The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006, 360, PC) – 10/10 swords-and-sorcery fantasy role-playing game review

Cast / crew Executive Producer: Todd Howard Senior Producer: Ashley Cheng Lead Programmer: Guy Carver Lead Programmer: Craig Walton Lead Artist: Matthew Carofano Lead Character Artist: Christiane Meister Lead Dungeon Artist: Istvan Pely Lead Designer: Ken Rolston Producer: Gavin Carter Producer: Craig Lafferty Patrick Stewart: Emperor Uriel Septim Sean Bean: Martin Septim Terence Stamp: Mankar Camoran Lynda Carter: Female Nords / Female Orcs Ralph Cosham: Jauffre / Vincent Valtieri / Male Bretons Wes Johnson: Lucien Lachance / The Grey Fox / Pelinal Whitestrake / The Arena Announcer / Dremora / Male Imperials Michael Mack: Baurus / Owyn / Male Redguards Craig Sechler: Hgh Chancellor Ocato / Falcar / Alval Uvani / Faelian / The Adoring Fan / Male Dunmer / Male Altmer / Male Bosmers

Elder Scrolls IV, The: Oblivion (2006) Languishing in prison you find yourself interrupted by a very surprised Emperor’s bodyguard swiftly followed by the Emperor himself. It seems that the Emperor’s secret escape tunnel is located in your cell and that the cell should, obviously, be empty at all times. Emperor Uriel Septim seems less surprised and tells you that he saw you in a dream and that you should follow them. This is a ticket to freedom, true freedom, as when you finally leave you could assist the Emperor and his Knights’ mission. Or not, it’s up to you; you could become a mercenary and buy yourself a nice house. Or both! What will you do? 10/10 Truly impressive and immersive fantasy action romp. Everything is just that little bit better than normal, just that little bit better than even good games. The quests tend to be little bit more interesting than usual.  The dialogue is more engaging than usual despite sounding like only four people voiced the entire populace outside of Patrick Stewart and Sean Bean. The offensive and defensive combat is just a bit more involving than usual; my setup eventually had a 70% chance of reflecting damage back on the attacker so they’d essentially hack and magic and bash themselves to death while I stood there saying "Stop hitting yourself. Stop hitting yourself. Stop hitting yourself." The locations are just that bit better designed than usual; you could tell which town you were in without referring to a map and where the temple, your house and preferred merchants were. This is one of the best, and biggest, games ever released and it casts a gigantic shadow over every other swords-and-sorcery-themed western RPG released since. Because they’re not as good. This game contains mild swear words, mild adult dialogue and fantasy substance abuse and fantasy, blade, projectile and melee violence. Classified 15 by BBFC. Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.

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