The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition

"A Great Edition to the Elder Scrolls Franchise, But A Few Minor Glitches"

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition is a fantastic game. Despite the few minor glitches, the game lives up to the Elder Scrolls franchise expectations.

Storyline - 10/10

As in its predecessors, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition is based on freedom to choose your path -- whether it be good or evil -- and to simply live a life filled with twists and turns. Many quests await the curious gamer of whom wishes to buy this game; I cannot remember exactly, but there is around 200 hours of gameplay rigged in this masterpiece.

As a convict, you start out as having nothing, no clothes -- except the ones on your back -- no money, no weapons, no skills, etc. As you progress and defeat more enemies, your skills will increase along with your level. If you complete certai quests, you will be give either gold, armor, weapons, rings, amulets, rare items, spells, potions, and other things. The types, or genres, of quests that fill Cyrodiil can range from mystery, investigation, action, violence, pranks, spying, assassinations, royal duties, searching for items or missing persons, protection, and so many more it would be pointless to explain them all; basically, this is only a scratch on the surface of how many quests there really are. I doubt that anyone will succumb to boredom when playing this game, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition.

Gameplay - 10/10

Unlike the Elder Scrolls games prior to this one, there is both a first and third-person view; first-person is more for combat, while third-person is for exploring. This game is filled with various weapons, including swords, bows, daggers, axes, hammers, arrows, and spells; doing certain quests can unlock rare items to assist you in completing quests. Unlike the original Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Game of the Year Edition includes the Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine quests. These quest are quite interesting and only increase the experience of the curious gamer.

There are many things to do such as traveling, stealing, fighting, keeping order in the land, completing extra quests, and much more. I would be baffled to hear someone say they are bored with playing this game. If you do however, stand up, take a deep breath, and tell someone to slap you in the face.

Graphics - 9/10

The graphics are great, but could be touched up a little bit more. The characters sometimes move and look irregular. It isn't very problematic, but characters will rarely be "locked" into a continuous action until you talk to or attack them.

The scenery appears life-like from a distance, but as you get closer, you can tell the plants, animals, rocks, etc. need some work. The grass is awesome, but the plants appear to have the "four-sided" look to them at times.This however, shouldn't affect your gaming experience.

Sound - 10/10

The sound is fantastic! There seems to be a certain song for every occasion, whether it be traveling, walking about a city, fighting enemies, etc. The music seems like it wasn't made ages ago, yet is quite classical; it fits the Elder Scrolls mentallity

The items around the land make the noises they are supposed to make; if you drop a bottle, it clinks and you can hear it roll around; a sword hitting another sword make impressive noises when hit by each other; a sword hitting a shield make life-like sounds. Travel around, and listen to the noises, I'm sure you'll be impressed.

Glitches - 0/10

The glitches that unfortunately exist are not-so problematic but can make some agitated if they're picky; sometimes characters' actions will be messed up. Sometimes, you will get stuck in corners, walls, etc. when you walk close to them and “try” to get stuck in them.

The worst however, is a glitch that doesn't exist in the original Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. If you are infected with the "vampire disease" and unfortunately become a "creature of the night", while attempting to get a certain lady to make a potion for you, you cannot give her the last ingredient; this doesn't always happen, but watch out for your file, it may have this glitch.

Overall - 9/10

This game is very good, it's just that the irregular character movements and glitches get to me. I do not know how they'll affect you, but don't worry about these things, they won't make you scream and chuck your controller across the room. I am quite happy with how many hours and quests they put into this game. It really seems like they took their time on making the consumers happy.

I would definitely buy this game; it's well worth the price and will be considered a classic fo years to come. Only those that are picky should rent this.

-YourSexyPlaya

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/25/07

Game Release: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition (US, 10/16/07)