The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Reviews

Four more very enthusiastic reviews for Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion hit the web over the weekend. The first is at GameSpot with an overall score of 9.6/10 for the Xbox 360 version:

What’s overwhelming about Oblivion is how good it is and how much there is to it. Literally almost everything that’s ever been done well before in past role-playing games is in here–done at least as well, if not better. From the quality of the story and character interaction to the pure thrill of the combat to all the pleasure to be found in the game’s little details–the lock-picking minigame, the alchemy system, the way arrows stay stuck in their victims, the ability to eventually create your own spells, the informative full-color manual, all the different books you can stop to read in the game–these things combine to make Oblivion one of the single best, longest-lasting gaming experiences to be had in a long time. It’s just too bad there’s no multiplayer.

Just kidding.

The second is at GameSpot with an overall score of 9.3/10 for the PC version:

All of that aside, the main quest in Oblivion features a solid good-versus-evil storyline that’ll give you a reason to see a lot of the world and get wrapped up in a lot of other activities. Much of the main quest revolves around the good-natured illegitimate son of the emperor, voiced to perfection by Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings, Patriot Games), and how you become his trusted ally in a desperate attempt to rid the world of what’s essentially an invasion from hell. The title of the game refers to a hellish realm from which demons are springing forth and besieging the land of Tamriel, and you get wrapped up in the middle of an effort to put a stop to it. While this main quest doesn’t branch wildly depending on the disposition of your character, you can go about it while being as good or as evil or as chaotic-neutral as you please.

The third is at IGN PC with an overall score of 9.3/10:

I’ve done enough blabbering and hairsplitting. Is the Elder Scrolls IV worth a purchase? Definitely. If you checked the Xbox 360 page, you’ll notice it got the same score as this version. If you’re an RPG fan, it’s an incredible experience. If you regularly beat RPG fans with hockey sticks, you should still try this one out. It’s got combat issues, the hotkey system could have been implemented better and some may be ticked off by the environmental loading stutters. Also, keep in mind your loading times aren’t going to be seamlessly smooth unless you’re playing on a high-end rig. For most gamers with mid-range PCs, you’re going to experience hitches. PC gamers get the benefit of the Elder Scrolls IV Construction Set, a big asset for modders looking to expand their Oblivion experience beyond the scope of what Bethesda envisioned. Let it be said, the PC version has advantages. However, because of the PC market’s RPG competition, the score remains what the same as Oblivion on the Xbox 360. Despite any criticisms, Oblivion remains a thoroughly enjoyable, user-friendly, gorgeous experience with enough content to keep you returning time and time again.

And the fourth is at GamePro with an overall score of 4.5/5:

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.