Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Video Game Review

OK, I have yet to put a video game review on my blog owing to the fact that I am in school and the given cost of purchasing a video game brand new usually sees me waiting till the game is cheap brand new or purchasing a video game used.

That being said, I picked up a used copy of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Platform: Xbox 360

Genre: Role Playing Game

Release date: 2006

I haven't played any of the previous Elder Scrolls titles and had only heard good things about the franchise, so I didn't know exactly what to expect but was anticipating a good game, and overall the title does not disappoint.

Graphics. Very rich and detailed. The Elder Scrolls world is huge with plenty of colour, contrast, and texture to the outdoor and indoor worlds your character can inhabit. The only drawback I noticed is that some of the actions the main character can do are a bit 'stiff' looking. For example, when the character jumps, his or her body will remain in the exact same position during the jump which looks rigid, and when the character is standing in one spot and you make the character turn on the spot 360 degrees, the characters legs don't move at all. Otherwise the details on the main character and other characters and creatures in the game are nicely rendered.

Sound. A beautiful orchestral score adds to the fantasy setting of the game. The music shifts nicely to accompany the varying situations the character is in, such as when combat ensues. There are plenty of swordplay and magical sound effects to enhance the fantasy element of the game as well. I noticed Patrick Stewart, of Star Trek: The Next Generation fame, lends his voice to the game.

Play Control. Pretty easy to use overall. I found the map, item, and weapons menus took a little time to get used to navigating wise but your character reacts quickly with a push of a button.

Story. Quite involved with the larger quest consisting of several smaller quests that are not necessary to finish the overall game, but get you experience, money, or other items of interest when you complete the smaller quests. You can modify the race and gender of the main character and even alter the characters 'sign' which changes the game story a little so you get extra replay value out of the game if you play the game again and alter your character according to the race, gender, and good vs. evil alignment you choose for your character.

Graphics: 4.5 out of 5.

Sound: 5 out of 5.

Play Control: 4.5 out of 5.