Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- August 27, 2005 11:04 AM PST
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Oblivion is one of the most mind-blowing Xbox 360 games we've seen yet.
Plenty of games boast jaw-dropping graphics and fun gameplay. But how many are able to weave those qualities into a gripping, immersive, thought-provoking experience? Gamers, prepare to meet Oblivion.Real, Only Fake
One of the most striking things about Oblivion is the way it goes out of its way to simulate the "real" world. The good people of Tamriel roam the streets at will, running errands and chatting with passersby. This magic is made possible by Oblivion's highly sophisticated Radiant AI system, which assigns every single character a 24-hour schedule. If that doesn't amaze you, consider that there are over 1000 unique non-player characters in the game.
Because the game realistically tracks the actions of each character, you won't spot shopkeepers up selling goods at 3 a.m.; they'll be fast asleep. That's bad news if you want to buy a killer new Bastard Sword, but excellent news if you want to suck their blood on the sly (if you're inclined toward vampirism) or steal some of their precious, precious wares. Just like in real life! Minus the vampirism. Even the now-standard environment physics--which are being taken to a new level, thanks to the Xbox 360's prodigious processing power--make the world seem more real, more alive, more substantial. From picking pockets to using telekinesis, Oblivion's physics system is truly grounded in the physical.
Living in Oblivion
But Oblivion goes beyond fancy conversations and parlor tricks: the game is devoted to creating a world so real, so immersive, so tangible, that you'll feel like you can reach out and feel the rough edges. Take the forests, for example. They're not only gorgeous to behold, they're loaded with activities and side quests. You'll be able to hunt deer, pick mushrooms, and mix potions that incorporate the natural ingredients you harvest.
If picking daisies isn't bloodthirsty enough for you, understand that you'll have plenty of flexibility when it comes to nuts-and-bolts combat. Want to be a bow-and-arrow stealth expert? No problem. A fire-slinging warlock? Easy. And you'll grow into these classifications organically, not by upgrading stat points. If you swing your sword enough, you'll get stronger, and so on. Better yet, the control scheme is simple enough that you can harness melee attacks, defense, and magic all at the same time. No more clumsy skill swapping!
Yeah, so we're really, really excited about Oblivion. Perhaps it's because we've seen the game in motion and we know what it's capable of. In the end, there's only one question remaining--when can we buy it? Look for word of the release date on GamePro.com.
Blinded by the Light
Todd Howard, Executive Producer of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, sheds a little light on the game's dazzling Radiant A.I. system.
GP: It's one thing to hear that all the NPCs have real lives, jobs, and goals. Does that ever impact upon the player, or does it just make for a more realistic town environment?
Todd Howard: As you play, you start to figure out how you can influence NPC behavior, and when doing a quest, it really comes into play. A simple "get the diamond from that guy... quest can be done in hundreds of ways now. Is he sleeping? When is he home? Does he take the diamond to work with him? Does he like me? Should I kill him? Pick his pocket? Steal his food and see if he sells the diamond to eat?
GP: In conversation, do different dialogue strategies trigger different responses? Will it really matter whether you act like a bully, a joker, or a straight man?
Todd Howard: In general, you'll get quests and information from people who like you, so the different persuasion techniques all boil down to making the NPC like you more. If you don't have the conversation skills to do that, you can plow through by bribing people, performing quests for them, or, as many do, just killing them and taking what you need.
