Ask most gamers who experienced the Xbox 360 era, and despite the infamous Red Ring of Death, they'll likely share fond memories with you. Among those memories, *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* stands out vividly for many Xbox 360 owners, including myself. During my time at Official Xbox Magazine, while *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* on Xbox didn't quite capture my interest, *Oblivion*—originally planned as a launch title for the second Xbox—instantly captivated me. Leading up to its launch, we dedicated multiple cover stories to *Oblivion*, and the screenshots alone were breathtaking. I eagerly took every opportunity to visit Bethesda in Rockville, Maryland, for these features.

When the time came to review *Oblivion*, and exclusive reviews were still a norm, I jumped at the chance once again. I returned to Rockville and spent four glorious, consecutive 11-hour days immersed in a conference room in Bethesda’s basement, living in the stunning world of Cyrodiil. Before heading back home, I had logged 44 hours on a submission build using an Xbox 360 debug kit. This led to my heartfelt 9.5 out of 10 review for OXM, which I still stand by. *Oblivion* was an incredible game, filled with engaging quests like the Dark Brotherhood, unexpected surprises such as the unicorn, and much more. Having to start over with the final retail version didn't deter me; I eagerly invested another 130 hours into the game.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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The remastered release of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* on modern platforms is something I'm thrilled about. For gamers who grew up with *Skyrim*, this remastered version marks their first "new" mainline Elder Scrolls game since *Skyrim* debuted over 13 years ago. While fans of all ages eagerly await *The Elder Scrolls VI*, which is still likely years away, younger gamers get to experience *Oblivion* anew.

However, I must admit that *Oblivion* might not resonate the same way for today's gamers as it did for me back in March 2006. It's a two-decade-old game now, and while Bethesda has updated it this year instead of waiting for the 20th anniversary, the game's impact has been built upon by other titles, including Bethesda's own *Fallout 3*, *Skyrim*, *Fallout 4*, and *Starfield*. Additionally, the visual impact of *Oblivion* in 2006, when it was arguably the first true next-gen game of the HD era, doesn't hold the same awe today. The remaster looks better than the original, but it doesn't stand out as dramatically as it once did. Remasters aim to modernize older games for current platforms, unlike full remakes like *Resident Evil*, which are rebuilt from the ground up to match contemporary standards.

*The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* was the perfect game at the perfect time. It fully utilized HD televisions and expanded the scope of open-world gaming, delivering a visual and experiential punch to console gamers accustomed to 640x480 interlaced displays. (Not to mention, *Fight Night Round 3* released by EA in February 2006 was also stunningly beautiful.)

My memories of *Oblivion* are plentiful, filled with discovery and adventure. For first-time players, I recommend either rushing through the main quest or saving it for last. Once you start the main questline, Oblivion gates will begin to spawn, so it's best to deal with them early on.

The technological leap from *Morrowind* to *Oblivion* might be unmatched, though perhaps *The Elder Scrolls 6* will bring something similar if we wait long enough. Playing *Oblivion Remastered* won't feel as revolutionary as it did back then, especially for those who grew up with *Skyrim*. Yet, whether you're a first-time player or a veteran with hundreds of hours logged, *Oblivion*'s fully realized medieval fantasy world, with its surprises and adventures, remains my favorite in the Elder Scrolls series. I'm thrilled it's back, even if its release was anticipated for some time.