Game developer Bethesda is taking players back to the fantasy world with their upcoming Xbox 360 title Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. As the name implies this is going to be the fourth game in a well respected RPG series. The storyline in Oblivion revolves around the fate of the central city in this realm. The King has been assassinated by unknown individuals and because of his death the gates to Oblivion have been opened. The opening of these gates has allowed demons and other monsters to invade the kingdom. From this point players will begin their quest throughout the mystical kingdom.

How gamers complete this journey is their own decision entirely. Rather than be forced through an endless line of quests to complete the story you can explore the entire realm anyway you please. To pass time and gain experience players can embark on a challenge quest given to them by characters in the game. Some of these challenges will have you hunting down thieves and bandits in the kingdom. If sorcery is more your style you can practice your magic and create potions as well. Players need to meet new characters in the game and make friends with them in order to be given more challenges to complete.

As with many games of this genre players will be able to choose what type of character they are in the game. In Elder Scrolls IV you will have quite a few options to choose from such as an assassin, mage, or knight. Every class of character has their own strength and weaknesses that can be upgraded with experience points. The feature that sets this game apart from most role playing games is the way you can level up. The game itself will control which abilities you learn and how they are upgraded based on what you actually do in the game. For example if you use magic more than melee attacks your magic abilities will be upgraded automatically. This will eliminate the need to pause the game for a moment so you can decide which skills or powers you want to add experience points to. It should also keep players from selecting skills that they never use during the game.

Using a new artificial intelligence system the developer is bringing the non-playable characters to life. Each computer controlled character will have unique personalities and characteristics. Rather than following pre-scripted events these characters can make their own decisions about what they will do. Some of them will turn into thieves as the game progresses while others might lend you a helping hand based on how you treated them. The NPCs will also be able to join the various groups in the game such as the bandit or mage guilds. They will also seek out and complete quests in the game, or you might observe one striking up a conversation with another.

What's This Game All About Anyhow? from the developer.

The fourth title in the best-selling Elder Scrolls series brings the RPG genre to new heights with its combination of freeform gameplay and cutting-edge graphics. Oblivion features a 3D engine that can render stunningly realistic environments, groundbreaking AI for all characters in the game, and the same open-ended gameplay style that has made The Elder Scrolls one of the most critically acclaimed franchises of all-time.

After the mysterious and untimely death of the Emperor, desperate factions vie for control of Tamriel’s throne. With the empire ready to crumble, the gates of Oblivion open and demons march upon the land, laying waste to everything in their path. To turn the tide of darkness the player must find the lost heir to the throne and unravel the sinister plot that threatens to destroy all of Tamriel.

Gameplay Features - from the developer

  • 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’s 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.

Game Media - Screenshots

Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Xbox 360 Screenshot

Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion Xbox 360 Screenshot

Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Xbox 360 Screenshot

Game Info and Resources

XBS Commentary - Our Thoughts

While I’ve never been a huge fan of role playing games I have to admit that this game looks awesome. It is showing off some of the best graphics I’ve seen for a 360 title and the sheer amount of freedom available to players is stunning. The new combat system should make it easier to alternate your melee and magic attacks during battle. Speaking of combat there is a huge variety of enemies to encounter whether it’s walking skeletons or out right demons to add variety to the gameplay. Add the optional first person perspective and the fighting should be extremely intense.

Another feature that perked my interest is the non playable characters. I do not think I’ve ever heard of this much life like detail being created in them. If the new control system for them works as the developer has advertised it should provide for some very interesting encounters in the game. Considering all of the features in The Elder Scroll: Oblivion it would seem Bethesda is taking the genre to a new level on the Xbox 360. I only touched on some of the great aspects of Oblivion in this preview, so be sure to take a look at the amazing voice talent and 360 Screenshots for Oblivion. Overall I don’t think this is a title that any RPG fan will want to miss this fall.

Written by XBS Previewer Pure Ego.

Filed under: Xbox 360

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