of creature encounters, quest-related NPCs, and puzzles.<ref name="RPGCRT"/> However, the populations represented in ''Oblivion'' do not match the "thousands upon thousands" described in previous in-game literature. The development team decided to set the NPC populations at a level that would play well, rather than one that would match game lore, since the presence of a large number of NPCs on screen would have caused the game to slow down.<ref name="GFID">{{cite web |url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=23 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |title=Fan interview December 2004 |date=December 8, 2004 |first=Abram |last=Wagenaar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083804/http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=23 |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ''Oblivion''{{'}}s ] is far greater than its predecessor's, extending player sightlines to the horizon and giving views of distant towns and mountain ranges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/the_elder_scrolls_iv_oblivion/review.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review for PS3 |publisher=Pro-G Media |work=VideoGamer.com |date=April 27, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106034948/http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/the_elder_scrolls_iv_oblivion/review.html |archive-date=November 6, 2013 }}</ref> According to a Microsoft press release, ''Oblivion''{{'}}s game world is approximately 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) in size.<ref name="sixteen">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/t/theelderscrollsIVoblivion/20051110-fe.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223022131/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/t/theelderscrollsIVoblivion/20051110-fe.htm |archive-date=December 23, 2007 |first=Danny |last=Chihdo |publisher=] |work=] |title=Reinventing Oblivion |url-status=dead}}</ref> Wilderness quests, ruins, and dungeons were added to fill surplus space.<ref name="RPGCRT"/> Content in the dungeons is more densely packed than in dungeons in ''Morrowind'', with an increase in the frequency of creature encounters, quest-related NPCs, and puzzles.<ref name="RPGCRT"/> However, the populations represented in ''Oblivion'' do not match the "thousands upon thousands" described in previous in-game literature. The development team decided to set the NPC populations at a level that would play well, rather than one that would match game lore, since the presence of a large number of NPCs on screen would have caused the game to slow down.<ref name="GFID">{{cite web |url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=23 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |title=Fan interview December 2004 |date=December 8, 2004 |first=Abram |last=Wagenaar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083804/http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=23 |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
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===Audio=== | ===Audio=== | ||
''Oblivion'' features the voices of ], ], ], ], with celebrity acquisition and voice production being handled by ].<ref>{{cite web |first=Wade |last=Steel |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/654/654980p1.html |title=More of Oblivion's Voice Cast Revealed – PC News at IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=September 30, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= |
''Oblivion'' features the voices of ], ], ], ], with celebrity acquisition and voice production being handled by ].<ref>{{cite web |first=Wade |last=Steel |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/654/654980p1.html |title=More of Oblivion's Voice Cast Revealed – PC News at IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=September 30, 2005 |access-date=November 18, 2011 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702162314/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/30/more-of-oblivions-voice-cast-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/details/?platform=pc |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Details and Credits for PC |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=February 21, 2013 |archive-date=September 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902094356/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/details |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/91894-Hollywood-Voice-Actors-Show-Them-the-Money |title=Hollywood Voice Actors: Show Them the Money |publisher=Alloy Digital |work=] |date=May 22, 2009 |last=Chalk |first=Andy |access-date=February 21, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116110235/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/91894-Hollywood-Voice-Actors-Show-Them-the-Money |url-status=dead }}</ref> The voice acting received mixed reviews in the gaming press. While many publications praised it as excellent,<ref name="gspot"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/pc/the_elder_scrolls_iv/review-2.html |publisher=Pro-G Media |work=VideoGamer.com |date=April 18, 2006 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review |first=Greg |last=Vallentin |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003020158/http://www.videogamer.com/pc/the_elder_scrolls_iv/review-2.html |archive-date=October 3, 2012 }}</ref> others found fault with its repetitiveness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/698/698405p5.html|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review – Another Take|last=McNamara|first=Tom|date=March 24, 2006|work=]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216074818/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/25/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion?page=5|archive-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/xbox360/elder_scrolls_4_ |publisher=CraveOnline Media |date=March 30, 2006 |work=] |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Xbox360 |first=Duke |last=Ferris |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518140252/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/xbox360/elder_scrolls_4_ |archive-date=May 18, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1142/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV-Oblivion/p5/ |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 23, 2006 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (Xbox 360) – Audio |page=5 |first=Matthew |last=Fisher |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704160630/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1142/The-Elder-Scrolls-IV-Oblivion/p5/ |archive-date=July 4, 2007 }}</ref> The issue has been blamed on the small number of voice actors and the blandness of the dialogue itself.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/oblivions-vocal-and-line-repetition/ |date=September 18, 2006 |publisher=AOL |work=] |title=Oblivion's vocal and line repetition |first=Alexander |last=Sliwinski |access-date=September 21, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011191625/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/oblivions-vocal-and-line-repetition/ |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lead designer Ken Rolston found the plan to fully voice the game "less flexible, less apt for user projection of his own tone, more constrained for branching, and more trouble for production and disk real estate" than ''Morrowind''{{'}}s partially recorded dialogue. Rolston tempered his criticism with the suggestion that voice acting "can be a powerful expressive tool" and can contribute significantly to the charm and ambiance of the game. He stated, "I prefer ''Morrowind''{{'}}s partially recorded dialogue, for many reasons. But I'm told that {{Sic|hide=y|fully|-}}voiced dialogue is what the kids want."<ref name="Varney">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardocp.com/article/2006/05/23/oblivions_ken_rolston_speaks/2|title=Oblivion's Ken Rolston Interview|last=Varney|first=Allen|date=May 23, 2006|work=HardOCP|publisher=KB Networks|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119012332/http://www.hardocp.com/article/2006/05/23/oblivions_ken_rolston_speaks/2|archive-date=January 19, 2017}}</ref> | ||
''Oblivion''{{'}}s score was composed by series mainstay ], a video game composer whose past scores had earned him a ] (BAFTA) award in the "]" and two nominations for an ] (AIAS) award for "Original Music Composition".<ref name="Soule Oblivion">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/oblivion-to-feature-soundtrack-by-jeremy-soule-6136263 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411003944/http://www.gamespot.com/news/oblivion-to-feature-soundtrack-by-jeremy-soule-6136263 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 11, 2013 |title=Oblivion to Feature Soundtrack by Jeremy Soule |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=October 21, 2005}}</ref><ref name="Soule to compose">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/jeremy-soule-to-compose-morrowind-music-2824023 |title=Jeremy Soule to compose Morrowind music |publisher |
''Oblivion''{{'}}s score was composed by series mainstay ], a video game composer whose past scores had earned him a ] (BAFTA) award in the "]" and two nominations for an ] (AIAS) award for "Original Music Composition".<ref name="Soule Oblivion">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/oblivion-to-feature-soundtrack-by-jeremy-soule-6136263 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411003944/http://www.gamespot.com/news/oblivion-to-feature-soundtrack-by-jeremy-soule-6136263 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 11, 2013 |title=Oblivion to Feature Soundtrack by Jeremy Soule |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=October 21, 2005}}</ref><ref name="Soule to compose">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/jeremy-soule-to-compose-morrowind-music-2824023 |title=Jeremy Soule to compose Morrowind music |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=November 12, 2001 |last=Walker |first=Trey |access-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702162016/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/jeremy-soule-to-compose-morrowind-music/1100-2824023/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The official soundtrack to ''Oblivion'', featuring 26 tracks spanning 58 minutes, was released in March 2006, via Soule's digital distributor DirectSong.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/160063/oblivion-soundtrack |title=Oblivion Soundtrack |publisher=Gawker Media |work=] |date=March 13, 2006 |author=Brownlee |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509223442/http://kotaku.com/160063/oblivion-soundtrack |archive-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.directsong.com/index.php#/shop/product/OB101 |publisher=Artistry Entertainment |work=DirectSong |title=DirectSong – The World's Greatest Music |access-date=October 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106130150/https://www.directsong.com/index.php#/shop/product/OB101 |archive-date=November 6, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Soule had worked with Bethesda and ] during the creation of ''Morrowind'', and, in a press release announcing his return for ''Oblivion'', Soule repeated the words he had said during ''Morrowind''{{'}}s press release: "The stunning, epic quality of ''The Elder Scrolls'' series is particularly compatible with the grand, orchestral style of music I enjoy composing the most."<ref name="Soule Oblivion"/><ref name="Soule to compose"/> As in his compositions for ''Morrowind'', Soule chose to create a soft and minimalist score so as not to wear out users' ears.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=145 |title=Interview with composer Jeremy Soule at PLAY! San Jose |date=June 6, 2007 |publisher=Music4Games |work=] |first=Jayson |last=Napolitano |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620051533/http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=145 |archive-date=June 20, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Soule stated that while composing the music, he did not imagine any specific characters or events; rather, he wanted it "to comment on the human condition and the beauty of life." In a 2006 interview, he related that this desire came as a result of a car accident that occurred during his composition of the score. He said, "I ended up rolling in my car several times on an interstate while flying headlong into oncoming traffic ... I felt no fear ... I simply just acknowledged to myself that I've had a good life and I would soon have to say goodbye to all of it in a matter of seconds." Soule sustained only minor injuries, but commented that his feeling during the crash—"that life is indeed precious"—remained with him throughout the rest of the composition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firingsquad.com/features/jeremy_soule_interview/ |title=Jeremy Soule Interview & PLAY! |first=John |last=Callaham |date=May 22, 2006 |publisher=FS Media |work=FiringSquad |access-date=May 27, 2007 |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724155119/http://www.firingsquad.com/features/jeremy_soule_interview/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
===Remaster=== | |||
{{Track listing | |||
An internal ZeniMax presentation, dated to 2020 and released as part of the '']'' case in 2023, indicated that an "Oblivion Remaster" was earmarked for a release in the 2022 fiscal year, among other unannounced titles. The document was produced prior to ] in 2021, so it remains unclear whether the project is still in development.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peters |first1=Jay |title=Microsoft documents leak new Bethesda games, including an Oblivion remaster |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/19/23880132/microsoft-ftc-documents-leak-oblivion-fallout-3-remaster-doom-xbox |website=The Verge |date=19 September 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919101353/https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/19/23880132/microsoft-ftc-documents-leak-oblivion-fallout-3-remaster-doom-xbox |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| collapsed = yes | |||
| headline = ''The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Original Game Soundtrack)'' | |||
| title1 = Reign of the Septims | |||
| length1 = 1:51 | |||
| title2 = Through the Valleys | |||
| length2 = 4:19 | |||
| title3 = Death Knell | |||
| length3 = 1:10 | |||
| title4 = Harvest Dawn | |||
| length4 = 2:51 | |||
| title5 = Wind from the Depths | |||
| length5 = 1:42 | |||
| title6 = King & Country | |||
| length6 = 4:05 | |||
| title7 = Fall of the Hammer | |||
| length7 = 1:16 | |||
| title8 = Wings of Kynareth | |||
| length8 = 3:30 | |||
| title9 = All's Well | |||
| length9 = 2:26 | |||
| title10 = Tension | |||
| length10 = 2:32 | |||
| title11 = March of the Marauders | |||
| length11 = 2:08 | |||
| title12 = Watchman's Ease | |||
| length12 = 2:05 | |||
| title13 = Glory of Cyrodiil | |||
| length13 = 2:28 | |||
| title14 = Defending the Gate | |||
| length14 = 1:21 | |||
| title15 = Bloody Blades | |||
| length15 = 1:14 | |||
| title16 = Minstrel's Lament | |||
| length16 = 4:42 | |||
| title17 = Ancient Sorrow | |||
| length17 = 1:05 | |||
| title18 = Auriel's Ascension | |||
| length18 = 3:05 | |||
| title19 = Daedra In Flight | |||
| length19 = 1:02 | |||
| title20 = Unmarked Stone | |||
| length20 = 1:02 | |||
| title21 = Bloodlust | |||
| length21 = 1:07 | |||
| title22 = Sunrise of Flutes | |||
| length22 = 2:56 | |||
| title23 = Churl's Revenge | |||
| length23 = 1:08 | |||
| title24 = Deep Waters | |||
| length24 = 1:11 | |||
| title25 = Dusk at the Market | |||
| length25 = 2:11 | |||
| title26 = Peace of Akatosh | |||
| length26 = 4:11 | |||
}} | |||
==Marketing and release== | ==Marketing and release== | ||
