Patrick Murphy:
You guys always have things like HDTVs, headsets, and other electronic stuff and I was wondering what you do with all of the th ...
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Posted on: Nov 06, 2007
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
WORDS BY: Ryan McCaffrey
“Are you in or are you out?”
One of Oblivion’s myriad of non-playable characters (NPCs) poses this question to your character during the spectacularly epic fourth chapter in the Elder Scrolls series (and the first since 2002’s Morrowind on Xbox). And it’s the same question you’ll have to ask yourself as you contemplate whether or not to purchase Xbox 360’s first true RPG.
Think carefully, because once you feed the Oblivion disc into your Xbox 360, your new console is going to want to chew on it for a long, long time. Oblivion is that good. It’s also mind-bogglingly grand in scope and colossally huge in size. Fortunately, its breadth does not require the hundreds of hours of commitment (or tedium) the way a massively multiplayer RPG does; indeed, its main story can be completed in 20-25 hours.
But the heaping 100-hour helping of gameplay is there if you want it. And you likely will because the primary story arc is not what you’ll remember most about Oblivion. In fact, it’s the least awesome part of the game. The driving plotline (which involves the search for a new emperor and the simultaneous race to stop hell itself from spilling into Tamriel – y’know, RPG stuff…) does, to its credit, feature its share of great moments. For instance, once you find the heir to the throne, you’ll embark on a 20-minute horseback caravan with the heir and his bodyguard, trekking north into a sanctuary into the mountains, through the snow, and past danger. Another quest has you traveling to all nine of the land’s architecturally unique and culturally diverse cities to recruit aid from each respective governor in advance of a monstrous clash between Tamriel and Oblivion.
However, it’s the rest of Oblivion’s detailed, fleshed-out world that will keep you hooked for months (you can keep playing after the primary plotline is concluded). The vast landscapes are visually breathtaking and unlike anything we’ve ever seen on either Xbox, resplendent with dynamic, region-specific weather, gorgeous lighting 24/7, and diverse geography.
Speaking of geography, it genuinely takes a long time to hoof it across Tamriel. In fact, were it not for the “fast travel” option (select any visited area from your map to transport there instantly), Oblivion would be a 400-hour bore. Still, don’t neglect the wilderness entirely. As you explore the great outdoors, you’ll discover all kinds of surprises, including shrines you can pray at for stat buffs, caves to plunder, mines to clean out, forts to investigate, and even entire hidden towns to explore. Fortunately, both required and optional quests do a decent job of occasionally forcing you out into uncharted territory. But these pilgrimages only scratch the surface of what’s out there.
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 17:15
Posted by soccer07
This game is really fun, and you have alot of options in it. After playing it for a long time, it still is additive. It is a very fun game, and there is alot to do in it. I give it a 9.6/10
Wed, 07/23/2008 - 00:04
Posted by T.Frieden
This game is just brillant. I remember playing the whole summer last year trying to get everything, and its still the top contender for my favorite game on Xbox 360, alongside GTA 4.
Fri, 07/18/2008 - 03:01
Posted by Aoaystheory
I played Elder Scrolls: Morrowind and was instanly addicted. I played that game for about 150 hours + and when I heard about TES IV I watched every video, trailer, ect, they had to offer. The only reason I really got my XBOX was because of this game and it didnt dissapoint me in the slightest. I wish they would have gave this a 10! It really deserves it. As for TES V, I can't wait!
Wed, 06/25/2008 - 20:07
Posted by DragonDust02
I've been playing this game off and on since the game came out. I base the greatness of all other RPG's on oblivion. There is soo much fun to be had and the replayabilty is great. There are several types of characters to play and that greatly changes how you play.
The load times can be a bit frustrating but at least they do incorporate tips on the load screen that actually do help. I strongly recommend this game for anyone. It's not your typical turn based RPG, but a live action RPG. With several Downloadable items and 2 new expansion packs this game packs many an hour of chest robbing,sword swinging,dungeon exploring, magic using, stealth using,potion creating,Quest completing fun.
Thu, 05/01/2008 - 01:02
Posted by Umbra53
This game is my favorite game EVER, as I've discovered in my over 600 hour 2 year expanse and is by far, the best RPG of all time.
Tue, 04/22/2008 - 13:44
Posted by geek24
i love this game becuse you can spend houers upon houers playing but i hate the vampire thing
Mon, 04/21/2008 - 02:50
Posted by Hellrasier1986
Ok with all then add-ons to this great RPG makes it the best game ever.
Sun, 04/20/2008 - 13:44
Posted by tayjhdoh
Warning this game is a awsome rpg
Sun, 03/30/2008 - 22:11
Posted by Mcillist
I second what Supernova said this was the game that swayed me into getting a xbox360. A friend recommended it SO i got the system and elder scrolls and lost about 450 hours of my life i'll never want back. But as for TES 5? I would be just as happy if we got another Shivering Isles sized download however unlikely that is the game does deserve a 10!
Mon, 03/24/2008 - 21:44
Posted by Axe Argonian
This game deserved a 10. One of the awesomest games on the Xbox 360.
Tue, 02/12/2008 - 00:15
Posted by dietcoke4fatty
i got hooked on this game for about 220 hours then all the other games came out and stoped completly but i wanna start playin agian eventually
Wed, 02/06/2008 - 00:20
Posted by Akneebreeated
I have logged over 200 hours on this game, its well worth the 60 bucks I payed for it. I agree with some of the other comments, that TES IV should have earned a 10. I cant wait for TES V!
"It feels like a kaola bear crapped a rainbow in my head."
Wed, 01/23/2008 - 00:17
Posted by usethefork
Gah! I still don't see how this game didn't earn a 10 while Mass Effect did....
_____________________________________
Don't use the spoon. Seriously.
Wed, 01/09/2008 - 17:45
Posted by xTmX_KrazyKat
This game earns my very rare 10 out of 10
By the does not mean perfect just means it is a legendary game, A classic in its own time
And it is my personal 2006 GOTY
xTmX = Team Minori7Y
Thu, 01/03/2008 - 02:11
Posted by rainbow man
this game is probably the best game in my library except for halo3 (got it for christmas).So if you hav'nt played this game you stink!
Thu, 12/27/2007 - 19:22
Posted by Rosenrot94
when you go to play the game from your Xbox dashboard, click on oblivion but hold the A button down until the bethesda thing shows up, that should make it faster.
Sat, 12/22/2007 - 04:41
Posted by shadylurker
i have this game and i got all acheiments and then my xbox broke so i got a new xbox right? and now the game is sooooo slow like when i open a bag or search a dead body it takes like ten seconds to open can anyone help
Mon, 12/17/2007 - 02:09
Posted by ELIT3 squir3l
do u think theyll ever make a elder scrolls V
Wed, 11/21/2007 - 05:52
Posted by USMCfaithful
There isnt gonna be a TES V because Bethesda is working on Fallout 3
Thu, 11/15/2007 - 04:34
Posted by Supernova Bliss
This game was what swayed me to buy the 360. It is an amazing game that has consumed countless hours of my life in its massive explorable area of Cyrodiil. I can only imagine what TES V will bring...