Release Dates

03/13/07

09/27/07

04/27/07

TBA

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is the fourth installment in the Elder Scrolls series of open-roaming open-ended Role-Playing Games. Oblivion plays similar to the prequel, Morrowind, which was released on the PC and the original Xbox. However, Oblivion is better adapted to console controls this time around, such as designed for controller menus and assignable hotkeys using the D-pad. Another welcome addition is the ability to "quick travel" to locations you’ve been. Simply choose a location on the map and you will appear there (time still passes in-game).

Like Morrowind, the player can choose among a number of preset character classes or create a custom character. Your character will have added uniqueness through choosing a birth sign that grants a lifelong special ability. Character stats are improved through practicing skills, which develop the related skills. For example, fighting with a sword will train your skill with blades and as a result improve your strength. Haggling your way to better deals will improve your bartering skill. Characters gain levels from training major skills rather than accumulating general experience points from combat.

This edition of Elder Scrolls takes place in Cyrodil, the province west of Morrowind and the seat of the Tamriel Empire. The game begins with you finding yourself in prison and then freed in the Emporer’s attempt to escape assassins. Although you and the royal guards try to protect the Emporer, he is assassinated. You are then charged to find his heir. However, with Oblivion's open gameplay, you can choose to go off and do something else entirely. There are numerous towns, each with a wide array of quests to tackle, from solving petty disputes between neighbors to protecting towns from demonic invasion. In this era, Tamriel is under attack by the armies of the Daedric Prince from Oblivion.

There are always numerous ways to solve problems in Oblivion. You can fight your way through it (you can fight anyone including guards and townsfolk), talk your way through (using your speechcraft skill, bribes, and the persuasion minigame), steal (you can sneak, pick pocket, lockpick, etc.), or conjure a solution with magic. The ultimate in realistic RPGs, drops from killing something are the actual gear the person or beast was using. Like the shiny armor someone else is wearing? You can take it.

The PS3 version includes the Knights of Nine additional content that requires a paid purchase for PC and Xbox 360 versions. However, the upcoming Shivering Isles expansion has only been announced for the Xbox 360 and PC versions.