''Oblivion''{{'}}s public debut occurred on May 18, 2005, at the ] (E3) in Los Angeles.<ref name="Announce">{{cite web |url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_051705.htm |title=Bethesda Softworks and 2K Games announce The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system |work=The Elder Scrolls |publisher=] |date=May 16, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519230431/http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_051705.htm |archive-date=May 19, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The version shown at E3 was substantially finished; most of the content was already in the game, lacking only the polish that the final months of development would bring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6124431|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Q&A – Oblivion at E3 2005|date=May 17, 2005|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929094012/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6124431|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> Most viewers were impressed by Oblivion's showing, and the game won a number of "best of" awards from a variety of game journalists, among them ]'s "RPG Game of Show",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/618/618469p22.html |title=The Annual E3 Awards: 2005 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=May 24, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207094828/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/618/618469p22.html |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |
''Oblivion''{{'}}s public debut occurred on May 18, 2005, at the ] (E3) in Los Angeles.<ref name="Announce">{{cite web |url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_051705.htm |title=Bethesda Softworks and 2K Games announce The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system |work=The Elder Scrolls |publisher=] |date=May 16, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519230431/http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_051705.htm |archive-date=May 19, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The version shown at E3 was substantially finished; most of the content was already in the game, lacking only the polish that the final months of development would bring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6124431|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Q&A – Oblivion at E3 2005|date=May 17, 2005|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929094012/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6124431|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> Most viewers were impressed by ''Oblivion'''s showing, and the game won a number of "best of" awards from a variety of game journalists, among them ]'s "RPG Game of Show",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/618/618469p22.html |title=The Annual E3 Awards: 2005 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=May 24, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207094828/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/618/618469p22.html |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> '']''{{'}}s "Best Role-Playing Game",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6126660/p-16.html |title=E3 2005 Editors' Choice Awards: Best Role-Playing Game: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC) |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=May 31, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021234555/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6126660/p-16.html |archive-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref> '']''{{'}}s "Best PC RPG",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/619/619565p2.html |title=Best Role-Playing Game: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC) |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=May 31, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530095815/http://pc.ign.com/articles/619/619565p2.html |archive-date=May 30, 2012}}</ref> ''RPGFan''{{'}}s "Overall Game of E3 2005",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/e3-2005/awards/index.html |title=Games of E3 2005 |work=RPGFan |date=May 23, 2005 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725094655/http://www.rpgfan.com/features/e3-2005/awards/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the prestigious "Best Role Playing Game" in the 2005 E3 Game Critics Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=5654 |title=2005 E3 Game Critics Awards Winners Announced |work=] |publisher=UBM Tech |date=June 8, 2005 |first=David |last=Jenkins |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725124540/https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=5654 |url-status=live }}</ref> A near-final build of ''Oblivion'' was shown at Microsoft's ] press tent in January 2006, showcasing the game's exteriors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/05/ces-xbox-360-booth/ |title=CES: Xbox 360 booth |publisher=AOL |work=] |date=January 5, 2006 |first=James |last=Ransom-Wiley |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128024118/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/05/ces-xbox-360-booth/ |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/06/ces-oblivion-readies-for-march-release/ |title=CES: Oblivion readies for March release |publisher=AOL |work=] |date=January 6, 2006 |first=James |last=Ransom-Wiley |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129053813/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/06/ces-oblivion-readies-for-march-release/ |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the months prior to release, anticipation for the game ran high, with critics describing ''Oblivion'' as "the first next-gen game" only heightening attention. Pete Hines, vice president of public relations and marketing for Bethesda, said: "People were expecting the game to cure blindness and heal the sick."<ref name="SCRUP">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23597 |title=Scrolling Up |first=Ellie |last=Gibson |work=] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=March 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323223816/http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23597 |archive-date=March 23, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
2K Games had aimed for a late 2005 publication so that the game could be an ].<ref name="XLAUN">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6135223|title=Nine more games target 360 launch|last=Surette|first=Tim|date=October 6, 2005|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525035208/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6135223|archive-date=May 25, 2011}}</ref> The official release date for the PC and Xbox 360 versions was originally November 22, 2005, but developmental delays pushed it back to March 20, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/elder-scrolls-iv-missing-xbox-360-launch-6136973 |title=Elder Scrolls IV missing Xbox 360 launch |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=October 31, 2005 |last=Thorsen |first=Tor}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=35 |title=Oblivion: Release Date Dramas |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=Planet Elder Scrolls |date=December 10, 2005 |author=Valerias |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083817/http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=35 |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=February 2, 2013}}</ref> A mobile phone version of the game, developed by Superscape and published by Vir2L Studios, was released on May 2, 2006.<ref name="Mobile version"/> The PlayStation 3 version of the game (ported by ]) was released on March 20, 2007, in North America<ref name="PS3NA">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13091 |title=Bethesda Confirms Oblivion PS3 Shipping |publisher=UBM Tech |work=] |date=March 19, 2007}}</ref> and on April 27, 2007, in Europe.<ref name="PS3EURO">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=160219 |title=Oblivion misses Euro PS3 launch |first=Stuart |last=Bishop |date=March 19, 2007 |publisher=Future Publishing |work=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717183430/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=160219 |archive-date=July 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6167680|title=Top titles to miss Euro PS3 launch|last=Boyes|first=Emma|date=March 20, 2007|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930082118/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6167680|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> This version includes graphical improvements that had been made since the PC and Xbox 360 release, and was subsequently praised for its enhanced visual appeal.<ref name="HANDSONHANDSOFF">{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/762/762108p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Hands-on |first=Jeff |last=Haynes |work=] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |date=February 6, 2007 |access-date=September 12, 2007 |archive-date= |
2K Games had aimed for a late 2005 publication so that the game could be an ].<ref name="XLAUN">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6135223|title=Nine more games target 360 launch|last=Surette|first=Tim|date=October 6, 2005|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525035208/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6135223|archive-date=May 25, 2011}}</ref> The official release date for the PC and Xbox 360 versions was originally November 22, 2005, but developmental delays pushed it back to March 20, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/elder-scrolls-iv-missing-xbox-360-launch-6136973 |title=Elder Scrolls IV missing Xbox 360 launch |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=October 31, 2005 |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |access-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818125415/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/elder-scrolls-iv-missing-xbox-360-launch/1100-6136973/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=35 |title=Oblivion: Release Date Dramas |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=Planet Elder Scrolls |date=December 10, 2005 |author=Valerias |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083817/http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=35 |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013154515/https://www.gamespot.com/games/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A mobile phone version of the game, developed by Superscape and published by Vir2L Studios, was released on May 2, 2006.<ref name="Mobile version"/> The PlayStation 3 version of the game (ported by ]) was released on March 20, 2007, in North America<ref name="PS3NA">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13091 |title=Bethesda Confirms Oblivion PS3 Shipping |publisher=UBM Tech |work=] |date=March 19, 2007 |access-date=September 3, 2007 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812020418/https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13091 |url-status=live }}</ref> and on April 27, 2007, in Europe.<ref name="PS3EURO">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=160219 |title=Oblivion misses Euro PS3 launch |first=Stuart |last=Bishop |date=March 19, 2007 |publisher=Future Publishing |work=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717183430/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=160219 |archive-date=July 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6167680|title=Top titles to miss Euro PS3 launch|last=Boyes|first=Emma|date=March 20, 2007|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930082118/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6167680|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> This version includes graphical improvements that had been made since the PC and Xbox 360 release, and was subsequently praised for its enhanced visual appeal.<ref name="HANDSONHANDSOFF">{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/762/762108p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Hands-on |first=Jeff |last=Haynes |work=] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |date=February 6, 2007 |access-date=September 12, 2007 |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207221442/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/762/762108p1.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="PS3INT">{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/738/738319p1.html |title=Oblivion: The PS3 Interview |first=Kathleen |last=Sanders |date=August 11, 2006 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |access-date=September 12, 2007 |archive-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929132538/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/11/oblivion-the-ps3-interview |url-status=dead }}</ref> A ] version of the game was also in development before being canceled.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/leaked-footage-shows-the-cancelled-elder-scrolls-obliv-1777057434 |title=Leaked Footage Shows The Cancelled Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Game For PSP |last=Schreier |first=Jason |publisher=Gawker Media |work=Kotaku |date=May 17, 2016 |access-date=May 17, 2016 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108220729/http://kotaku.com/leaked-footage-shows-the-cancelled-elder-scrolls-obliv-1777057434 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
At the 2007 E3, the ''Game of the Year'' edition for ''Oblivion'' was announced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefront.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-game-of-the-year-edition-announced/ |title=E3 2007: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Announced |publisher=Break Media |work=] |date=July 9, 2007 |author=Daniel}}</ref> In North America and Europe, the game was released in September 2007, for the Xbox 360 and PC,<ref name="XPCGOTY">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition (Xbox 360) Release Summaries|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930040127/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions|archive-date=September 30, 2007|access-date=October 18, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition (PC) Release Summaries |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=October 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604203501/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> and in October 2007, for the PS3;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition (PS3) Release Summaries |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=October 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930013125/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> in Australia, it was released in September 2007, for the Xbox 360 and PC, and in December 2007, for the PS3.<ref name="XPCGOTY"/><ref name="PS3 GotY dates">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-game-of-the-year/related/release/platform/ps3/|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition Related Games|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604165445/http://www.gamespot.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-game-of-the-year/related/release/platform/ps3/|archive-date=June 4, 2013|access-date=February 2, 2013}}</ref><ref name="GOTY">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6173814|title=E3 07: Oblivion GOTY edition announced|last1=Boyes|first1=Emma|last2=Thorsen|first2=Tor|date=July 9, 2007|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204758/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6173814|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> It was also released on ] on June 16, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.steampowered.com/news/2572 |title=News – Bethesda Brings More Games to Steam – Save 20% |work=] |publisher=Valve |date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> A 5th-anniversary edition of ''Oblivion'' was announced and released in North America in July 2011 and in Europe two months later.<ref name="5thAnniversaryEdition">{{cite web|url=http://bethblog.com/index.php/2011/06/07/oblivion-5th-anniversary-edition-coming-to-north-america-on-july-12th|title=Bethesda Unveil Oblivion 5th Anniversary Edition|date=June 7, 2011|work=]|publisher=ZeniMax Media|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127093859/http://www.bethblog.com/2011/06/07/oblivion-5th-anniversary-edition-coming-to-north-america-on-july-12th/|archive-date=November 27, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/09/20/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-5th-anniversary-edition-dated-for-europe/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion 5th Anniversary Edition dated for Europe |work=] |publisher=Videogaming247 |date=September 20, 2011 |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany}}</ref> |
