The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Review

System: PS3
Dev: Bethesda Game Studio
Pub: Bethesda Softworks
Release: March 19, 2007
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Mature
Review by D'Marcus Beatty

Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

One thing that the PlayStation 3 version adds is the Knights of the Nine sidequest. The Knights of the Nine quest is one of the few that put you unquestionably in the shoes of a noble warrior as opposed to the assassin of the Dark Brotherhood. Knights of the Nine adds new items and locations to the regular game which add around 10 hours to the already epic quest. It's a great addition to the massive undertaking that is Oblivion, but it is not exclusive, as Xbox 360 and PC owners already have the ability to download this content. It's regrettable that the PlayStation 3 version didn't have the other expansions already, like Mehrune's Razor or the Wizard's Tower. None of these other downloads are available yet for the PS3 with no forecast as to when or if they'll be available.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion screenshot

Another area where the PlayStation 3 version of Oblivion is distinct is in the graphics department. It has better textures, draw distance, and quicker loading times than the Xbox 360 version. Most of these are also better than the average PC as well, though not quite as good as a higher end model. The audio is largely unchanged, but that is a good thing, since the voice acting and background music in Oblivion is top notch.

Overall, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a much needed RPG for the new PlayStation 3 library. Although the game is essentially a direct port of the Xbox 360 and PC version released a year ago, it is still a port of a game that won RPG of the Year and Game of the Year almost uncontested. If you already own the game for Xbox 360 or PC, you probably won't need to pick this up. You can download the Knights of the Nine and have essentially the same package. However, if you haven't played Oblivion yet, you'll definitely want to get a copy of Oblivion as soon as possible.

By D'Marcus Beatty
CCC Co-Site Director

Features:

Live Another Life in Another World: Create and play any character you can imagine, from the noble warrior to the sinister assassin to the wizened sorcerer.

Next Generation Graphics: Pixel-shader effects and high definition televisions are fully supported to create unprecedented visuals, including lifelike towns, dungeons, and the most realistic forests ever created in a game.

First Person Melee and Magic: An all-new combat and magic system brings first person role-playing to a new level of intensity where you feel every blow.

Radiant AI: This groundbreaking AI system gives Oblivion's characters full 24/7 schedules and the ability to make their own choices based on the world around them. Non-player characters eat, sleep, and complete goals all on their own.

Realistic Characters: Oblivion features over 1,000 non-player characters who come to life like never before with facial animations, lip-synching, and full speech. They even engage in unscripted conversations with each other and you.

Open-Ended Game Play; Short Challenges: The enormous world of Oblivion is open for you to explore at your own pace, and shorter challenges such as fighting bandits, mixing potions, creating magic items and persuading friends keep the challenges coming.

Screen Resolution: Up to 720p (Standard HD, Widescreen)

Rating out of 5	Rating Description
4.7	Graphics Great visuals that immerse the player in the land of Tamriel.
4.0	Control Responsive controls maintain the feeling of freedom.
5.0	Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting Great voice acting and ambient background music.
4.7	Play Value The land is huge, with tons of things to do.
4.8	Overall Rating - Must Buy Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

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