The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Epic is too small a word for this masterpiece

I've only played the last two games in the Elder Scrolls Series. I enjoyed Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, however, comparing this one to the current generation offering is like comparing a horse and buggy to a supersonic jet. Oblivion improves on Morrowind in just about every category and then some.

Let's start with the graphics. The visuals are simply gorgeous. From the forests to the towns to the deepest, darkest dungeon, the visuals drip with a realism not found in many games, even on current gen systems and on PC. The character designs are well done, the weapons and items look real and the atmosphere of a damp cave or a homey interior are as real as a 'fantasy' can be.

Another improvment is the combat system. While enjoyable on Morrowind, the fighting mechanics of Oblivion seem more realistic and believable. Though striking someone with an enchanted weapon most likely won't have them flying through the air, the hit detection and overall action physics of the combat, be it melee, ranged, or magical is for the most part, believable.

The gameplay itself recieved a major overall. Alchemy is easier to understand, spells do not fail once cast. You can assign various spells to hotkeys. I do not remember if you can do this in Morrowind or not, but in Oblivion it is very easy to switch between spells on the fly, even in the heart of combat. I only wish there was a way to select potions in this manner as you may not have enough magicka to restore your health, but you've stocked up many 'Restore Health' potions.

The creative element of creating your own spells and enchantments gives you a wide range of choices for what kind of magic you want to use. You are only limited by your imagination, the amount of gold you have and your magic skill. If you want to create a spell that absorbs health and also traps the enemy's soul at the same time, then go for it. If you want to enchant a weapon that damages health and fatigue, leaving the enemy helpless while you pound on him, then it's your choice.

The game's scope is huge. You can literally play for hours, days, weeks, months finding new places, exploring and looting new dungeons, and finding all kinds of treasures before you even begin the main quest, which is lenghty in itself and interesting to the end. With so much to see and do in this game, and the ability to play through the game with a totally different character in a totally different manner gives this game a huge replay value and keeps it from getting stale.

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is one of those rare games that comes along and revolutionizes gaming, giving the player total control over his or her destiny. If you are a fan of open-ended sandbox gaming with a penchant for exploration, discovery, questing, and adventuring, then this is your game. Oblivion awaits!

Oblivion

Oblivion has too be the best game I have played. When it first came out I had just bought my Xbox 360 and it was the only game I wanted. I ended up bumming the money off of my dad. When you first start playing oblivion you quickly realize that this game is going too blow your brains right out of your skull.

The visuals and audio are outstanding in Oblivion they are two of the selling points for this game. Even to this day the visuals and the audio impress me, The scenic sunrise too the torches in the dungeons everything looks crisp and beautiful. The parts that really show off the games perfect audio and visuals is when you climb a huge mountain and look at one of the cities, it truly is a breathtaking view. The music in oblivion set the tone perfectly for everything, you can have some happy go lucky tune playing then suddenly it is a full orchestra playing their hearts out so they can make your battle even more epic.

The story in oblivion never gets old! I have played the whole game through 4 times and it is better every time I play it. I wish they would come out with some oblivion books there is so much too enjoy in this game that it can cover many varieties of entertainment.

The extra stuff in oblivion is what has occupied most of my time this past couple of years, there is no other gaming experience that can top dungeon raiding in oblivion. The game is just packed with fun stuff to do for example, stealing, hunting, swimming, horseback riding, being an arena combatant. That just scratched the surface there is an endless amount of stuff to do in oblivion and I'm not even exaggerating one bit. The content for oblivion has been as been some of the best stuff out there too come out for download.

Bethesda has made a few mistakes with this game and it has been a complaint of mine ever since they have been making games. Make the damn conversations more fun. Mass Effect is the best example come on Bethesda get it together.

Over all, oblivion is an amazing game I recommend it more that any game out there.

The Only Reason That i Got To Purchase The 360

My wife and family were addicted to Morrowind; so it was a wonderful surprise, when it was announced that the new xbox would have a new morrrowind available. So far I havent been able to reproduce my mountain ramping technique in the new game. I have to say that the only downside to this new addition, is the long loading times. I haven't had any freeze-ups or lock-problems, that I experienced with the old game, on the other system.
I also love the fact that you have more options in customizing your character, to include facial modeling. It took a while to get used to the inventory interface, but now I'm not even thinking about it.
I've had to restart, because I'd already cleared out a cavern before trying to complete the fighters faction quest (the one where you are investigating villager disappearance with trolls in the caverns. I had cleared out the trolls and my objective arrow showed that I was supposed to find something in this one area of the cavern, only to find zombies and skeleton parts everywhere)

Live Or Die, Prepare To Ride

Alone in a cell, you are whoever you choose in the province of Cyrodiil. Where you go (once free) is totally up to you, but once you're in the mix of things, prepare to be gone with the wind. In the Elder Scrolls IV you have the option to do hundreds of things such as: Rise to the top in a fighting ARENA, Raid Dungeons and Caves, Retrieve stolen Artifacts, Steal Artifacts, Give your loot up to Bandits, or Ride for the Emporer. You can even say "Forget the World" and Ride for Yourself. Besides the Ugly framerate, and Silly conversation/investigation
options, This game is a *Very* Interesting piece for your XBOX 360 collection. Evil & Fry, Good & Fly, Shop & Buy, Work & Sigh, Live or Die, Prepare to Ride!

Incredible amount of fun and open world action!

This game takes the western RPG to the pinnacle of the genre. It is an all encompassing story that takes off right from the beginning, and you are introduced to a world that seems boundless. You can create and modify every aspect of your character, and there are loads of weapons, armor, spells, and you can even buy your own house. There are guilds to join, missions to accomplish, people to meet, dungeons to explore, secrets to find, massive amounts of plot twists, and huge cities to explore that have their own customs and culture. Indeed, it will keep you busy for hundreds of hours to come, and this is one game that won't disappoint. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion will be on your mind for months to come after you purchase it, and trust me, this is one game where you will get your money worth!