At the 2007 E3, the ''Game of the Year'' edition for ''Oblivion'' was announced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefront.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-game-of-the-year-edition-announced/ |title=E3 2007: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Announced |publisher=Break Media |work=] |date=July 9, 2007 |author=Daniel |access-date=January 29, 2013 |archive-date=April 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426065727/http://www.gamefront.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-game-of-the-year-edition-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In North America and Europe, the game was released in September 2007, for the Xbox 360 and PC,<ref name="XPCGOTY">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition (Xbox 360) Release Summaries|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930040127/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions|archive-date=September 30, 2007|access-date=October 18, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition (PC) Release Summaries |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=October 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604203501/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> and in October 2007, for the PS3;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition (PS3) Release Summaries |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=October 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930013125/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/obliviongoty/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> in Australia, it was released in September 2007, for the Xbox 360 and PC, and in December 2007, for the PS3.<ref name="XPCGOTY"/><ref name="PS3 GotY dates">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-game-of-the-year/related/release/platform/ps3/|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition Related Games|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604165445/http://www.gamespot.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-game-of-the-year/related/release/platform/ps3/|archive-date=June 4, 2013|access-date=February 2, 2013}}</ref><ref name="GOTY">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6173814|title=E3 07: Oblivion GOTY edition announced|last1=Boyes|first1=Emma|last2=Thorsen|first2=Tor|date=July 9, 2007|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204758/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6173814|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> It was also released on ] on June 16, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.steampowered.com/news/2572 |title=News – Bethesda Brings More Games to Steam – Save 20% |work=] |publisher=Valve |date=June 16, 2009 |access-date=April 29, 2011 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112000546/https://store.steampowered.com/news/2572 |url-status=live }}</ref> A 5th-anniversary edition of ''Oblivion'' was announced and released in North America in July 2011 and in Europe two months later.<ref name="5thAnniversaryEdition">{{cite web|url=http://bethblog.com/index.php/2011/06/07/oblivion-5th-anniversary-edition-coming-to-north-america-on-july-12th|title=Bethesda Unveil Oblivion 5th Anniversary Edition|date=June 7, 2011|work=]|publisher=ZeniMax Media|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127093859/http://www.bethblog.com/2011/06/07/oblivion-5th-anniversary-edition-coming-to-north-america-on-july-12th/|archive-date=November 27, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/09/20/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-5th-anniversary-edition-dated-for-europe/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion 5th Anniversary Edition dated for Europe |work=] |publisher=Videogaming247 |date=September 20, 2011 |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |access-date=March 1, 2013 |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930004555/https://www.vg247.com/2011/09/20/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-5th-anniversary-edition-dated-for-europe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Xbox 360 and PC versions of '']'' and ''Oblivion'' double pack was announced for release in North America on April 3; however, it was not mentioned whether the bundled games include any of the downloadable content released for either game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fallout 3 & Oblivion double pack drops April 3 |url=http://asia.gamespot.com/news/fallout-3-and-oblivion-double-pack-drops-april-3-6350639 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=February 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223120338/http://asia.gamespot.com/news/fallout-3-and-oblivion-double-pack-drops-april-3-6350639 |archive-date=February 23, 2012}}</ref> ''Oblivion'' was also bundled with '']'' as a double pack on Xbox 360 and PC on July 7, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shippin' Out July 5-11: The Bigs 2, Tales of Monkey Island|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shippin-out-july-5-11-the-bigs-2-tales-of-monkey-island/1100-6212885/ |publisher=Matthew Peters |work=] |date=July 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019114251/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shippin-out-july-5-11-the-bigs-2-tales-of-monkey-island/1100-6212885/ |archive-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref> | ||
===Rating change=== | ===Rating change=== | ||
⚫ | On May 3, 2006, the ] (ESRB) in North America changed ''Oblivion''{{'}}s ] from T (Teen 13+) to M (Mature 17+), citing game content not considered in the ESRB review, i.e., "the presence in the PC version of the game of a locked-out art file that, if accessed by using an apparently unauthorized third party tool, allows the user to play the game with topless versions of female characters."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/41978/hot-coffee-strikes-again-oblivion |title=Hot Coffee Strikes Again, Oblivion Re-Rated (Updated) |publisher=] |date=May 3, 2006 |last=Remo |first=Chris |access-date=March 2, 2013 |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725141006/https://www.shacknews.com/article/41978/hot-coffee-strikes-again-oblivion |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TBTBTG">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_101/561-The-Breasts-That-Broke-The-Game |title=The Breasts That Broke The Game |first=Michael |last=Zenke |date=June 12, 2007 |work=] |publisher=Alloy Digital |access-date=September 10, 2008 |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328013309/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_101/561-The-Breasts-That-Broke-The-Game |url-status=dead }}</ref> In response to the new content, the ESRB conducted a review of ''Oblivion'', showing to its reviewers the content originally submitted by Bethesda along with the newly disclosed content.<ref name="ESRBPRESS">{{cite web|url=http://www.esrb.org/about/news/downloads/oblivion_release_5.3.06.pdf |title=ESRB Changes Rating for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion from Teen to Mature |date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206215229/http://www.esrb.org/about/news/downloads/oblivion_release_5.3.06.pdf |archive-date=February 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esrb.org/about/news/downloads/oblivion_parent_advisory.5.3.06.pdf |title=ESRB Parent Advisory regarding rating change for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206215218/http://www.esrb.org/about/news/downloads/oblivion_parent_advisory.5.3.06.pdf |archive-date=February 6, 2012}}</ref> | ||
{{main|ESRB re-rating of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion}} | |||
⚫ | On May 3, 2006, the ] (ESRB) in North America changed ''Oblivion''{{'}}s ] from T (Teen 13+) to M (Mature 17+), citing game content not considered in the ESRB review, i.e., "the presence in the PC version of the game of a locked-out art file that, if accessed by using an apparently unauthorized third party tool, allows the user to play the game with topless versions of female characters."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/41978/hot-coffee-strikes-again-oblivion |title=Hot Coffee Strikes Again, Oblivion Re-Rated (Updated) |publisher=] |date=May 3, 2006 |last=Remo |first=Chris}}</ref><ref name="TBTBTG">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_101/561-The-Breasts-That-Broke-The-Game |title=The Breasts That Broke The Game |first=Michael |last=Zenke |date=June 12, 2007 |work=] |publisher=Alloy Digital}}</ref> In response to the new content, the ESRB conducted a review of ''Oblivion'', showing to its reviewers the content originally submitted by Bethesda along with the newly disclosed content.<ref name="ESRBPRESS">{{cite web|url=http://www.esrb.org/about/news/downloads/oblivion_release_5.3.06.pdf |title=ESRB Changes Rating for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion from Teen to Mature |date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206215229/http://www.esrb.org/about/news/downloads/oblivion_release_5.3.06.pdf |archive-date=February 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esrb.org/about/news/downloads/oblivion_parent_advisory.5.3.06.pdf |title=ESRB Parent Advisory regarding rating change for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206215218/http://www.esrb.org/about/news/downloads/oblivion_parent_advisory.5.3.06.pdf |archive-date=February 6, 2012}}</ref> | ||
The ESRB reported that Bethesda Softworks would promptly notify all retailers of the change, issue stickers for retailers and distributors to affix on the product, display the new rating in all following product shipments and marketing, and create a downloadable patch rendering the topless skin inaccessible.<ref name="ESRBPRESS"/> Bethesda complied with the request but disagreed with the ESRB's rationale.<ref name="BRESP">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2006/05/03/news_6148925.html?part=rss&tag=gs_&subj=6148925 |title=Bethesda responds to Oblivion rerating |date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=]}}</ref> Some retailers began to check for ] before selling ''Oblivion'' as a result,<ref name="IEMA">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9160 |title=IEMA Reacts To Oblivion Mature Re-Rating |first=Simon |last=Carless |date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=UBM Tech |work=]}}</ref> and one ] used the event to criticize the ESRB's inefficiency.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/yee-berates-esrb-over-oblivion-re-rating/|title=Yee Berates ESRB Over Oblivion Re-Rating|date=May 5, 2006|magazine=]|publisher=Future Publishing|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412095549/http://www.edge-online.com/news/yee-berates-esrb-over-oblivion-re-rating/|archive-date=April 12, 2014}}</ref> | The ESRB reported that Bethesda Softworks would promptly notify all retailers of the change, issue stickers for retailers and distributors to affix on the product, display the new rating in all following product shipments and marketing, and create a downloadable patch rendering the topless skin inaccessible.<ref name="ESRBPRESS"/> Bethesda complied with the request but disagreed with the ESRB's rationale.<ref name="BRESP">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2006/05/03/news_6148925.html?part=rss&tag=gs_&subj=6148925 |title=Bethesda responds to Oblivion rerating |date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=June 26, 2007 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930233143/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2006/05/03/news_6148925.html?part=rss&tag=gs_&subj=6148925 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some retailers began to check for ] before selling ''Oblivion'' as a result,<ref name="IEMA">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9160 |title=IEMA Reacts To Oblivion Mature Re-Rating |first=Simon |last=Carless |date=May 3, 2006 |publisher=UBM Tech |work=] |access-date=June 27, 2007 |archive-date=December 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227061321/https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9160 |url-status=live }}</ref> and one ] used the event to criticize the ESRB's inefficiency.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/yee-berates-esrb-over-oblivion-re-rating/|title=Yee Berates ESRB Over Oblivion Re-Rating|date=May 5, 2006|magazine=]|publisher=Future Publishing|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412095549/http://www.edge-online.com/news/yee-berates-esrb-over-oblivion-re-rating/|archive-date=April 12, 2014}}</ref> Michael Zenke, editor of '']'' games, remarked on the change's ], which punished developers for content they did not produce.<ref name="TBTBTG2">{{cite journal |last=Zenke |first=Michael |date=June 12, 2007 |title=The Breasts That Broke The Game |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_101/561-The-Breasts-That-Broke-The-Game |url-status=live |journal=] |issue=101 |pages=19–21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101201555/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_101/561-The-Breasts-That-Broke-The-Game |archive-date=November 1, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2007}}</ref> | ||
==Additional content== | ==Additional content== | ||
{{further|Development of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion#Downloadable content|l1=Downloadable content for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion}} | {{further|Development of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion#Downloadable content|l1=Downloadable content for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion}} | ||
Starting in April 2006, Bethesda released small packages of additional ] (DLC) for the game from their website and over the ]. The first update came as a set of specialized armor for ''Oblivion''{{'}}s ridable horses; released on April 3, 2006.<ref name="HRSRMR">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6147013 |title=Oblivion horse armor now available |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=April 3, 2006 |first=Tim |last=Surette |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930095617/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6147013 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/bethesda-announces-new-oblivion-content |title=Bethesda announces new premium Oblivion content |first=Paul |last=Loughrey |work=] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=April 5, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6147320 |title=Next Oblivion add-on priced |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=April 7, 2006 |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807113640/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6147320 |archive-date=August 7, 2007 }}</ref> Although gamers generally displayed enthusiasm for the concept of ]s for downloadable in-game content,<ref name="HRSRMR"/><ref name="BRTOI">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3149299 |title=Bethesda Responds To Oblivion Issues |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=April 4, 2006 |first=Patrick |last=Klepek |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516152408/http://www.1up.com/news/bethesda-responds-oblivion-issues |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |
