The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition: PlayStation 3

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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition: PlayStation 3

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an interactive tutorial to familiarize you with the controls), you enter a virtual world with what could be the most freedom any video game has offered before. After gaping at the astounding graphics of the world map (I have not played the 360 version, but based on screenshots I have seen, the PS3 release is by far the better of the two), your choices are truly limitless.

Perhaps you wander immediately into the Ayleid Ruins across the lake, seeking your fortune in the dark, ancient fortress beneath. Or maybe venture into the Imperial City to make friends (and enemies) or obtain valuable goods and information. Join the Fighter's Guild for some rewarding side quests, or if the arcane is your specialty the Mage's Guild also awaits. If stealth is your forte, perhaps you will have what it takes to find the Thieves Guild instead, or maybe you will even be welcomed into the inner circles of the Dark Brotherhood of assassins. Be a valiant hero, a silent killer, a powerful sorcerer, an agile thief, or all or none of the above. The choice is yours.

For Elder Scrolls veterans, leveling your character is nothing new, but to the newcomer it is a unique and detailed process. Unlike the standard RPG, there are no Experience Points that accumulate toward a magic number that results in a level up. Instead, you improve your individual skills by using them successfully. Cast a fire spell that hits its intended target, and you gain a little experience at Destruction Magic. Damage your adversary with a short sword, and your Blade skills improve. Create a potion out of raw ingredients, your Alchemy skill improves. Improve a skill enough, and the skill itself will go up a level. Level-up any combination of your favorite skills ten times, and your character goes up a level. But if you don't use a particular skill, it will never improve, perhaps to the detriment of your overall attributes.

Interact with hundreds of characters, creatures, and monsters scattered throughout dozens of locales, from large cities, small villages, and roadside inns, to dank caverns, crumbling fortresses, and ancient ruins hidden away in snow-capped mountains, thick forests, and even demon-filled Netherworlds. Enemies and artifacts encountered throughout the world level along with your character so you never have too much of an advantage, or too weak an enchantment. Background characters banter about current events and local news. Word of your accomplishments spreads across the continent as your fame (of infamy) increases. The level of detail that found its way into the game is impeccable.

The only element this game lacks (that fans of say, the Final Fantasy franchise, will miss) is an enthralling story. While there is indeed a main plot and ultimate goal for your character, Oblivion lacks the emotion and humanity of strong story that become the focal point of many other RPGs. This leads to more a systematic style of game-play, simply progressing for the sake of progress, rather than playing to develop an underlying story. In effect, the game sacrifices a gripping story and a bit of fun for your freedom to play it out however you want. If you are looking for pure game-play without the distraction of a story, then this truly is the perfect game. But if you are looking for a game with an interactive story, it may not be for you.

This is the ultimate gamer's RPG, addictive, challenging, and visually stunning. This Game of the Year edition includes two built-in expansion packs, previously available only as separate downloads, and is worth the extra money if this sound likes the game for you.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition: PlayStation 3

...

an interactive tutorial to familiarize you with the controls), you enter a virtual world with what could be the most freedom any video game has offered before. After gaping at the astounding graphics of the world map (I have not played the 360 version, but based on screenshots I have seen, the PS3 release is by far the better of the two), your choices are truly limitless.



Perhaps you wander immediately into the Ayleid Ruins across the lake, seeking your fortune in the dark, ancient fortress beneath. Or maybe venture into the Imperial City to make friends (and enemies) or obtain valuable goods and information. Join the Fighter's Guild for some rewarding side quests, or if the arcane is your specialty the Mage's Guild also awaits. If stealth is your forte, perhaps you will have what it takes to find the Thieves Guild instead, or maybe you will even be welcomed into the inner circles of the Dark Brotherhood of assassins. Be a valiant hero, a silent killer, a powerful sorcerer, an agile thief, or all or none of the above. The choice is yours.



For Elder Scrolls veterans, leveling your character is nothing new, but to the newcomer it is a unique and detailed process. Unlike the standard RPG, there are no Experience Points that accumulate toward a magic number that results in a level up. Instead, you improve your individual skills by using them successfully. Cast a fire spell that hits its intended target, and you gain a little experience at Destruction Magic. Damage your adversary with a short sword, and your Blade skills improve. Create a potion out of raw ingredients, your Alchemy skill improves. Improve a skill enough, and the skill itself will go up a level. Level-up any combination of your favorite skills ten times, and your character goes up a level. But if you don't use a particular skill, it will never improve, perhaps to the detriment of your overall attributes.



Interact with hundreds of characters, creatures, and monsters scattered throughout dozens of locales, from large cities, small villages, and roadside inns, to dank caverns, crumbling fortresses, and ancient ruins hidden away in snow-capped mountains, thick forests, and even demon-filled Netherworlds. Enemies and artifacts encountered throughout the world level along with your character so you never have too much of an advantage, or too weak an enchantment. Background characters banter about current events and local news. Word of your accomplishments spreads across the continent as your fame (of infamy) increases. The level of detail that found its way into the game is impeccable.



The only element this game lacks (that fans of say, the Final Fantasy franchise, will miss) is an enthralling story. While there is indeed a main plot and ultimate goal for your character, Oblivion lacks the emotion and humanity of strong story that become the focal point of many other RPGs. This leads to more a systematic style of game-play, simply progressing for the sake of progress, rather than playing to develop an underlying story. In effect, the game sacrifices a gripping story and a bit of fun for your freedom to play it out however you want. If you are looking for pure game-play without the distraction of a story, then this truly is the perfect game. But if you are looking for a game with an interactive story, it may not be for you.



This is the ultimate gamer's RPG, addictive, challenging, and visually stunning. This Game of the Year edition includes two built-in expansion packs, previously available only as separate downloads, and is worth the extra money if this sound likes the game for you.