Game Critique: Oblivion

Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is a new focus for the game studio. The design implementation was more focused catching a large console crowd making the game environment very similar to Midevil Europe and content that was more cheesy than it was provocative. Oblivion is a great game, a different Elder Scrolls game but still high quality.

Replay Value: 8 out of 10

Tons of replay value. There might even be more incentive to replay the game rather than just complete once. There is a large variety and amount of content. More interplay between factions would be nice as this is one way to communicate player interactivity with the world.

Game Play: 8 out of 10

The fighting system is kind of goofy. It takes some time to get used to successful combat because they didnt create a very good one. You'll find yourself trying to cheese the AI by running around a pillar or running and casting spells or just sneaking and using arrows. Its action packed but very shallow which makes it difficult to apply learned skill overtime. You are more tied to the leveling system.

The leveling system takes the players focus away from the story. Grinding in RPGs is not something you want to force on the player but you should always have the option. Oblivion ties the entire world to the players level where its a main part of everything you do. Leveling is a chore but it is necessary to control how you raise stats. I personally just hold levels , instead of sleeping on beds I sleep outside and prevent the game from progressing in difficulty. You can tell execution was bad here if players rather avoid it than embrace it. Once you get the hang of it the perk system is kinda fun and in general combat is fun.

Graphics/Visual Style: 9 out of 10

Taking into account what I think their target audience was. I think they executed perfectly on making a cartoonish version of Cyrodil. With the over the top rag-dolling of defeated NPCs or the plane of Oblivion its like some cheap McDonald's cheeseburger but for your eyes. You know its bad for you , but you like it anyway.

The spell effects and armor look cool and add to the action of the fights. Its still kind of cartoon like but executed in a high quality.

Sound/Music: 9 out of 10

Great sound track. Bethesda does it again. This one a little more fanciful, I find it to be more upbeat, like its cheering for the player to quest.