Starting in April 2006, Bethesda released small packages of additional ] (DLC) for the game from their website and over the ]. The first update came as a set of specialized armor for ''Oblivion''{{'}}s ridable horses; released on April 3, 2006.<ref name="HRSRMR">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6147013 |title=Oblivion horse armor now available |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=April 3, 2006 |first=Tim |last=Surette |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930095617/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?page=1&sid=6147013 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/bethesda-announces-new-oblivion-content |title=Bethesda announces new premium Oblivion content |first=Paul |last=Loughrey |work=] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=April 5, 2006 |access-date=January 30, 2010 |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725153349/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/bethesda-announces-new-oblivion-content |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6147320 |title=Next Oblivion add-on priced |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=April 7, 2006 |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807113640/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6147320 |archive-date=August 7, 2007 }}</ref> Although gamers generally displayed enthusiasm for the concept of ]s for downloadable in-game content,<ref name="HRSRMR"/><ref name="BRTOI">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3149299 |title=Bethesda Responds To Oblivion Issues |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=April 4, 2006 |first=Patrick |last=Klepek |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516152408/http://www.1up.com/news/bethesda-responds-oblivion-issues |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> many expressed their dissatisfaction at the price they had to pay for the relatively minor horse-armor package on the Internet and elsewhere.<ref name="HRSRMR"/> Hines assured the press that Bethesda was not going to respond rashly to customer criticism.<ref name="BRTOI"/> New releases continued into late 2006, at lower prices with more substantial content,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6163580|title=Oblivion getting $2 evil add-on July 13|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=July 11, 2006|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929131201/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6163580|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6156923|title=New $1 Oblivion DL casts spells|last=Surette|first=Tim|date=August 31, 2006|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930012226/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6156923|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> leading to a better reception in the gaming press.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6151636.html |title=Den of Xbox 360 Oblivion thieves uncovered |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=May 22, 2006 |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |access-date=July 9, 2007 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702215656/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/den-of-xbox-360-oblivion-thieves-uncovered/1100-6151636/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6152158 |title=Next Oblivion add-on detailed |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=June 1, 2006 |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525035856/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6152158 |archive-date=May 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6152676|title=Oblivion Mehrunes' Razor add-on dated|last=Sinclair|first=Brendan|date=June 13, 2006|work=]|publisher=CBS Interactive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060921163239/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6152676|archive-date=September 21, 2006}}</ref> Other small DLC packs include a set of houses themed after the game's factions, a new dungeon, and new spells that were absent in the initial release. ''Oblivion''{{'}}s final content pack was released on October 15, 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.gamespot.com/news/6235465.html |title=Bethesda preps last Oblivion download |date=October 11, 2007 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106005919/http://au.gamespot.com/news/6235465.html |archive-date=January 6, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-the-fighters-str/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – The Fighter's Stronghold |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=February 23, 2013 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702084808/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion---the-fighters-stronghold |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
'']'' is an official expansion for ''Oblivion'' released on November 21, 2006.<ref name="Knights release">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/ps3-oblivion-shelved-year |title=PS3 Oblivion Shelved Till Next Year |work=] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |date=November 9, 2006 |last=Smith |first=Luke |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026130438/http://www.1up.com/news/ps3-oblivion-shelved-year |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Downloadable on the Xbox Live marketplace for the Xbox 360 and available for retail purchase for PC users,<ref name="Knights release"/> the expansion content was included in the original version of the PlayStation 3 release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.ps3.ign.com/articles/738/738319p1.html |title=Oblivion: The PS3 Interview |first=Kathleen |last=Sanders |date=October 11, 2006 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=]}}</ref> The expansion was developed, published, and released by Bethesda Softworks.<ref>{{cite web |first=Charles |last=Onyett |url=http://uk.xboxlive.ign.com/articles/745/745729p1.html |title=Oblivion: Knights of the Nine Hands-On |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=November 13, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111062252/http://uk.xboxlive.ign.com/articles/745/745729p1.html |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |
'']'' is an official expansion for ''Oblivion'' released on November 21, 2006.<ref name="Knights release">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/ps3-oblivion-shelved-year |title=PS3 Oblivion Shelved Till Next Year |work=] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |date=November 9, 2006 |last=Smith |first=Luke |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026130438/http://www.1up.com/news/ps3-oblivion-shelved-year |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Downloadable on the Xbox Live marketplace for the Xbox 360 and available for retail purchase for PC users,<ref name="Knights release"/> the expansion content was included in the original version of the PlayStation 3 release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.ps3.ign.com/articles/738/738319p1.html |title=Oblivion: The PS3 Interview |first=Kathleen |last=Sanders |date=October 11, 2006 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |access-date=January 30, 2010 |archive-date=October 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003180306/http://au.ps3.ign.com/articles/738/738319p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The expansion was developed, published, and released by Bethesda Softworks.<ref>{{cite web |first=Charles |last=Onyett |url=http://uk.xboxlive.ign.com/articles/745/745729p1.html |title=Oblivion: Knights of the Nine Hands-On |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=November 13, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111062252/http://uk.xboxlive.ign.com/articles/745/745729p1.html |archive-date=January 11, 2012 }}</ref> The plot of ''Knights of the Nine'' centers on the rise of the sorcerer-king Umaril and the player's quest to defeat him with the aid of the lost crusader's relics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/faqs/2007/the-elder-scrolls-iv-knights-of-the-nine-walkthrough-knights-of-the-nine-801519 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine – Walkthrough – Knights of the Nine |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |access-date=February 23, 2013 |last=Russell |first=Brad |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725200011/https://www.ign.com/faqs/2007/the-elder-scrolls-iv-knights-of-the-nine-walkthrough-knights-of-the-nine-801519 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although it made little change to the basic mechanics of ''Oblivion'', it was judged by reviewers to be a brief but polished addition to the game's main plot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-iv-knights-of-the-nine-review/1900-6162682/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine for PC Review |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=December 4, 2006 |access-date=March 4, 2015 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129202801/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-iv-knights-of-the-nine-review/1900-6162682/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/93008.shtml |title=Review: The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine |magazine=]|publisher=IDG Entertainment |author=Newton |date=January 8, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111132800/http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/93008.shtml |archive-date=January 11, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_oblivionkotn_x360 |title=Review – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Knights of the Nine |work=] |publisher=Gamer Network |last=Purchese |first=Rob |date=November 27, 2006 |access-date=January 30, 2010 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804114750/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_oblivionkotn_x360 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
'']''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/objects/874/874117.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles — Xbox 360 |access-date=October 23, 2011 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215001355/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/objects/874/874117.html |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |
'']'' was released on March 27, 2007, for Windows and Xbox 360, and December 8, 2007, for PlayStation 3. The expansion offers more than 30 hours of new adventuring, and features new quests, voice acting, monsters, spells, armor, and expanded freeform gameplay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/objects/874/874117.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles — Xbox 360 |date=January 25, 2007|access-date=October 23, 2011 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215001355/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/objects/874/874117.html |archive-date=February 15, 2009 }}</ref> It features a new land "that can watch change according to vital life-or-death decisions."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=153278|title=Oblivion expansion: First concrete details|last=Bishop|first=Stuart|date=January 4, 2007|work=]|publisher=Future Publishing|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106023228/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=153278|archive-date=January 6, 2007}}</ref><ref name="ps3SI">{{cite web |title=Interview: Bethesda Softworks' Pete Hines |publisher=] |first=Chris |last=Remo |url=http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=236 |date=February 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802235638/http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=236 |archive-date=August 2, 2009 }}</ref> ''Shivering Isles'' takes place in the realm of madness ruled over by the Daedric prince Sheogorath. The player is tasked by Sheogorath with saving the realm from an approaching cataclysm known as the Greymarch.<ref name="GP">{{cite magazine |author=Newton |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/107898/elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-shivering-isles/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles |publisher=IDG Entertainment |magazine=] |date=April 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927210941/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/107898/elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-shivering-isles/ |archive-date=September 27, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-shivering-isles-2/?page=3 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Shivering Isles |publisher=Future Publishing |work=] |date=February 6, 2007 |last=Porter |first=Will |access-date=February 27, 2013 |archive-date=January 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109032434/http://www.gamesradar.com/elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-shivering-isles-2/?page=3 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
{{Video game reviews | {{Video game reviews | ||
| |
| MC = 94/100 (X360)<ref name="MC360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |work=] |publisher=CBS Interactive |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Xbox 360) |access-date=February 11, 2010 |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129005913/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |url-status=live }}</ref><br />93/100 (PS3)<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PlayStation 3) |access-date=February 11, 2010 |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203054740/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |url-status=live }}</ref><br />94/100 (PC)<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC) |access-date=January 21, 2007 |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203115854/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| |
| 1UP = A<ref>{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Joynt |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv_2 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 30, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518122555/http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv_2 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="1uppc"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Rybicki |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518122525/http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| 1UP = A<ref>{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Joynt |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv_2 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 30, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518122555/http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv_2 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="1uppc"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Rybicki |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518122525/http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| Allgame = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="allgamereview">{{cite web| url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=47508&tab=review| title = Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Review| author = Marriott, Scott Alan | publisher = ]| access-date =April 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114233822/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=47508&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref> | | Allgame = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="allgamereview">{{cite web| url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=47508&tab=review| title = Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Review| author = Marriott, Scott Alan | publisher = ]| access-date =April 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114233822/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=47508&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref> | ||
| Fam = 38/40 (X360)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bethblog.com/2007/07/19/domo-arigato-famitsu/ |title=Domo Arigato, Famitsu |publisher=ZeniMax Media |work=] |date=July 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203012715/http://www.bethblog.com/2007/07/19/domo-arigato-famitsu/ |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | | Fam = 38/40 (X360)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bethblog.com/2007/07/19/domo-arigato-famitsu/ |title=Domo Arigato, Famitsu |publisher=ZeniMax Media |work=] |date=July 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203012715/http://www.bethblog.com/2007/07/19/domo-arigato-famitsu/ |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| GSpot = 9.6/10 (X360)<ref name="gspot360">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/review.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (Xbox 360) |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=March 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123204313/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/review.html |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |
