The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, arrived on the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2007, a year after its initial PC and Xbox 360 release. This monumental action RPG plunged players into the vast and vibrant world of Cyrodiil, offering unparalleled freedom and a captivating fantasy adventure. This Oblivion PS3 review explores its enduring appeal and how it brought a truly immersive open-world experience to Sony’s console.

Gameplay: Freedom, Exploration, and Deep RPG Systems

At its heart, Oblivion is defined by its immense open world. From the moment players escape the tutorial dungeon, they are free to go anywhere and do anything. The game doesn’t hold your hand, encouraging organic exploration and discovery. The character creation system is robust, allowing for diverse builds focusing on combat, magic, or stealth. The unique skill progression system means skills improve as you use them, leading to a truly personalized playstyle.

Beyond the main quest, hundreds of side quests await, ranging from intricate murder mysteries to joining powerful factions like the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, or the infamous Dark Brotherhood. The “Radiant AI” system, while sometimes quirky, made NPCs feel more alive, following daily routines and reacting to the player’s actions. On PS3, the game delivered this vast experience, though it was known for longer loading times and occasional frame rate dips, particularly in busy areas or when transitioning between interiors and the open world. Despite these technical limitations, the sheer scale and depth of the game remained intact.

• Vast and truly open-world exploration
• Deep character creation and skill progression
• Hundreds of diverse quests and faction storylines
• Freedom to approach gameplay as combat, magic, or stealth
• Dynamic Radiant AI for a living world

Story and Setting: The Oblivion Crisis

The narrative of Oblivion begins dramatically with the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII, forcing the player character to become instrumental in preventing the “Oblivion Crisis.” This involves closing portals to Oblivion, a demonic realm ruled by the Daedra, and helping the last heir to the throne, Martin Septim, fulfill his destiny.

The world of Cyrodiil is a classic high-fantasy setting, filled with lush forests, ancient ruins, bustling cities, and treacherous dungeons. The visual contrast between the vibrant, idyllic Cyrodiil and the fiery, hellish realms of Oblivion is striking and effective.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual Feast (for its time)

Visually, Oblivion was a stunning game for its era, and its graphics on the PS3 were impressive despite the hardware. The detailed environments, realistic lighting, and expressive character models (though infamous for their “potato faces” in close-up) created a beautiful and believable fantasy world.

The soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule, is iconic and deeply atmospheric, perfectly capturing the sense of adventure and wonder. The voice acting features a star-studded cast (Patrick Stewart, Sean Bean, Lynda Carter), though the limited number of actors for NPCs could lead to repetition.

Legacy: An Influential RPG Giant

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a monumental success, winning numerous Game of the Year awards and significantly influencing subsequent open-world RPGs. Its expansive world, deep lore, and unparalleled freedom set a new standard for the genre. The DLC expansions, particularly the critically acclaimed Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine, added even more content and depth.

Is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. For retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of fantasy RPGs, Oblivion on PS3 remains a captivating experience. While its technical limitations on the console are noticeable compared to modern titles, the sheer scale of its open world, the depth of its RPG elements, and its compelling narrative offer hundreds of hours of immersive gameplay. It’s a true classic PS3 game and a foundational title in the history of console gaming.