Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've always been told the "good things come to those who wait." Well, in this case a GREAT thing has come.
Like another reviewer, I also just recently purchased my 360 (just yesterday!), though I'd had Oblivion on order for months. I suffered a little buyer's remorse seeing as the $400 for the system really wasn't budgeted at the time I dropped it, but the second I started playing this game, it all seemed to come together.
I'd heard alot about some of the 360's launch titles bombing, and how everyone was still waiting for the "next gen-ness" of this next gen console. So, as a die-hard "Morrowind" fan, my biggest fear was that the hype for this title would match it against standards it couldn't meet. Bethesda has stepped up to the plate and knocked the ball right out of its skin!
Visually, this game is amazing. The grass, the flowers, the trees, the statues, the rocks, the ruins, it's all breath-taking; there's truly no point in trying to describe the visuals here- words simply will not do. The character creation has got to be one of the most meticulous processes I've ever come across; I spent about 40 minutes tweaking my guy's nose, eyes and complexion to get them just right! Long story short, if you invest enough time (because there are tons of features you're able to adjust,) you can most likely make a character that looks disturbingly like yourself...
The combat system is much improved from Morrowind, not to mention more realistic. There's blood now and the 'rag-doll' mechanics are the perfect addition- I didn't even realize I wanted rag-dolls until I chopped a guy down at the top of a staircase who then proceeded to tumble down the stairs and lay beaten in a lifeless heap. My jaw simply dropped; it's the little things. I also like that the magic is a bit more accessible now; you need not toggle between melee and magic stances which made for some awkward moments in Morrowind...
The music is perfect. Unlike the sole score in Morrowind that permeated the entire game from beginning to end, Oblivion sports musical themes of mysticism, nature, dungeons, danger, heroism and a bunch others as far as I can tell. I have yet to feel any need to even think about utilizing the 360's awesome custom soundtrack feature with this game.
While all the reading that turned so many people away from Morrowind never bothered me, I must admit that the fact that everything is voiced over makes for a much more engulfing experience. And I do mean everything! No matter which direction you may steer a conversation, the people you'll interact with are on the ball with pertinent, AUDIBLE responses. And don't forget to eavesdrop every now and again; I've been told that you can even pick up some quest by litterally over-hearing NPCs talking amongst themselves!
That brings me to the NPCs (Non-Player/able Characters.) Unlike Morrowind and every other RPG since time immemorial, Oblivion's NPCs do not wander aimlessly, in predictable patterns or stay still in the same place day after day. These NPCs have been equipped with an AI of sorts that has them live there own life (based roughly on a 24 hour schedule, I believe) and interact with there surroundings! They sleep, they eat, they leave their houses to go to market or hang out in bars!
Oh, and the Collector's Edition IS worth the extra $10; very much so! The manual discussing the history of Tamriel is quite an interesting, descriptive read, and I'll admit a bit of childish pride in owning an authentic replica of a gold Septim! But the real gem of the C.E. is the second disc devoted strictly to detailing the making of this epic game. I'm a huge fan of "behind-the-scenes" stuff; I'm often made to consider things I might miss or take for granted without truly appreciating the labors and details that obviously go into creating games of this magnitude. I came away with an even deeper appreciation for the folks at Bethesda.
I could go on, but I've rambled enough. The game is truly amazing and is a worthy exercise of the 360's potential. Fellow Morrowind fans, if you haven't played this yet, you have no idea what you're missing; this is everything we've always wanted Morrowind to be and more. I'll close by saying that if Oblivion is what we've got to see in a next gen consle only four months after its launch, I get goosebumps imagining what we'll see in the months and years to come.
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Product Description:
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created. This new chapter uses next-generation technologies to create a fully immersive gaming adventure. After the mysterious and untimely death of the Emperor, the throne of Tamriellies empty. With the Empire ready to crumble, the gates of Oblivion open and demons march upon the land. To end this growing darkness, you must find the lost heir to the throne and unravel the sinister plot that threatens to destroy all of Tamriel. Special Collector's Edition includes: Pocket Guide to the Empire, Making of Oblivion Documentary and Septim Gold Coin.Next-generation graphics for lifelike towns, dungeons, and the most realistic forests ever created in a game -- optimized for high-definition TVs
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