| GSpot = 9.6/10 (X360)<ref name="gspot360">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/review.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (Xbox 360) |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=March 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123204313/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/review.html |archive-date=January 23, 2013 }}</ref><br />9.5/10 (PS3)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-review/1900-6168010/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (PlayStation 3) |last=Mueller |first=Greg |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=February 11, 2010 |date=March 23, 2007 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127093532/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-review/1900-6168010/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br />9.3/10 (PC)<ref name=gspot>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-review/1900-6146661/ |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (PC) |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |date=March 25, 2006 |access-date=March 4, 2015 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129234950/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-review/1900-6146661/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| GSpy = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |first=Justin |last=Speer |url=http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698650p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130220023239/http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698650p1.html |archive-date=February 20, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Joynt |url=http://uk.ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/775981p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083820/http://uk.ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/775981p1.html |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 7, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=gspy>{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698423p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |last=Rausch |first=Allen |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083641/http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698423p1.html |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=live |
| GSpy = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |first=Justin |last=Speer |url=http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698650p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130220023239/http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698650p1.html |archive-date=February 20, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Joynt |url=http://uk.ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/775981p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083820/http://uk.ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/775981p1.html |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 7, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=gspy>{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698423p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |last=Rausch |first=Allen |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083641/http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698423p1.html |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| IGN = 9.3/10 (X360)<ref name="ign360">{{cite web |url=http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/698/698400p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (Xbox 360) |first=Charles |last=Onyett |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 24, 2006}}</ref><br />9.2/10 (PS3)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/775/775711p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (PlayStation 3) |first=Jeremy |last=Dunham |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 26, 2007}}</ref><br />9.3/10 (PC)<ref name=ign>{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/698/698405p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (PC) |last=Onyett |first=Charles |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 24, 2006}}</ref> | | IGN = 9.3/10 (X360)<ref name="ign360">{{cite web |url=http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/698/698400p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (Xbox 360) |first=Charles |last=Onyett |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 24, 2006 |access-date=February 11, 2010 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224200404/http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/698/698400p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />9.2/10 (PS3)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/775/775711p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (PlayStation 3) |first=Jeremy |last=Dunham |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 26, 2007 |access-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-date=January 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104033256/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/775/775711p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />9.3/10 (PC)<ref name=ign>{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/698/698405p1.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review (PC) |last=Onyett |first=Charles |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |date=March 24, 2006 |access-date=February 12, 2007 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702084535/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/25/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| OXM = 9.5/10 (X360)<ref>{{cite |
| OXM = 9.5/10 (X360)<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/editors-choice-gallery/elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion?page=0%2C1 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |first=Ryan |last=McCaffrey |publisher=Future plc |magazine=] |date=November 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029035711/http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/editors-choice-gallery/elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion?page=0%2C1 |archive-date=October 29, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| PCGUS = 95/100 (PC)<ref>{{cite journal |editor-first=Logan |editor-last=Decker |title=Oblivion |publisher=] |journal=PC Gamer US |date=May 2006 |page=80}}</ref> | | PCGUS = 95/100 (PC)<ref>{{cite journal |editor-first=Logan |editor-last=Decker |title=Oblivion |publisher=] |journal=PC Gamer US |date=May 2006 |page=80}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
''Oblivion'' received universal acclaim from critics, and became a commercial success.<ref name="MC360"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news290906oblivionps3 |title=Oblivion set for PS3 launch |publisher=Gamer Network |work=] |date=September 29, 2006 |last=Bramwell |first=Tom}}</ref> The game had shipped 1.7 million copies by April 10, 2006,<ref name="AWARDS">{{cite web |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=April 10, 2006 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |title=Oblivion enjoying epic sales |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147359.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122648/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147359.html |archive-date=September 29, 2007 }}</ref> sold over 3 million copies by January 2007,<ref>{{cite web |last=Groen |first=Andrew |title=Gears Of War, Oblivion hit 3 Million Sold |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Gears-Of-War-Oblivion-hit-3-Million-Sold-2439.html |work=Gaming Blend |publisher=Cinema Blend |date=January 19, 2007 |access-date=March 16, 2012 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702085028/https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Gears-Of-War-Oblivion-hit-3-Million-Sold-2439.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and over 3.5 million by November 2011.<ref name="2011 sales">{{cite web |url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/skyrim-already-approaching-lifetime-sales-of-oblivion/ |title=Skyrim Already Approaching Lifetime Sales of Oblivion |publisher=IndustryGamers |date=December 9, 2011 |last=Brightman |first=James |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402003042/http://www.industrygamers.com/news/skyrim-already-approaching-lifetime-sales-of-oblivion/ |archive-date=April 2, 2012}}</ref> Electronic Entertainment Design and Research, a market research firm, estimates that the game has sold 9.5 million copies worldwide.<ref name="EEDAR">{{cite web |last1=Kollar |first1=Philip |title=Fallout 4 could be a bigger hit than Skyrim |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/10/9673936/elder-scrolls-bigger-than-fallout-sales-data-report |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=November 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113201845/http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/10/9673936/elder-scrolls-bigger-than-fallout-sales-data-report |archive-date=November 13, 2015 |date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Reviewers praised the game for its impressive graphics, expansive game world, and schedule-driven NPCs. ] editor Kristan Reed stated that the game "successfully unites some of the best elements of RPG, adventure and action games and fuses them into a relentlessly immersive and intoxicating whole."<ref>{{cite web |first=Kristan |last=Reed |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_oblivion_x360 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review |publisher=Gamer Network |work=] |date=March 24, 2006}}</ref> GameSpot's ] wrote that compared to ''Morrowind'', which was one of the best role-playing games he has seen in years, "''Oblivion'' is hands-down better, so much so that even those who'd normally have no interest in a role-playing game should find it hard to resist getting swept up in this big, beautiful, meticulously crafted world."<ref name="gspot360"/> '']''{{'}}s Jason D'Aprile stated, "All the games in this series have been known for their sheer vastness and freedom of choice, but the ''Elder Scrolls IV'' takes that concept and runs with it."<ref>{{cite web |first=Jason |last=D'Aprile |url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1108/The_Elder_Scrolls_IV.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review |work=] |publisher=G4 Media |date=April 24, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018172258/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1108/The_Elder_Scrolls_IV.html |archive-date=October 18, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ''Oblivion'' received universal acclaim from critics, and became a commercial success.<ref name="MC360"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news290906oblivionps3 |title=Oblivion set for PS3 launch |publisher=Gamer Network |work=] |date=September 29, 2006 |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |access-date=March 2, 2013 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702105719/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news290906oblivionps3 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game had shipped 1.7 million copies by April 10, 2006,<ref name="AWARDS">{{cite web |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=April 10, 2006 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |title=Oblivion enjoying epic sales |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147359.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122648/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147359.html |archive-date=September 29, 2007 }}</ref> sold over 3 million copies by January 2007,<ref>{{cite web |last=Groen |first=Andrew |title=Gears Of War, Oblivion hit 3 Million Sold |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Gears-Of-War-Oblivion-hit-3-Million-Sold-2439.html |work=Gaming Blend |publisher=Cinema Blend |date=January 19, 2007 |access-date=March 16, 2012 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702085028/https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Gears-Of-War-Oblivion-hit-3-Million-Sold-2439.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and over 3.5 million by November 2011.<ref name="2011 sales">{{cite web |url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/skyrim-already-approaching-lifetime-sales-of-oblivion/ |title=Skyrim Already Approaching Lifetime Sales of Oblivion |publisher=IndustryGamers |date=December 9, 2011 |last=Brightman |first=James |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402003042/http://www.industrygamers.com/news/skyrim-already-approaching-lifetime-sales-of-oblivion/ |archive-date=April 2, 2012}}</ref> Electronic Entertainment Design and Research, a market research firm, estimates that the game has sold 9.5 million copies worldwide.<ref name="EEDAR">{{cite web |last1=Kollar |first1=Philip |title=Fallout 4 could be a bigger hit than Skyrim |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/10/9673936/elder-scrolls-bigger-than-fallout-sales-data-report |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=November 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113201845/http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/10/9673936/elder-scrolls-bigger-than-fallout-sales-data-report |archive-date=November 13, 2015 |date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Reviewers praised the game for its impressive graphics, expansive game world, and schedule-driven NPCs. '']'' editor Kristan Reed stated that the game "successfully unites some of the best elements of RPG, adventure and action games and fuses them into a relentlessly immersive and intoxicating whole."<ref>{{cite web |first=Kristan |last=Reed |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_oblivion_x360 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review |publisher=Gamer Network |work=] |date=March 24, 2006 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125011514/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_oblivion_x360 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s ] wrote that compared to ''Morrowind'', which was one of the best role-playing games he has seen in years, "''Oblivion'' is hands-down better, so much so that even those who'd normally have no interest in a role-playing game should find it hard to resist getting swept up in this big, beautiful, meticulously crafted world."<ref name="gspot360"/> '']''{{'}}s Jason D'Aprile stated, "All the games in this series have been known for their sheer vastness and freedom of choice, but the ''Elder Scrolls IV'' takes that concept and runs with it."<ref>{{cite web |first=Jason |last=D'Aprile |url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1108/The_Elder_Scrolls_IV.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review |work=] |publisher=G4 Media |date=April 24, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018172258/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1108/The_Elder_Scrolls_IV.html |archive-date=October 18, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
'']'' editors noted that the game is "heavily steeped in RPG tradition, however, its appeal stretches far beyond the hardcore RPG demographic thanks to its ease of play, boundless ambition and focused attention to detail."<ref>{{cite journal |date=May 2006 |issue=43 |title=Oblivion |journal=] |publisher=Imagine Publishing |page=112}}</ref> Scott Tobias of '']'' wrote that the game is "worth playing for the sense of discovery—each environment looks different from the last and requires a nuanced reaction—makes the action addictive."<ref>{{cite web |first=Scott |last=Tobias |url= |
'']'' editors noted that the game is "heavily steeped in RPG tradition, however, its appeal stretches far beyond the hardcore RPG demographic thanks to its ease of play, boundless ambition and focused attention to detail."<ref>{{cite journal |date=May 2006 |issue=43 |title=Oblivion |journal=] |publisher=Imagine Publishing |page=112}}</ref> Scott Tobias of '']'' wrote that the game is "worth playing for the sense of discovery—each environment looks different from the last and requires a nuanced reaction—makes the action addictive."<ref>{{cite web |first=Scott |last=Tobias |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-1798209216 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=Onion |work=] |date=April 12, 2006 |access-date=August 8, 2011 |archive-date=May 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527161530/http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion,9113/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''GameZone'' staff commented on how one can spend a lot of the gameplay time by leveling up his or her character, doing various quests, and customizing the character before even starting the main quest.<ref>{{cite web |author=jkdmedia |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/the_elder_scrolls_iv_oblivion_360_review |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – 360 – Review |publisher=GameZone Online |work=GameZone |date=April 3, 2006 |access-date=November 17, 2011 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702113129/https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/the_elder_scrolls_iv_oblivion_360_review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''IGN'' editor Charles Onyett praised the game's storytelling and "easy to navigate menus".<ref name="ign360"/> | ||
