Another great achivement.
As computer owners, we are constantly reminded that it is expensive to upgrade hardware. Every once and a while, a game comes out that justifies those expenses. I think this is the game that should make people upgrade. And, if you do it now, you won't have to worry about upgrading for the next generation of games. My computer is plenty powerful enough to run it (Dell Dimension 8400: P4 3.4 ghz, 2GB RAM, 128 MB Nvidia 6800, 21" Digital LCD Monitor).
However, if my computer was too slow, I know I would upgrade in order to play this game, it is that good. Even after a few hours of playing, I am confident in saying that this game is fantastic! Any money you spend on your computer will be well worth it!
The beginning level acts as a tutorial. Instead of being ordered how to do things, the game starts open ended (a clue that the entire game will be this open ended as well). It gives suggestions on things, such as how to use the bow and how to cast spells. But if you choose to not be an archer or a magician, you can still proceed. You customize your character at different points based on how you were playing. I think that is an original design for character creation, as opposed to creating a character from scratch before ever playing the game.
I have walked through several large cities, talked to citizens, obtained quests, finished quests, bartered at the shops, changed my equipment, leveled-up some skills, used swords, hammers, bows, magic, etc.-that was all in the first few hours. I am taking my time walking through the game. Yes, the graphics are that good, and you may want to take the time to admire the world that you are walking through. Personally, I sometimes rush through games and forget to look around at the world. This game makes you want to look around, to see what is around the corner, to explore the areas and see what is next.
Oblivion is going to be huge! I have read that the main quest is about 25 hours. If you explore the entire island, and attempt the side quests, the game is hundreds and hundreds of hours. I still know people playing Morrowind-I expect Oblivion to last as long, if not longer.
Yes, my computer is setup for games and the gaming experience. So far, Oblivion has proved to be a worthwhile experience. Even for those computers with lower setting should still enjoy this game-the designers made sure that the game was just more than graphics. How it looks should not stop you from buying this game-it is the game experience you should come for. The fact that it is possibly the best computer RPG ever should make you want to play it no matter what.
The bottom line is: combat is fun, and I look forward to unlocking skills that let me target with my bow, roll out of the way of combat, and summon creatures to help me fight. The game play is deep and accessible. There are more items, weapons, magic combinations, character types, NPCs, quests etc. than you know what to do with! The graphics are outstanding. The voice acting is some of the best in any game. The game wants you, the player, to be involved. You play however you want and whoever you want to be.
And truthfully, the game is just fun. What more can you ask for in a computer game?
Note: The Collectors Edition is the same game, but this box comes with a collector's coin and a book that give you detailed background of the world of Oblivion, including characters, places, and story.
UPDATE: Someone wrote earlier (in other reviews) that you can only play in 1st person. This is not true. Use the mouse wheel to scroll back and you can set the distance you want to view your character in 3rd person. Also, you can hot key 8 items (both on the PC and XBox 360) with keys 1-8. I wish there were more, but it seems to be a strategy type thing set by the designers. What is important to you? Well, you get 8 things to hot key. The keys F1-F4 call up your character page, inventory, spells, and map/journal. This should make inventory management a snap. Hopefully, those who are making comments about these things either read their manuals or try things out before making it a negative complaint about the game.
I started a new character already and I am enjoying the game so much more with this custom Battle Mage! This game is great because it encourages experimentation and exploration. Enjoy!