The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 245 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 203 out of 245
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 245
  3. Negative: 14 out of 245
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  1. whitespider999
    Mar 4, 2012
    10
    One of the best dlc expansions ever released. While the actual island is not that large in terms of space - (still pretty big) - it's a absolutely beautiful world. And unlike the dialog in oblivion, this game is seriously quirky.
  2. spartan-117
    Oct 3, 2010
    10
    A perfect add-on for an already perfect game.I can't rate it 10 because it deserves 10+.It is just so cool the world the enemies the NPC's the weapons everything is changed and is a change for better.And you can play with the character you already have in The elder scrolls 4Oblivion.Sweet.
  3. SeanO.
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    If only the main game were as detailed and creative as this. A fantastic expansion to an already fantastic game. I'm just a little bummed that they didn't add new music - the original soundtrack is really starting to wear thin.
  4. HaywoodS.
    Mar 28, 2007
    10
    Brilliant writing. Especially Sheogorath. The Main Quest is probably the best-told story that's ever been told in the Elder Scrolls universe. A must-have for all ES fans.
  5. HarmL.
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    The artwork is very well done and some very creative minds have been working on the conversations. A worthy sequel that adds a lot of fun to the quality of Oblivion.
  6. JamesH.
    Apr 13, 2007
    9
    A worthy addition which makes up for those lame "nickel and dime" quest add-ons. Oblivion and it's various add-ons are really entering a "golden age" now that the latest lot of video cards can run it at max or very high settings, allowing for a true appreciation of the graphics (AMD FX55 8800GTS 2GB RAM runs it completely maxed) Very creative design as far as landscapes, new A worthy addition which makes up for those lame "nickel and dime" quest add-ons. Oblivion and it's various add-ons are really entering a "golden age" now that the latest lot of video cards can run it at max or very high settings, allowing for a true appreciation of the graphics (AMD FX55 8800GTS 2GB RAM runs it completely maxed) Very creative design as far as landscapes, new character models, cities and the quests/gameplay are concerned. I agree with what some have said about the music; some new music could liven up this addition even more. Although the landscapes are excellent (giant mushrooms? felldew addiction? I think some game designers were under the influence while designing this expansion :) ), they are horridly barren and undetailed in some spots. One of my favorite things to do in regular Oblivuion is look from upn high at the vista, the trees, landscape features, but in SI it's very perfunctory and lacking in creative detail whenever you aren't walking along the main path. Nice night skies; entire galaxies are visible. The new monsters and races are probably the best new feature, very creative and almost psychadelic looking oddities in this one. This expansion will not disappoint! Well, except for the fact that the usual run of game flaws persists, such CTDs and improper shut downs. Nevertheless, pick it up and play it with your high-level character for maximum enjoyment!… Expand
  7. PeterR.
    Jun 15, 2007
    7
    Shivering Isles brings to Oblivion what I had longed for in the original game yet never find. Rather than being forced to endure gate after gate of virtually identical planes of Mehrunes Dagon's sphere of Oblivion, Shivering Isles is, simply, one gate to the realm of insanity. As far as TES lore is concerned, I thought Shivering Isles could have used a little less lucidity, since it Shivering Isles brings to Oblivion what I had longed for in the original game yet never find. Rather than being forced to endure gate after gate of virtually identical planes of Mehrunes Dagon's sphere of Oblivion, Shivering Isles is, simply, one gate to the realm of insanity. As far as TES lore is concerned, I thought Shivering Isles could have used a little less lucidity, since it IS supposed to be the realm of the Madgod. This aside, however, there is plenty of fun to be had for any player. I was never terribly impressed with Oblivion, at least in comparison to its predecessor, but Shivering Isles breathes life into what had become a rather dull environs of Cyrodiil. The pluralistic world of Sheogorath provides plenty of eye candy and opportunities for exploration, though I would have been happier had there been more than one major city (technically two) instead of a bunch of wooden hovels scattered about. I would rate the expansion's main story as its best feature, in contrast to the miscellaneous quests which are far less interesting. I will avoid spoiling anyone, but suffice it to say, it was very interesting to see some of The Elder Scrolls' most mysterious lore finally be revealed, much in the same way Bloodmoon involved the player in the affairs of a different Daedric prince. My major concerns over the game are the ridiculously bloated graphics (and I thought Oblivion was bad) taxing even the fastest computers, and the reference bug that will, if left unpatched, irreversibly corrupt your saved games after so many hours of play. Do NOT let this happen to you.… Expand
  8. Tubie
    Oct 23, 2010
    8
    A good addon, a huge new set of quests added on top of an already epic game. This is a must get if you are a fan of the original game and wanna get back to play it again.