Despite the praise, Patrick Joynt of ] criticized the conversations between in-game NPCs and the player: "When an NPC greets you with a custom piece of dialogue (such as a guard's warning) and then reverts to the standard options (like a guard's cheerful directions just after that warning) it's more jarring than the canned dialogue by itself."<ref name="1uppc">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3149202&did=1 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC) review |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |first=Patrick |last=Joynt |date=March 30, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317172232/http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv_3 |archive-date=March 17, 2013 |url-status=live |
Despite the praise, Patrick Joynt of '']'' criticized the conversations between in-game NPCs and the player: "When an NPC greets you with a custom piece of dialogue (such as a guard's warning) and then reverts to the standard options (like a guard's cheerful directions just after that warning) it's more jarring than the canned dialogue by itself."<ref name="1uppc">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3149202&did=1 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC) review |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |first=Patrick |last=Joynt |date=March 30, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317172232/http://www.1up.com/reviews/elder-scrolls-iv_3 |archive-date=March 17, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']''{{'}}s Duke Ferris noted that "the voices occasionally repeat" but was impressed that the developers managed to fit a lot of voiced dialog into the game, where most is "high-quality work".<ref>{{cite web |first=Duke |last=Ferris |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/xbox360/elder-scrolls-4- |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124000153/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/xbox360/elder-scrolls-4- |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review for the Xbox360 |publisher=CraveOnline Media |work=] |date=March 30, 2006 }}</ref> GameSpy's Justin Speer criticized the "disruptive loading stutters while moving across the game world" and long loading times. Speer noted several miscellaneous bugs, such as unintended floating objects and unsynchronized lip-synching and speech.<ref name="gspy360">{{cite web |first=Justin |last=Speer |url=http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698650p3.html |title=GameSpy: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Page 3 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |page=3 |date=March 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083659/http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/698650p3.html |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Onyett of ''IGN'' criticized the disjunction between enemies that scaled up according to the player's level and not their combat abilities or NPC allies, the loading times and the imprecision in the combat system, but stated that "none of those minor criticisms hold back ''Oblivion'' from being a thoroughly enjoyable, user-friendly, gorgeous experience with enough content to keep you returning time and time again."<ref name="ign360"/> | ||
''Oblivion'' won a number of industry and publication awards. In 2006, the game was awarded the title "Game of the Year" at the G-Phoria Video Game Awards and at the Spike TV Video Game Awards.<ref name="G4">{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/628495/G-Phoria-Winners-Announced.html|title=G-Phoria Winners Announced|last=Johnson|first=Stephen|date=August 9, 2006|work=]|publisher=G4 Media|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922020032/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/628495/g-phoria-winners-announced/|archive-date=September 22, 2012}}</ref><ref name="SPKTV"/> At the 24th annual Golden Joystick Awards, ''Oblivion'' was awarded "PLAY.com Ultimate Game of the Year", "Xbox Game of the Year", and "ebuyer.com PC Game of the Year".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/psp/the_elder_scrolls_iv_oblivion/news/oblivion_takes_home_the_shiniest_golden_joystick.html |title=Oblivion takes home the shiniest golden joystick |first=James |last=Orry |date=October 30, 2006 |publisher=Pro-G Media |work=VideoGamer.com}}</ref> The game was titled the best role-playing game of 2006 by 1UP.com,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156878 |title=2006 1UP Awards Winners |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105203008/http://www.1up.com/news/1up-awards-winners |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |
''Oblivion'' won a number of industry and publication awards. In 2006, the game was awarded the title "Game of the Year" at the G-Phoria Video Game Awards and at the Spike TV Video Game Awards.<ref name="G4">{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/628495/G-Phoria-Winners-Announced.html|title=G-Phoria Winners Announced|last=Johnson|first=Stephen|date=August 9, 2006|work=]|publisher=G4 Media|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922020032/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/628495/g-phoria-winners-announced/|archive-date=September 22, 2012}}</ref><ref name="SPKTV"/> At the 24th annual Golden Joystick Awards, ''Oblivion'' was awarded "PLAY.com Ultimate Game of the Year", "Xbox Game of the Year", and "ebuyer.com PC Game of the Year".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/psp/the_elder_scrolls_iv_oblivion/news/oblivion_takes_home_the_shiniest_golden_joystick.html |title=Oblivion takes home the shiniest golden joystick |first=James |last=Orry |date=October 30, 2006 |publisher=Pro-G Media |work=VideoGamer.com |access-date=February 18, 2010 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702084719/https://www.videogamer.com/news/oblivion_takes_home_the_shiniest_golden_joystick |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was titled the best role-playing game of 2006 by ''1UP.com'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156878 |title=2006 1UP Awards Winners |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105203008/http://www.1up.com/news/1up-awards-winners |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> G4,<ref name=G4/> ''IGN'',<ref name="IGNRPG">{{cite web |url=http://au.bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/14.html |title=''The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion'' – Best RPG – Best of 2006 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |access-date=February 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307202818/http://au.bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/14.html |archive-date=March 7, 2012 }}</ref> ''GameSpy'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/pc/index13.html |title=2006 Game of the Year – PC RPG of the Year – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314083803/http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/pc/index13.html |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''GameSpot'',<ref name="GamespotRPG">{{cite web |url=http://au.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/genre/index.html?page=9 |title=20 Best & Worst of 2006 – Genre awards – Best Role-playing Game |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |access-date=March 4, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001124646/http://au.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/genre/index.html?page=9 |archive-date=October 1, 2012}}</ref> ''GameRevolution'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/best_of_2006/8|title=Best of 2006 Awards – RPG|work=]|publisher=CraveOnline Media|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926140756/http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/best_of_2006/8|archive-date=September 26, 2012|access-date=February 17, 2010}}</ref> and '']''.<ref name="pcg2006">{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070617172734/http://www.futureus-inc.com/archives/2007/02/the_13th_annual_1.php | url=http://www.futureus-inc.com/archives/2007/02/the_13th_annual_1.php | archive-date=June 17, 2007 | url-status=live | title=The 13th Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards Reveals The Best Of The Best For 2006 | date=February 2, 2007 | location=South San Francisco, California | publisher=] | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The editors of '']'' presented ''Oblivion'' with their 2006 "Best Technology" and "Best Role-Playing Game" awards, and named it the second-best computer game of the year. They summarized it as "an unforgettable masterpiece".<ref name="cgm16th">{{cite journal | author=Staff | journal=] | title=The Best (and Worst) of 2006; The 16th Annual ''Computer Games'' Awards |date=March 2007 | issue=195 | pages=46–51 }}</ref> In 2007, '']'' magazine rated ''Oblivion'' number one on their list of the top 100 games of all time.<ref>{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Francis |title=PC Gamer's Best 100 PC Games |publisher=Future Publishing |work=] |date=January 11, 2007 |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/154740/features/pc-gamers-best-100-pc-games/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208000114/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/154740/features/pc-gamers-best-100-pc-games/ |archive-date=February 8, 2011}}</ref> During the ], the ] awarded ''Oblivion'' with "]" and "Computer Game of the Year", along with receiving nominations for "]", and outstanding achievement in "]" (]), "]", "]", "]", and "]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGame=850 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details The Elder Scroll IV: Oblivion |publisher=] |website=interactive.org |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106201627/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGame=850 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to the awards won by the game itself, Patrick Stewart's voicework as Uriel Septim won a Spike TV award,<ref name="SPKTV">{{cite web|title=Oblivion nabs Spike TV top honors |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6162929 |first=Tim |last=Surette |date=December 9, 2006 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325175137/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6162929 |archive-date=March 25, 2007}}</ref> and the musical score by composer Jeremy Soule won the inaugural ] for "Best Original Score" through an international popular vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2006/|title=MTV Video Music Awards|work=]|publisher=Viacom International|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206064515/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2006/|archive-date=February 6, 2013|access-date=January 20, 2013}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
{{refbegin}} | {{refbegin}} | ||
* |
*{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/765/765380p1.html|title=Sean Bean Gagging for Oblivion|first=Rob|last=Burman|publisher=IGN Entertainment|work=]|date=February 16, 2007|access-date=August 3, 2007|archive-date=May 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516022532/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/765/765380p1.html|url-status=live}} | ||
* |
*{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=12424|title=Bethesda Confirms Oblivion Expansion For Xbox Live Distribution|first=Simon|last=Carless|publisher=UBM Tech|work=]|date=January 18, 2007|access-date=August 3, 2007|archive-date=December 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227061342/https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=12424|url-status=live}} | ||
* |
*{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3148996|title=The Oblivion of Western RPGs: Is the PC RPG Dead?|first=Patrick|last=Joynt|date=March 29, 2006|publisher=IGN Entertainment|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012085746/http://www.1up.com/features/rpg-dead|archive-date=October 12, 2012|url-status=dead}} | ||
* |
*{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/07/how-modders-saved-oblivion/|title=How modders saved Oblivion|publisher=AOL|work=]|date=October 7, 2006|first=Ross|last=Miller|access-date=July 9, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718160016/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/07/how-modders-saved-oblivion/|archive-date=July 18, 2007|url-status=dead}} | ||
* |
*{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/oblivion-producer-predicts-breakout-hit-in-japan/|title=Oblivion producer predicts breakout hit in Japan|publisher=AOL|work=]|date=July 26, 2007|first=Ross|last=Miller|access-date=August 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070806101001/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/oblivion-producer-predicts-breakout-hit-in-japan/|archive-date=August 6, 2007|url-status=dead}} | ||
{{refend}} | {{refend}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 15:56, 21 November 2024
2006 video game2006 video game
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Bethesda Game Studios |
Publisher(s) |
|
Producer(s) | Ashley Cheng |
Designer(s) | Ken Rolston |
Programmer(s) |
|
Artist(s) | Matthew Carofano |
Composer(s) | Jeremy Soule |
Series | The Elder Scrolls |
Engine | Gamebryo |
Platform(s) | |
Release |
March 20, 2006
|
Genre(s) | Action role-playing |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a 2006 action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios, and co-published by Bethesda Softworks and 2K Games. It is the fourth installment in The Elder Scrolls series, following 2002's The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in 2006, followed by PlayStation 3 in 2007. Taking place within the fictional province of Cyrodiil, the game's main story focuses on the player character's efforts to thwart a fanatical cult known as the Mythic Dawn that plans to open portal gates to a demonic realm known as Oblivion.
The game continues the open-world tradition of its predecessors by allowing the player to travel anywhere in the game world at any time and to ignore or postpone the main storyline indefinitely. A perpetual objective for players is to improve their character's skills, which are numerical representations of certain abilities. Early in the game, seven skills are selected by the player as major skills for their character, with those remaining termed as minor skills.
Development for Oblivion began in 2002, directly after the release of Morrowind, opting for tighter pacing in gameplay and greater plot focus than in past titles. To design the graphics, Bethesda used an improved Havok physics engine, high-dynamic-range lighting, procedural content generation tools that allowed developers to quickly create detailed terrains, and the Radiant AI system, which enabled non-player characters (NPCs) to make choices and engage in behaviors more complex than in past titles. The game features fully voiced NPCs—a first for the series—and the music of composer Jeremy Soule.
Upon release, Oblivion was a critical and commercial success, winning a number of industry and publication awards. It was praised for its impressive graphics, expansive game world, and schedule-driven NPCs, and is considered one of the greatest games ever made. Following a number of smaller content releases, Bethesda released two expansion packs for the game—Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles—which were bundled with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition in 2007, and later re-released as a fifth-anniversary edition in 2011. Oblivion was followed by The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in 2011.
Gameplay
See also: Gameplay of The Elder Scrolls seriesOblivion is an open world role-playing game (RPG) that incorporates open-ended gameplay. The player can follow side-quests, interact with NPCs, dispatch monsters, develop their character, and travel anywhere in the province of Cyrodiil at any time while playing the game, provided that the areas are not quest-specific and otherwise inaccessible when not questing. The game never ends, and the player can continue playing after completing the main quest. The gameplay includes a fast-travel system, in which an icon appears on the game world map every time the player visits a new location. This excludes the game world's main cities which are already unlocked for fast travel from the start of the game. The player can arrive at the desired location instantaneously by selecting the icon on the map.
