The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review by AI

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review by AI

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game Review

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, developed by Bethesda Game Studios and released in 2006, is a landmark RPG that helped redefine open-world gameplay. As the fourth main installment in the Elder Scrolls series, Oblivion transports players to the province of Cyrodiil, a richly detailed world filled with political intrigue, ancient ruins, and supernatural threats.

Story & Setting

The game begins with the assassination of the Emperor, setting off a chain of events that leads to the opening of the gates of Oblivion — a hellish realm ruled by the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon. As the protagonist, you are thrust into the middle of this crisis and must find the Emperor's last heir to prevent the realm from falling into chaos.

The narrative is engaging but gives players the freedom to ignore the main quest for as long as they like. The real strength lies in the massive world of side quests, factions (like the Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild), and exploration.

Gameplay

Oblivion is a first/third-person RPG that emphasizes freedom of choice. You can create your own character with unique skills, race, and class, and play the game however you like — be it as a stealthy assassin, a powerful mage, or a noble knight.

Combat and magic systems are more refined than in Morrowind, although still somewhat clunky by today’s standards. Level scaling can also be frustrating; enemies level up with you, sometimes making progress feel unrewarding.

Graphics & Sound

For its time, Oblivion was visually groundbreaking. The vast forests, majestic cities, and realistic lighting effects were impressive in 2006. While the graphics may feel dated now, the world design still holds up thanks to strong artistic direction.

The soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule, is memorable and atmospheric. Voice acting, while ambitious, is limited by the small number of voice actors — leading to repetition and occasionally immersion-breaking moments.

Mods & Community

One of Oblivion’s greatest strengths is its modding community. Thousands of mods have been created over the years, improving graphics, gameplay mechanics, and even adding new quests and areas. With mods, the game can be revitalized and tailored to any playstyle.

Verdict

Despite its age, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remains a classic RPG that paved the way for future open-world games. Its depth, freedom, and immersive world continue to attract new players nearly two decades after its release. While some mechanics show their age, its charm, storytelling, and mod support make it a must-play for RPG fans.