  9. AlienSpaceBats
    Aug 7, 2011
    9
    In many respects superior to the main Oblivion game (possibly a case of over-familiarity in the case of the latter); Shivering Isles is huge, features excellent writing, fun and varied quests, improved voice-acting and best of all? The locales and environment are highly reminiscent of those in Morrowind - I had severe bouts of nostalgia exploring the settlements and wilderness areas of the island.
  10. SteveP.
    Oct 11, 2008
    0
    Beware, the game secretly installs malware - SecuROM. It is likely to cause problems with your computer and is almost impossible to remove.
  11. SteveK.
    Apr 11, 2007
    8
    I love Elder Scrolls as much as everyone else, I've played over 165 hours, but I think this game is a little over-hyped for me. I'm still giving it an 8, because there is nothing "wrong" with this expansion. More quests, new locale, new gear, all good. But for higher level players, this is NOT 30+ hours of extra game, more like 15, maybe 20 TOPS, even with generous exploration I love Elder Scrolls as much as everyone else, I've played over 165 hours, but I think this game is a little over-hyped for me. I'm still giving it an 8, because there is nothing "wrong" with this expansion. More quests, new locale, new gear, all good. But for higher level players, this is NOT 30+ hours of extra game, more like 15, maybe 20 TOPS, even with generous exploration and doing side quests. My character was level 37 going into it (now 39), so I realize maybe it was a bit on easy mode for me, but still I was expecting it to be a robust 30 hours. I'm grateful to have more ES IV, but I think it is wise to put this game to bed and have an ES V. It's been a great run though, and this is easily the best game on XBOX 360 so far, with some great downloads to keep the experience going.… Expand
  12. Peterhb1234
    Jun 24, 2011
    10
    This expansion is amazing, it adds a whole new world to Oblivion that you can travel freely to and from and also has a good storyline. It is very creative and fun to play, it adds new npcs, new quests, a new land, new dungeons and much more, Overall, it was worth every penny.
  13. xZippy
    Dec 2, 2012
    9
    Possibly the best and most creative expansion of any game I've ever played. Even better than Skyrim's Dawnguard. Any Elder Scrolls fan that would make the mistake of not playing the Shivering Isles would be the equivalent of losing a limb. The Shivering Isles presents new worlds, zany characters and atmospheres you can't help but get lost in.
  14. OmnipotentGamer
    Aug 5, 2013
    10
    The best elder scrolls experience since Morrowind, great characters, great story, fun quests; this game is everything Oblivion was AND MORE. 10/10 My favorite expansion of all time.
