The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion -- page 3

The Daedra's In the Details
As you might have guessed from the screenshots, Oblivion's graphics are one-of-a-kind. The environments sparkle with detail, from tiny hovering fireflies to the way iron armor gleams in the sunlight. There's absolutely no doubt about it: when it comes to graphics, Oblivion is the first Xbox 360 title that will make even jaded cynics whistle in admiration. But to truly experience the game's beauty, you'll need an HD TV -- play the game on a standard, non-HD TV and you'll miss most of the fireworks. You'll notice a bit of draw-in here and there, with the odd bush or tree popping out of thin air as you approach, but it's nothing particularly disruptive -- the frame rate remains the chief culprit.

Much like the graphics, Oblivion's sound design adds depth and dimension to every play experience. The sonic palette is at times startlingly realistic. As you wander through the wilderness you'll hear chirping birds, rustling leaves, gurgling streams, and the sound of wind blowing past your ears. Combat scenes, too, brings their own subtle audio cues that add immeasurable to the sensory feedback. Hacking a sword against a heavily armored opponent, for instance, produces hearty "clangs" and "clanks," letting you know that your target is highly resistant to physical attacks and may require a different strategy to defeat.

Oblivion's lush, flowing symphonic score borders on perfection. In fact, the rousing title theme would feel at home in the The Lord of the Rings films. The in-game soundtrack is subdued and atmospheric, kicking into high gear during battle scenes. Unfortunately, the quality is not matched by variety: the score becomes a bit repetitious at times, and you'll hear the same music pop up in dungeon after dungeon. The voice acting suffers from a similar problem, with lively performances but the same handful of actors supplying the roles.

"Onward and Upward! Huzzah!"
There's no way to sum up all of Oblivion in one key passage or phrase. The game is, after all, incredibly deep, and there are an almost infinite number of activities to try and master. Not every activity is equally satisfying (or polished), but the sheer variety of them ensures you'll always have something new and interesting to do. Already beaten the main quest? Then join the local Fighter's Guild and rise through those ranks. Or clear out every dungeon on the map, searching for the ultimate sword. Or just wander the countryside, picking wildflowers and mushrooms. It's all good.

Oblivion's more than just a game -- it's an entire world for the taking, the only single-player RPG that could possibly give a game like World of Warcraft a real run for its money. It's the best $60 you're going to spend this year. So spend it already.

And hey, Bethesda? Can we get a performance patch already?

Comments [4]

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Willi_Wonker

Awesome game, great to play if your between games. You can always get back into it!

BloodyRugburn

Oblivion RULEZ!!! My favorite character type is the Mage because the mage is simply the STRONGEST! I love to make and master different characters - but you should simply stick to one-at-a-time, because making multiples at once adds to more confusion, and cluttered saves. GOooo Bethesda!!! Whoo-Hooo!

The_Muffin_Man

Oblivion is simply... WOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And actually no mage aren't that good, it's better to be a All-Around sort of person because well... combat gives you more strength to hold things, and better health/fatigue. While mage gives you a restoration ability, long range attacks, and the awesome walk-on-water technique. Stealth allows you to sneak up on enemies, steal from chests and people without being seen, and use a bow & arrow to shoot down people. So All-around is the best thing to be in Oblivion... sorry I just got really bored, but all-around is better.

neverliveneverdie

For the final quest in the thieves guild 'Ultimate Heist' I shot the arrow of extrification and went into the Guards area, I got caught and chose to go to jail. Being an idiot, I saved so I can't go back now and the door that opens after you shoot the arrow now says 'you need a key to open this door', so is there anybody that holds the 'Imperial Guard key' or whatever it's called. Because I really am screwed right now. (360 console)

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