Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition delivers a sprawling open world that invites players to explore at their own pace. From the very first moment you step out of the sewers of the Imperial City, you’re free to wander lush forests, treacherous mountains, and quaint villages. The non-linear structure means you can pursue the main quest of closing Oblivion gates or lose yourself in a myriad of side quests, guild missions, and random encounters.

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This edition’s inclusion of the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions significantly expands the gameplay loop. Knights of the Nine offers a focused, lore-rich questline that challenges you to recover sacred relics, while Shivering Isles transports you to the fractured, whimsical realm of Sheogorath, where the map itself seems alive. Both expansions introduce new enemies, spells, and items that keep combat fresh long after the base game’s content has been exhausted.

Beyond quests, character progression in Oblivion is wonderfully organic. Skills improve through use, encouraging you to experiment with different playstyles—sneak through a bandit camp with daggers, blast foes with Destruction magic, or simply talk your way past guards using a high Speech skill. The glossy poster-sized world map and detailed 47-page manual included in the North American Windows release make planning your next adventure both tactile and enjoyable, enhancing immersion for new and returning players alike.

Graphics

Although Oblivion debuted in 2006, its art direction still holds up admirably. Rolling hills, sun-dappled groves, and ancient ruins are rendered in a warm, painterly palette that feels timeless. Day-night cycles and dynamic weather effects—rainstorms, fog, sudden thunderstorms—bring the world to life and can both dazzle and disorient explorers venturing off the beaten path.

Expansions receive equally loving visual treatment. Shivering Isles introduces two wildly distinct realms—Mania and Dementia—each with surreal architecture, twisted foliage, and a color scheme that veers from vivid pastels to brooding shadows. Knights of the Nine, while more grounded, upgrades the appearance of relics and armor sets, making your discoveries feel meaningful and rewarding.

While polygon counts and texture resolutions may seem dated compared to modern titles, the modding community has kept Oblivion’s visuals fresh with high-definition texture packs and reshade presets. Paired with the printed manual’s striking artwork and the included world map’s vivid illustration, players receive a complete visual package that bridges old-school charm with customizable modern polish.

Story

The central narrative of Oblivion revolves around closing the gates to the demonic realm of Oblivion and thwarting the conspiracy surrounding the Emperor’s heir. The main quest is cinematic and impactful, with well-paced revelations and memorable set-pieces that span from stealthy infiltrations to epic battles against daedric hordes. Dialogue choices can shape relationships with key characters, adding a layer of agency to your hero’s journey.

Knights of the Nine weaves seamlessly into the main story, tasking you with reassembling a shattered order and restoring holy relics. Its contained scope delivers a concise yet impactful storyline perfect for players seeking a self-contained epic. Shivering Isles, on the other hand, embraces the mad god Sheogorath’s eccentricity, delivering a darkly humorous and at times unsettling narrative that challenges your morality and sanity.

Across all three campaigns, worldbuilding is consistently top-notch. NPCs react dynamically to your deeds, factions patrol troubled regions, and rumors of your exploits spread throughout Cyrodiil. Whether you’re rescuing a lost child in Bruma or vying for power in a mirrored palace of the Shivering Isles, the storytelling remains rich, varied, and driven by player choice.

Overall Experience

Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition represents an outstanding value proposition. You get the base game’s hundreds of hours of exploration, two major expansions that nearly double the content, plus the physical goodies of a glossy, poster-size map and a comprehensive printed manual. For both newcomers and returning veterans, the package feels complete and well-curated.

The sense of discovery is unparalleled: stumbling upon a hidden grotto, finding a powerful artifact in a Daedric shrine, or simply following a distant mountain trail until you uncover a new town. Technical hiccups such as occasional clipping or outdated UI elements can be mitigated with community mods, but even unmodded, the experience remains engrossing.

Ultimately, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Game of the Year Edition stands as a landmark in open-world design. Its robust gameplay systems, enduring art style, and deeply engaging narratives offer countless hours of adventure. Whether you seek epic battles, political intrigue, or bizarre escapades in the realm of madness, this edition delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tamriel.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10