  15. FFStudios
    Aug 6, 2012
    9
    As far as DLC goes, Shivering Isles is a prime example of DLC done right. It is curious how Bethesda's horse armour was a great example of how NOT to do it, and SI is the opposite. Like with Bloodmoon, the pack offers an entire new island which, in my opinion, surpasses the original game in terms of environment design because everything in Oblivion looked exactly the ruddy same. TheAs far as DLC goes, Shivering Isles is a prime example of DLC done right. It is curious how Bethesda's horse armour was a great example of how NOT to do it, and SI is the opposite. Like with Bloodmoon, the pack offers an entire new island which, in my opinion, surpasses the original game in terms of environment design because everything in Oblivion looked exactly the ruddy same. The dialogue in TES games is never that good, but it seems to fit Oblivion's wacky setting; there is some genuinely funny dialogue and the contrast between the areas in the island are interesting. The quests are just as wacky as the setting and the characters seem more colourful than any other Elder Scroll since Morrowind. Bethesda may not see it, but they always seem to be at their best when they're being wacky: such as Morrowind, the 'Gary' vault in Fallout 3 or the drinking contest in Skyrim. So now that you've read this so called review, email Bethesda now and tell them to make TES VI more like Shivering Isles.… Expand
  16. Aeryx
    Apr 7, 2016
    10
    I'll just go out and say that this expansion is the very best in the Elder Scrolls series. That is a big statement, I know, especially when compared against Tribunal and Bloodmoon, but it is. If you don't like Oblivion because it is a lesser game than Morrowind (and rightfully so), then you should still play Oblivion just for Shivering Isles. This expansion redeems Oblivion and introducesI'll just go out and say that this expansion is the very best in the Elder Scrolls series. That is a big statement, I know, especially when compared against Tribunal and Bloodmoon, but it is. If you don't like Oblivion because it is a lesser game than Morrowind (and rightfully so), then you should still play Oblivion just for Shivering Isles. This expansion redeems Oblivion and introduces the most brilliant story, writing and a colorful world full of memorable experiences in one package. This expansion does Sheogorath, one of the most misunderstood Daedric princes a whole lot of justice. It's his story, and a damn fine one that makes you love him over everything else (and he is supposed to be a "villian"). If only expansions of today were this good, the world of gaming would be such a marvelous place. A perfect example of the quintessential 'expansion pack'.… Expand
  17. faceless-1
    Jul 12, 2014
    10
    This expansion and Mask of the betrayer for NVN 2 are the best RPG experiences i ever played. Shivering isle are such improvement over any TES expansion, or even any TES game (and i really like oblivion (mine most favorite open world RPG)). The art style is totally awesome, the size of this exp is huge, the story is superb and Sheogorath quotes are really funny. The funny think is thatThis expansion and Mask of the betrayer for NVN 2 are the best RPG experiences i ever played. Shivering isle are such improvement over any TES expansion, or even any TES game (and i really like oblivion (mine most favorite open world RPG)). The art style is totally awesome, the size of this exp is huge, the story is superb and Sheogorath quotes are really funny. The funny think is that oblivion got both best Expansion ever and the worst DLC ever (yeah horse armor).… Expand
  18. CarribeanDean
    Apr 2, 2016
    1
    honestly, the fetch quests piled up to over 20 instantly, then I got stuck on a main quest really fast where you follow this cat around for days and eavesdrop on a conversation. you have to do it from 5 feet away to hear but that is also magically the distance they detect you. I read posts for a couple days then uninstalled out of boredom. I played the main quest on ps3 a few years backhonestly, the fetch quests piled up to over 20 instantly, then I got stuck on a main quest really fast where you follow this cat around for days and eavesdrop on a conversation. you have to do it from 5 feet away to hear but that is also magically the distance they detect you. I read posts for a couple days then uninstalled out of boredom. I played the main quest on ps3 a few years back and loved it, but it had a glitch where you turned into a vampire and could never turn back. too buggy !!!… Expand
  19. CaptainThom
    Nov 10, 2013
    10
    Excellent value for money adds a whole new world to explore completely different to Cyrodiil. The new realm itself is huge and varied with new enemies and interesting quests plus who doesn't like Sheogorath? Shivering Isles really doesnt do anything wrong and is big enough to be a game in itself, definitely worth the time of anyone who enjoyed Oblivion.
