Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion delivers an immersive, open-world RPG experience that remains a benchmark for its genre. From the moment you emerge from the Imperial Prison to the sprawling landscapes of Cyrodiil, the game offers a deep sense of freedom. Character creation is robust, allowing you to tailor your hero’s race, skills, and moral alignment. Whether you choose to be a stealthy assassin, a battle-hardened warrior, or a spell-slinging wizard, the leveling system rewards your playstyle with new abilities and increasingly powerful equipment.

Quests in Oblivion cater to a wide range of play styles. The main questline—centered on closing the menacing Oblivion Gates—unfolds with cinematic flair, while hundreds of side activities provide additional intrigue. Join the Fighters Guild to hone your combat skills, delve into the secretive Dark Brotherhood for morally ambiguous contracts, or explore the lush countryside in search of hidden dungeons. Each faction questline is thoughtfully written, offering unique challenges and character interactions that drive you to explore further.

Combat is fluid and responsive, combining real-time swordplay with strategic use of magic and stealth. You can lock onto enemies for more precise attacks, or employ dynamic camera angles to appreciate the unfolding action. The Collector’s Edition doesn’t change the core gameplay, but the included Pocket Guide to the Empire becomes an invaluable companion, helping newcomers navigate the myriad of guilds, factions, and skills. It’s like having a wise old adventurer at your side as you forge your path through the Empire.

Graphics

At release, Oblivion’s graphics set a new standard, and its art direction still shines today. The rolling hills, verdant forests, and grand imperial architecture are rendered with impressive attention to detail. Dynamic lighting and day-night cycles lend a lifelike ambience to every region, from fog-shrouded tombs to bustling market towns. Even on modern hardware, the game’s visuals hold up thanks to its painterly textures and carefully crafted color palette.

Character models and NPC animations bring Cyrodiil’s inhabitants to life, though they exhibit some of the period’s era-specific limitations. Facial expressions and lip-syncing are functional rather than flawless, yet the strong voice acting and memorable dialogue more than compensate for any technical shortcomings. The Collector’s Edition bonus DVD includes a “making-of” documentary that delves into the art team’s process, offering fans a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the world of Oblivion was built.

For players looking to enhance the visual experience, modern community-made mods can introduce higher-resolution textures, improved draw distances, and advanced shader effects. However, even in its original state, Oblivion’s aesthetic remains evocative, capturing the grandeur and mystery of Tamriel. The Collector’s Edition provides a tangible connection to this artistry through its beautifully designed Pocket Guide, which reproduces concept art and lore illustrations in rich detail.

Story

The narrative of Oblivion centers on a dire prophecy: the assassination of the last heir to the throne and the opening of gates to the demonic realm of Oblivion. Tasked with finding the lost heir and stopping the Daedric invasion, your journey weaves through political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and moral quandaries. The main storyline moves at a deliberate pace, allowing you to savor each revelation and battlefield encounter.

Beyond the central plot, Oblivion excels in its side stories, many of which rank among the finest in role-playing history. Intricate quests in the Mage’s Guild showcase ethical dilemmas, while the Thieves Guild chain tests your cunning with elaborate heists. The Collector’s Edition Pocket Guide to the Empire enriches these narratives by providing historical context, maps, and character profiles, turning every quest into a deeper role-playing opportunity.

The voice cast, featuring veterans like Patrick Stewart and J.S. Gilbert, injects gravitas into their roles, making each character memorable. Dialog choices and branching outcomes give weight to your decisions, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel identical. Combined with a hauntingly evocative soundtrack, the story of Oblivion resonates long after you close the game, leaving you eager to explore every hidden corner of the Empire.

Overall Experience

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Collector’s Edition) elevates an already outstanding game with a suite of premium collectibles. The minted Septim Gold Coin is a weighty, beautifully crafted keepsake that captures the essence of Imperial currency. It feels like you could drop it into a merchants’ purse and attempt a shady deal in Anvil or Skingrad. The 112-page Pocket Guide to the Empire is equally impressive, offering lore, maps, and gameplay tips that amplify your in-game discoveries.

Complementing these tangible items is the bonus documentary DVD, which offers an intimate look at the game’s creation. Hearing developers discuss design challenges, writing choices, and technical breakthroughs deepens your appreciation for the world-building on display. Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting Oblivion or a newcomer discovering Cyrodiil for the first time, the Collector’s Edition provides layers of enjoyment beyond the digital adventure.

In sum, Oblivion’s Collector’s Edition is a must-have for enthusiasts of the series and collectors of gaming memorabilia alike. The core game remains a masterpiece of open-world design, and the additional physical extras transform your purchase into a celebration of one of RPG history’s most beloved titles. For anyone seeking an epic journey through a richly realized fantasy realm—backed by thoughtfully curated collectibles—this edition stands as a truly compelling package.