Character development is a primary element of Oblivion. At the beginning of the game, players select one of ten humanoid or anthropomorphic races, each of which has different natural abilities, and customize their character's appearance. A perpetual objective for players is to improve their character's skills, which are numerical representations of their ability in certain areas. Seven skills are selected early in the game as major skills, with the remainder termed minor. The players level up each time they improve their major skills by a total of ten points; this provides the opportunity to improve their attributes. Attributes are more broad character qualities, such as speed and endurance, while skills are more specific, such as armorer or athletics. Afflictions such as disease and poison can reduce the player's attributes. When players reach 25, 50, 75, or 100 points in a single skill, they unlock new abilities related to the skill.
The game's 21 skills fall evenly under the categories of combat, magic, and stealth, and many skills complement more than one area. Combat skills are used primarily for battle and incorporate armor and heavy weapons like blades, axes, maces, and hammers. Magic skills rely on the use of spells to alter the physical world, to affect the minds of others, to injure and debilitate enemies, to summon monsters to help fight, and to heal wounds. Stealth skills allow the player to crack locks, haggle for goods, use speech to manipulate people, and apply cunning in combat through the use of a bow or with a sneak attack. The spells, weapons, and other tools such that a player needs to employ and enhance these skills, such as lockpicks, can be purchased in shops, stolen from NPCs, or found as loot on the bodies of foes or in dungeons.
Oblivion can be played in either a first- or third-person view, except in the mobile phone version, in which the game can only be played in isometric projection. The player may change the level of difficulty at any time, thereby weakening opponents and increasing the chance of success for particular actions. The screen constantly presents a heads-up display, which provides information about the character's health, magicka, and fatigue, all of which can be increased by leveling up. Health can be restored by spells, potions, or resting; the loss of all health results in death. Magicka enables and is depleted by the use of spells; it is rejuvenated naturally over time, but it can be restored similarly to health. Fatigue affects the character's effectiveness in combat and general efficiency, and can be alleviated by resting, potions, and spells.
Throughout the world are a variety of enemies, including standard fantasy monsters such as imps and goblins, and animals such as bears and wolves. Enemies become stronger, and weapons and armor more effective as the player levels up. This game mechanic of level-scaling was incorporated to maintain a constant and moderate aspect of difficulty. However, level-scaling combined with the leveling system has received criticism, as it has the potential to unbalance the game; characters with major skills that increase on an involuntary basis, such as athletics or armor, can find that they level too quickly, making the enemies proportionately harder than intended.
Plot
Oblivion is set during the Third Era, six years after the events of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, although it is not a direct sequel to it or any other game. The game is set in Cyrodiil—a province of Tamriel, the continent on which all the games in the series have so far taken place.
The story begins with the player imprisoned in a cell for an unknown crime. Emperor Uriel Septim VII (Patrick Stewart), accompanied by Imperial bodyguards known as the Blades, arrives in the prison, fleeing from assassins who have murdered the emperor's three sons and are now targeting him. The emperor and the Blades reveal that the player's jail cell contains a secret entrance to a part of the city's sewer that functions as an escape route. Pardoned by the emperor, the player follows the group into the sewer, where they come under attack by assassins. The Blades' captain is cut down during the fighting that ensues. Knowing he is destined to die by the hands of the assassins, Uriel Septim entrusts the player with the Amulet of Kings, worn by the Septim emperors of Tamriel, and orders the player to take it to a man named Jauffre (Ralph Cosham), the grandmaster of the Blades, at Weynon Priory. Immediately afterward, one of the assassins kills the emperor. The player escapes the sewer and heads out into the open world of Cyrodiil.
The lack of an heir for Uriel Septim has broken an old covenant—the barrier to Oblivion: a dangerous realm that is in another dimension. Multiple gates to Oblivion open, and an invasion of Tamriel begins by magical creatures known as Daedra, killing and destroying anything in their path. Jauffre tells the player that the only way to close the gates permanently is to find someone of the royal bloodline to retake the throne and relight the Dragonfires—with the Amulet of Kings—in the Imperial City. However, there is an illegitimate son named Martin (Sean Bean), who is a priest in the city of Kvatch. Upon arriving at Kvatch, the player finds that the Daedra have destroyed the city and very few survivors remain. A massive Oblivion Gate is obstructing the main city entrance, and the player must venture through the gate into the Deadlands—one of the planes of Oblivion—in order to close it from the inside and allow access to the city. After closing the gate, the player enters Kvatch and takes it back from the Daedra with the assistance of surviving guardsmen. Martin has survived, and the player persuades him to come to Weynon Priory.
The player, now recognized as the Hero of Kvatch, returns to Weynon Priory with Martin, finding that it has come under attack by assassins and that the Amulet of Kings has been stolen. The player escorts Jauffre and Martin to Cloud Ruler Temple, the stronghold of the Blades. There, Martin is recognized as the emperor and is given command of the Blades. The player is optionally entered into their ranks and sets off in search of the amulet. After gathering information, the player learns that the group responsible for Uriel Septim's assassination and the theft of the amulet are the Mythic Dawn, a cult dedicated to the worshiping of Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of Destruction. The cult believes Dagon is the true creator of the world and wish for him to "cleanse" it of all impurities. Killing the emperor and thus removing the barriers to Oblivion was the first step in realizing this idea. The player attempts to infiltrate the secret meeting place of the cult in the hopes of retrieving the amulet. When the player does so, the cult's leader, Mankar Camoran (Terence Stamp), escapes through a portal, taking the amulet with him. The player takes the book that had opened the portal to Martin, who deduces a way to reopen the portal. The player seeks out three key artifacts necessary to recreate the portal: a Daedric artifact, The Blood of the Divines (in this case, the armor of the first Septim emperor serves as a substitute), and a Great Welkynd Stone. With all three retrieved, Martin reveals that a final ingredient is needed: a Great Sigil Stone from inside a Great Gate similar to the one that devastated Kvatch. Martin and Jauffre decide to allow the city of Bruma to be attacked by Daedra so that a Great Gate will be opened. Once it is, the player obtains the Stone and closes the Gate, also saving Bruma.
A portal is created at Cloud Ruler Temple, and the player is sent through to Mankar Camoran's created realm of Paradise. After bypassing Daedra, Mythic Dawn members and obstacles, the player confronts Camoran and kills him. The player returns the Amulet of Kings to Martin, and they subsequently travel to the Imperial City with the Blades to relight the Dragonfires and end the Daedric invasion. They find the city under attack by Daedra and an enormous avatar of Mehrunes Dagon himself. The player and Martin fight their way to the Temple of the One. There, Martin laments that they are powerless against Dagon's avatar and explains that they can only defeat him one way. He bids farewell to the player and shatters the Amulet of Kings, merging himself with the spirit of Akatosh, the Dragon-God of Time, thus becoming Akatosh's avatar. After a battle, Akatosh casts Dagon back into Oblivion and lets out a mighty roar before turning to stone. Martin, whose soul was consumed by the amulet, enters the afterlife to join his forebears. In a telepathic monologue to the player, he sheds an optimistic light, explaining that while the Amulet of Kings is destroyed and the throne again lies empty, the gates of Oblivion are now shut forever, and the future of Tamriel now lies in the player's hands. The Empire's high chancellor sincerely thanks the player for their service during the crisis and proclaims them as the seventh Champion of Cyrodiil.
Development
Main article: Development of The Elder Scrolls IV: OblivionSee also: Development history of The Elder Scrolls seriesThe game was developed by the United States software company Bethesda Game Studios. Ken Rolston, who was Morrowind's lead designer, oversaw the development team. The PC and Xbox 360 versions of the game were co-published by 2K Games and Bethesda Softworks, while the PlayStation 3 version was co-published by Ubisoft in Europe alongside Bethesda. Work on Oblivion began shortly after the release of Morrowind in 2002. By mid-September 2004, Oblivion had been officially announced, and its title revealed.
During Oblivion's development, Bethesda concentrated on creating a system with a more realistic storyline, believable characters, and meaningful quests than had been done in the past. In comparison with previous titles in the series, the game features improved artificial intelligence thanks to the use of Bethesda proprietary Radiant AI software, and enhanced physics facilitated by the Havok physics engine. The graphics take advantage of advanced lighting and shader routines such as high-dynamic-range rendering (HDR) and specular mapping. Bethesda developed and implemented procedural content creation tools in the building of Oblivion's terrain, leading to the expedited creation of landscapes that are more complex and realistic than in past titles.
While designing Oblivion's landscape and architecture, developers worked from personal travel photographs, nature books, texture images, and reference photographs. Procedural content generation tools used in production allowed for the creation of realistic environments at much faster rates than was the case with Morrowind. Erosion algorithms incorporated in the landscape generation tools allowed for the creation of craggy terrain quickly and easily, replacing Morrowind's artificially smoothed-over terrain.
Oblivion's view distance is far greater than its predecessor's, extending player sightlines to the horizon and giving views of distant towns and mountain ranges. According to a Microsoft press release, Oblivion's game world is approximately 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) in size. Wilderness quests, ruins, and dungeons were added to fill surplus space. Content in the dungeons is more densely packed than in dungeons in Morrowind, with an increase in the frequency of creature encounters, quest-related NPCs, and puzzles. However, the populations represented in Oblivion do not match the "thousands upon thousands" described in previous in-game literature. The development team decided to set the NPC populations at a level that would play well, rather than one that would match game lore, since the presence of a large number of NPCs on screen would have caused the game to slow down.
In response to the criticism that NPC behavior had been too simplistic in Morrowind, Bethesda developed the Radiant AI system for Oblivion. NPCs were designed to make choices, rather than complete scripted routines, to achieve predetermined goals. The manner in which goals such as eating, sleeping, reading, and speaking to others are fulfilled is dependent upon the environment, the choices of other NPCs, and programmed personality values. For example, an NPC whose goal is to find food may eventually resort to stealing from others, if they are given the opportunity and if it is in their character. These development mechanics allowed Bethesda to create NPCs who could engage in complex activities.
Audio
Oblivion features the voices of Patrick Stewart, Lynda Carter, Sean Bean, Terence Stamp, with celebrity acquisition and voice production being handled by Blindlight. The voice acting received mixed reviews in the gaming press. While many publications praised it as excellent, others found fault with its repetitiveness. The issue has been blamed on the small number of voice actors and the blandness of the dialogue itself. Lead designer Ken Rolston found the plan to fully voice the game "less flexible, less apt for user projection of his own tone, more constrained for branching, and more trouble for production and disk real estate" than Morrowind's partially recorded dialogue. Rolston tempered his criticism with the suggestion that voice acting "can be a powerful expressive tool" and can contribute significantly to the charm and ambiance of the game. He stated, "I prefer Morrowind's partially recorded dialogue, for many reasons. But I'm told that fully-voiced dialogue is what the kids want."
