Oblivion does a fantastic job in immersing you in it's world, and is a game that should not be missed by anyone.
User Rating: 9.7 | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion X360
The fourth installment in the popular Elder Scrolls series is arguably the best. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a game that grabs you instantly and refuses to let go. In it you can live the life of an arena champion, a deadly assassin, a hero of the people, a powerful spellcaster, a respected knight, a feared murderer, and plenty more. With such depth, it's impossible to not have something to do, and that is ultimately the game's strongest aspect. In the beginning you are thrust in the main quest as the current emperor of Tamriel is escaping through a secret path that just happens to lead through your jail cell. After a short introductory level in which you learn the simpler aspects of the gameplay, you arrive in Cyrodil, and what you do next is up to you. You can continue the main quest, or you can go off and choose to never continue it. The game never forces you to do anything, which helps give the feeling that you truly are living another life, as you can do what you please, when you want to. Feel like venting your anger on some innocent citizens? Go ahead, but be prepared for the consequences (guards are quite strong in this game). Break into a house and steal some valuable items. Go exploring and discover caves, landmarks, towns and ancient ruins. Compete in the Arena in a quest to become the champion. The options are endless. The leveling system is the same as it was in Morrowind, and you level up by practicing and applying your main skills, not by earning points by killing opponents. Enemies, weapons and armor are all adjusted to suit your character's current level. It's a system that works well, though Morrowind fans may find it strange that you cannot have any sword you want at any level. The game both looks and sounds fantastic, with it's lush landscapes, realistic weather, smooth battle animations, and brilliant musical score. Trees and plants sway realistically in the wind, sunlight shines off the snow, and mountains are reflected in lakes and rivers. The night sky is a beautiful thing, and you may constantly find yourself looking up at it. The music changes constantly to the theme of your current endeavour, with lighter music for travel, eerie music for dungeons, and more intense scores for battles. To call it a great role playing game is an understatement. Oblivion re-writes what can be done in video games, and sets the bar high for future developments. With it's unparalleled depth, sense of immersion, freedom, beautiful visuals and music, and fluid gameplay, it may very well be the best role playing game of all time.
