Best Action Adventure Game
Best Adventure Game
Best Driving Game
Best Fighting Game
Best Massively Multiplayer Game
Best Platformer
Best Puzzle/Rhythm Game
Best Role-Playing Game
Best Shooter
Best Sports Game
Best Strategy Game

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC)

Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: 2005

One role-playing game stood head and shoulders above the rest at this year's E3. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion seems impressive for many reasons, not the least of which is that the game is apparently going to be out later this year, just in time for the launch of Microsoft's Xbox 360 console.

Of course, there's more to the game than just timing. Bethesda has apparently thrown out all its old technology to make way for a powerful new engine that, from what we've seen, can effortlessly render highly detailed indoor environments with multiple lighting sources and huge outdoor forests lined with real 3D trees (not the disappointing, flat trees rendered with a handful of polygons we've seen in so many other games). And the developer is attempting to make these gorgeous environments come to life with equally detailed characters that have their own motivations, needs, and schedules, which they'll act upon even if you're not around, and which you can use to your advantage if you are. The game will take a much more organic approach to interacting with other characters. For example, you'll be able to overhear conversations that can lead to full-on quests, and you might even end up fighting alongside them in battle.

In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, you'll take up your sword and shield in a brave new world.

You can also expect to see a much more visceral Elder Scrolls game thanks to a stepped-up physics system and faster, more-realistic combat (more realistic than Morrowind, anyway). The game's combat system will let you swing broadswords and warhammers in real time while defending against incoming attacks with your shield, or you can simply use a longbow and arrows while sneaking in the shadows to assassinate your enemies from afar. The physics system will also power an all-new series of deadly traps that will make the dungeons you explore seem much more alive, and much more dangerous.

Thanks to its combination of eye-catching graphics and physics, equally impressive artificial intelligence, and improved quest and combat systems, Oblivion stood out as the most impressive role-playing game at the show.

Finalists