  20. DeusXCom
    Aug 2, 2014
    6
    After seeing lots of praise for Shivering Isles, I must admit i was a bit disappointed, playing it as a part of the GOTY version, I entered this DLC right after about 200 hours of the main Oblivion including Knights of the Nine, being a bit burnt out by that time, finishing all the quests here felt a bit like a chore for me. I appreciate the effort for trying trying something new howeverAfter seeing lots of praise for Shivering Isles, I must admit i was a bit disappointed, playing it as a part of the GOTY version, I entered this DLC right after about 200 hours of the main Oblivion including Knights of the Nine, being a bit burnt out by that time, finishing all the quests here felt a bit like a chore for me. I appreciate the effort for trying trying something new however and the experience is definitely quite memorably and trippy (what else would one expect from the world of Sheogorath the prince of madness), but despite it being quite good I was glad when it was over and it's one of the least favourite DLC's in the TES series. 6/10… Expand
  21. Crewdroog
    May 5, 2014
    10
    Note: I gave Oblivion (PC) a 9/10

    This is the best DLC I have ever played in any game, ever. Literally, this expansion could stand on it's own. The monsters are challenging, the scenery is breathtaking and twisted, and the NPCs are insane and memorable. I loved this DLC more than Oblivion, and it is my favorite game.
    (the rest of the DLCs are garbage though)
  22. Tomle1202
    Jun 27, 2022
    8
    Shivering Isles is a blast of exoticism compared to the more generic base game.
  23. Nerocz1
    Sep 6, 2016
    9
    One of the best DLC´s of all time. Almost as good as Half Life: Opposing Force. I was gonna give 10 out of 10, but one stupid bugged quest prevented me to finish the game and i had to go all over (around 15 hours) to get another try because of strange save system implemented in game (one save, second autosave, both already in bugged location in Melchar, where obelisk would not activate).One of the best DLC´s of all time. Almost as good as Half Life: Opposing Force. I was gonna give 10 out of 10, but one stupid bugged quest prevented me to finish the game and i had to go all over (around 15 hours) to get another try because of strange save system implemented in game (one save, second autosave, both already in bugged location in Melchar, where obelisk would not activate). But don´t get me wrong, this DLC is an absolute jewell in game history.… Expand
  24. meatloafusmc
    Aug 5, 2015
    10
    Best DLC for a game i've ever seen hands down!

    The world is amazing and very original, the story was Great and the voice acting superb!

    TBH I felt this was done better then the main game(and I loved the main game)
  25. oysteims
    Oct 30, 2019
    10
    This is an absolutely phenomenal expansion if you already like the base game.
  26. Nekellor_Met
    Aug 1, 2020
    6
    Никогда не любил этого напыщенно безумия вроде бордерленда. Но признаю, что есть хорошие квесты и не плохо выглядящая для облы экипировка .
  27. cezar88augusto
    Mar 11, 2022
    8
    I confess that I played Shivering Isles expansion first than Oblivion.
    In my opinion, Oblivion main game history is better than Shivering Isles. Oblivion's map is also more envolvent then Shivering Isles.
    I took about 20 hours of gameplay to finished the main quest. Comparing Oblivion Shivering Isles and Skyrim, In my opinion, Skyrim is absurdely better in all aspects: graphics,    I confess that I played Shivering Isles expansion first than Oblivion.
    In my opinion, Oblivion main game history is better than Shivering Isles. Oblivion's map is also more envolvent then Shivering Isles.

    I took about 20 hours of gameplay to finished the main quest.

    Comparing Oblivion Shivering Isles and Skyrim, In my opinion, Skyrim is absurdely better in all aspects: graphics, history, gameplay, physics, character customization, immersion and so on, but considering the time Oblivion was realesed I guess it was more innovative game    … Expand
  28. Jackie_Jackson
    May 25, 2022
    10
    Вот этот вот поехавший старина блин сидит там на троне точёном и всё время телепортирует меня на скалы сколько можно блин говорю ему не надо лучше дай всем сыра это же праздник сегодня и опять лечу блин
  29. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    8
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PC Game of 2007
55
#55 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
99
#99 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. IGN
    85
    It respects a player's ability to make decisions, offers some useful armor sets and weapons, and delivers up a vivid, more imaginative variation on the traditional high fantasy province of Cyrodiil.
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  2. Game Informer
    95
    Shivering Isles is a bona fide masterpiece and the best that the Elder Scrolls series has to offer.
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  3. GameDaily
    90
    With expansive lands and quests, the Shivering Isles brings forth a landscape that adds further dimension to the already impressive world of Oblivion. Players can find much sadistic joy in going mad.
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