Oblivion's score was composed by series mainstay Jeremy Soule, a video game composer whose past scores had earned him a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award in the "Game Music Category" and two nominations for an Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) award for "Original Music Composition". The official soundtrack to Oblivion, featuring 26 tracks spanning 58 minutes, was released in March 2006, via Soule's digital distributor DirectSong. Soule had worked with Bethesda and Todd Howard during the creation of Morrowind, and, in a press release announcing his return for Oblivion, Soule repeated the words he had said during Morrowind's press release: "The stunning, epic quality of The Elder Scrolls series is particularly compatible with the grand, orchestral style of music I enjoy composing the most." As in his compositions for Morrowind, Soule chose to create a soft and minimalist score so as not to wear out users' ears. Soule stated that while composing the music, he did not imagine any specific characters or events; rather, he wanted it "to comment on the human condition and the beauty of life." In a 2006 interview, he related that this desire came as a result of a car accident that occurred during his composition of the score. He said, "I ended up rolling in my car several times on an interstate while flying headlong into oncoming traffic ... I felt no fear ... I simply just acknowledged to myself that I've had a good life and I would soon have to say goodbye to all of it in a matter of seconds." Soule sustained only minor injuries, but commented that his feeling during the crash—"that life is indeed precious"—remained with him throughout the rest of the composition.
Remaster
An internal ZeniMax presentation, dated to 2020 and released as part of the FTC v. Microsoft case in 2023, indicated that an "Oblivion Remaster" was earmarked for a release in the 2022 fiscal year, among other unannounced titles. The document was produced prior to Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax in 2021, so it remains unclear whether the project is still in development.
Marketing and release
Oblivion's public debut occurred on May 18, 2005, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. The version shown at E3 was substantially finished; most of the content was already in the game, lacking only the polish that the final months of development would bring. Most viewers were impressed by Oblivion's showing, and the game won a number of "best of" awards from a variety of game journalists, among them GameSpy's "RPG Game of Show", GameSpot's "Best Role-Playing Game", IGN's "Best PC RPG", RPGFan's "Overall Game of E3 2005", and the prestigious "Best Role Playing Game" in the 2005 E3 Game Critics Awards. A near-final build of Oblivion was shown at Microsoft's Consumer Electronics Show press tent in January 2006, showcasing the game's exteriors. In the months prior to release, anticipation for the game ran high, with critics describing Oblivion as "the first next-gen game" only heightening attention. Pete Hines, vice president of public relations and marketing for Bethesda, said: "People were expecting the game to cure blindness and heal the sick."
2K Games had aimed for a late 2005 publication so that the game could be an Xbox 360 launch title. The official release date for the PC and Xbox 360 versions was originally November 22, 2005, but developmental delays pushed it back to March 20, 2006. A mobile phone version of the game, developed by Superscape and published by Vir2L Studios, was released on May 2, 2006. The PlayStation 3 version of the game (ported by 4J Studios) was released on March 20, 2007, in North America and on April 27, 2007, in Europe. This version includes graphical improvements that had been made since the PC and Xbox 360 release, and was subsequently praised for its enhanced visual appeal. A PlayStation Portable version of the game was also in development before being canceled.
At the 2007 E3, the Game of the Year edition for Oblivion was announced. In North America and Europe, the game was released in September 2007, for the Xbox 360 and PC, and in October 2007, for the PS3; in Australia, it was released in September 2007, for the Xbox 360 and PC, and in December 2007, for the PS3. It was also released on Steam on June 16, 2009. A 5th-anniversary edition of Oblivion was announced and released in North America in July 2011 and in Europe two months later. Xbox 360 and PC versions of Fallout 3 and Oblivion double pack was announced for release in North America on April 3; however, it was not mentioned whether the bundled games include any of the downloadable content released for either game. Oblivion was also bundled with BioShock as a double pack on Xbox 360 and PC on July 7, 2009.
Rating change
On May 3, 2006, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America changed Oblivion's rating from T (Teen 13+) to M (Mature 17+), citing game content not considered in the ESRB review, i.e., "the presence in the PC version of the game of a locked-out art file that, if accessed by using an apparently unauthorized third party tool, allows the user to play the game with topless versions of female characters." In response to the new content, the ESRB conducted a review of Oblivion, showing to its reviewers the content originally submitted by Bethesda along with the newly disclosed content.
The ESRB reported that Bethesda Softworks would promptly notify all retailers of the change, issue stickers for retailers and distributors to affix on the product, display the new rating in all following product shipments and marketing, and create a downloadable patch rendering the topless skin inaccessible. Bethesda complied with the request but disagreed with the ESRB's rationale. Some retailers began to check for ID before selling Oblivion as a result, and one California Assemblyman used the event to criticize the ESRB's inefficiency. Michael Zenke, editor of Slashdot games, remarked on the change's chilling effect, which punished developers for content they did not produce.
Additional content
Further information: Downloadable content for The Elder Scrolls IV: OblivionStarting in April 2006, Bethesda released small packages of additional downloadable content (DLC) for the game from their website and over the Xbox Live Marketplace. The first update came as a set of specialized armor for Oblivion's ridable horses; released on April 3, 2006. Although gamers generally displayed enthusiasm for the concept of micropayments for downloadable in-game content, many expressed their dissatisfaction at the price they had to pay for the relatively minor horse-armor package on the Internet and elsewhere. Hines assured the press that Bethesda was not going to respond rashly to customer criticism. New releases continued into late 2006, at lower prices with more substantial content, leading to a better reception in the gaming press. Other small DLC packs include a set of houses themed after the game's factions, a new dungeon, and new spells that were absent in the initial release. Oblivion's final content pack was released on October 15, 2007.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine is an official expansion for Oblivion released on November 21, 2006. Downloadable on the Xbox Live marketplace for the Xbox 360 and available for retail purchase for PC users, the expansion content was included in the original version of the PlayStation 3 release. The expansion was developed, published, and released by Bethesda Softworks. The plot of Knights of the Nine centers on the rise of the sorcerer-king Umaril and the player's quest to defeat him with the aid of the lost crusader's relics. Although it made little change to the basic mechanics of Oblivion, it was judged by reviewers to be a brief but polished addition to the game's main plot.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles was released on March 27, 2007, for Windows and Xbox 360, and December 8, 2007, for PlayStation 3. The expansion offers more than 30 hours of new adventuring, and features new quests, voice acting, monsters, spells, armor, and expanded freeform gameplay. It features a new land "that can watch change according to vital life-or-death decisions." Shivering Isles takes place in the realm of madness ruled over by the Daedric prince Sheogorath. The player is tasked by Sheogorath with saving the realm from an approaching cataclysm known as the Greymarch.
Reception
ReceptionAggregator | Score |
---|---|
Metacritic | 94/100 (X360) 93/100 (PS3) 94/100 (PC) |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
1Up.com | A |
AllGame | |
Famitsu | 38/40 (X360) |
GameSpot | 9.6/10 (X360) 9.5/10 (PS3) 9.3/10 (PC) |
GameSpy | |
IGN | 9.3/10 (X360) 9.2/10 (PS3) 9.3/10 (PC) |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | 9.5/10 (X360) |
PC Gamer (US) | 95/100 (PC) |
Oblivion received universal acclaim from critics, and became a commercial success. The game had shipped 1.7 million copies by April 10, 2006, sold over 3 million copies by January 2007, and over 3.5 million by November 2011. Electronic Entertainment Design and Research, a market research firm, estimates that the game has sold 9.5 million copies worldwide. Reviewers praised the game for its impressive graphics, expansive game world, and schedule-driven NPCs. Eurogamer editor Kristan Reed stated that the game "successfully unites some of the best elements of RPG, adventure and action games and fuses them into a relentlessly immersive and intoxicating whole." GameSpot's Greg Kasavin wrote that compared to Morrowind, which was one of the best role-playing games he has seen in years, "Oblivion is hands-down better, so much so that even those who'd normally have no interest in a role-playing game should find it hard to resist getting swept up in this big, beautiful, meticulously crafted world." X-Play's Jason D'Aprile stated, "All the games in this series have been known for their sheer vastness and freedom of choice, but the Elder Scrolls IV takes that concept and runs with it."
GamesTM editors noted that the game is "heavily steeped in RPG tradition, however, its appeal stretches far beyond the hardcore RPG demographic thanks to its ease of play, boundless ambition and focused attention to detail." Scott Tobias of The A.V. Club wrote that the game is "worth playing for the sense of discovery—each environment looks different from the last and requires a nuanced reaction—makes the action addictive." GameZone staff commented on how one can spend a lot of the gameplay time by leveling up his or her character, doing various quests, and customizing the character before even starting the main quest. IGN editor Charles Onyett praised the game's storytelling and "easy to navigate menus".
Despite the praise, Patrick Joynt of 1UP.com criticized the conversations between in-game NPCs and the player: "When an NPC greets you with a custom piece of dialogue (such as a guard's warning) and then reverts to the standard options (like a guard's cheerful directions just after that warning) it's more jarring than the canned dialogue by itself." GameRevolution's Duke Ferris noted that "the voices occasionally repeat" but was impressed that the developers managed to fit a lot of voiced dialog into the game, where most is "high-quality work". GameSpy's Justin Speer criticized the "disruptive loading stutters while moving across the game world" and long loading times. Speer noted several miscellaneous bugs, such as unintended floating objects and unsynchronized lip-synching and speech. Onyett of IGN criticized the disjunction between enemies that scaled up according to the player's level and not their combat abilities or NPC allies, the loading times and the imprecision in the combat system, but stated that "none of those minor criticisms hold back Oblivion from being a thoroughly enjoyable, user-friendly, gorgeous experience with enough content to keep you returning time and time again."
Oblivion won a number of industry and publication awards. In 2006, the game was awarded the title "Game of the Year" at the G-Phoria Video Game Awards and at the Spike TV Video Game Awards. At the 24th annual Golden Joystick Awards, Oblivion was awarded "PLAY.com Ultimate Game of the Year", "Xbox Game of the Year", and "ebuyer.com PC Game of the Year". The game was titled the best role-playing game of 2006 by 1UP.com, G4, IGN, GameSpy, GameSpot, GameRevolution, and PC Gamer US. The editors of Computer Games Magazine presented Oblivion with their 2006 "Best Technology" and "Best Role-Playing Game" awards, and named it the second-best computer game of the year. They summarized it as "an unforgettable masterpiece". In 2007, PC Gamer magazine rated Oblivion number one on their list of the top 100 games of all time. During the 10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences awarded Oblivion with "Role-Playing Game of the Year" and "Computer Game of the Year", along with receiving nominations for "Overall Game of the Year", and outstanding achievement in "Character Performance - Female" (Lynda Carter), "Game Design", "Gameplay Engineering", "Original Music Composition", and "Sound Design". In addition to the awards won by the game itself, Patrick Stewart's voicework as Uriel Septim won a Spike TV award, and the musical score by composer Jeremy Soule won the inaugural MTV Video Music Award for "Best Original Score" through an international popular vote.
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Further reading
- Burman, Rob (February 16, 2007). "Sean Bean Gagging for Oblivion". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 16, 2007. Retrieved August 3, 2007.
- Carless, Simon (January 18, 2007). "Bethesda Confirms Oblivion Expansion For Xbox Live Distribution". Gamasutra. UBM Tech. Archived from the original on December 27, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2007.
- Joynt, Patrick (March 29, 2006). "The Oblivion of Western RPGs: Is the PC RPG Dead?". 1UP.com. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012.
- Miller, Ross (October 7, 2006). "How modders saved Oblivion". Joystiq. AOL. Archived from the original on July 18, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2007.
- Miller, Ross (July 26, 2007). "Oblivion producer predicts breakout hit in Japan". Joystiq. AOL. Archived from the original on August 6, 2007. Retrieved August 3, 2007.
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