The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1490 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,293 out of 1490
  2. Mixed: 113 out of 1490
  3. Negative: 84 out of 1490
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ThomasS.
    Mar 27, 2008
    8
    Although it is a superb game, it does has its flaws. However, any TRUE fan has to realize a game like this will have its flaws and if you remember this was one of the earlier games on the 360. I found a few flaws myself I couldn't get around but that didn't really make me hate the game. So, I say congrats, Bethesda, you made a winner
  2. MikeG
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    (4/5/08) Just bought the original version as a budget title a little over a week ago. I love this game. I've been playing for over 30 hours and I haven't started the main quests yet.
  3. NickC.
    May 3, 2008
    9
    Oblivion is a breathtakingly epic game. Action packed and very well thought out, you can pretty much create a character and live another life in another world. It has quite a few according to the 120 hours I've been playing, but I would still recommend it to any RPG fan out there.
  4. TonyS
    Jul 18, 2008
    7
    The world is huge but uninspired. Everything is the same. The combat is boring (click click click click!), you can't even see how much damage you're doing.
  5. CrimD
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    This game is incredible. The amounts of missions and side quests are simply overwhelming, meaning that this game will effectively last several months or yes even years, before it can be completed. The overal depth of the game in terms of gameplay is pretty special too. So many skills to train, items to mess around with, places to visit and enemies to kill. It really is the perfect game. This game is incredible. The amounts of missions and side quests are simply overwhelming, meaning that this game will effectively last several months or yes even years, before it can be completed. The overal depth of the game in terms of gameplay is pretty special too. So many skills to train, items to mess around with, places to visit and enemies to kill. It really is the perfect game. Regarding flaws which have been brought up by many reviewers, i have to agree with "Thomas S" because with a game like this it is understandable, the world is absolutely HUGE so it would be extremely difficult to pick them out and get the dev's to fix them. This is a true masterpiece that all RPG fans should embrace. Fantastic achievement by Bethesda!… Expand
  6. LoganW.
    Jul 8, 2008
    9
    this game would be a 10.dont get me wrong i love it and play it non-stop.but ive beat just about every quest on the game and also on shivering isles and the 9.so now there is nothing for me 2 do.this game would be amazingly amazing if it were multiplayer.they should make the next game elder scrolls 5:shadow realm online!
  7. JF.
    Sep 21, 2008
    10
    Oblivion is a game that should be experienced by every 360 owner, period. The story, soundtrack, and superb attention to detail makes this game stand out from the rest. Although the game's main storyline is brilliant and captivating on its on, you are unrestrictedly free to roam about the world to do anything you want. With an abundance of side quests, factions, and things that make Oblivion is a game that should be experienced by every 360 owner, period. The story, soundtrack, and superb attention to detail makes this game stand out from the rest. Although the game's main storyline is brilliant and captivating on its on, you are unrestrictedly free to roam about the world to do anything you want. With an abundance of side quests, factions, and things that make you stop and say "Wow!", this game will keep you thoroughly entertained and satisfied for months to come.… Expand
  8. KhristianR.
    Sep 29, 2008
    9
    The only down point I have is that, in all of the locations, 99% of the Tombs, Churches, Caves, Ayleid Ruins look very similar to each other. They look great but sometimes you can get easily lost or confused. There are so many positives, the depth, the graphics, the sheer size of Oblivion is enough to stop you from going out and having a social life for a while. Oblivion is a brilliant The only down point I have is that, in all of the locations, 99% of the Tombs, Churches, Caves, Ayleid Ruins look very similar to each other. They look great but sometimes you can get easily lost or confused. There are so many positives, the depth, the graphics, the sheer size of Oblivion is enough to stop you from going out and having a social life for a while. Oblivion is a brilliant game. All the various aspects from magicka, to making your own spells and potions. Becoming a master of particular fighting styles, welding your own weapons. This game has a hell of a lot to do on it. The great music by Jeremy Soule. This is a true RPG experience. SCORE : 93%.… Expand
  9. TimothyD
    Oct 12, 2009
    9
    Elder Scrolls... Elder Scrolls... You never fail to dissapoint. From flying 500 feet into the air with a scroll in Morrowind to Waiting 15 hours straight to activate a quest that only starts when you're there are a certain time in Oblivion. The game is no longer tedious. The new teleport function (thats been here for years!) and wait system saves me a lot of time. The fixed combat Elder Scrolls... Elder Scrolls... You never fail to dissapoint. From flying 500 feet into the air with a scroll in Morrowind to Waiting 15 hours straight to activate a quest that only starts when you're there are a certain time in Oblivion. The game is no longer tedious. The new teleport function (thats been here for years!) and wait system saves me a lot of time. The fixed combat from Morrowind feels much more fun to backslash an oblivious Imperial Guard. No pun intended. Great character growth and customization. The game never seems to end, I gurantee you won't finish this game 100% in 24 hours. Well, unless your diet consists of hot pockets and mountain dew, then you might, and if you do, Why are you reading this?! Go play the game silly!… Expand
  10. ChrisR.
    Jan 5, 2009
    7
    *sigh* I cant deny how EPIC this game feels and how much effort that has been put into it. Buts its so damn hard to actually enjoy, it actualyl feels like a job. Look I know most RPG's arnt all about the fun but more about a feeling of accomplishment, and i admit when u do level up in this game it takes so damn long it does give a feeling of achievement. But to be honest its really *sigh* I cant deny how EPIC this game feels and how much effort that has been put into it. Buts its so damn hard to actually enjoy, it actualyl feels like a job. Look I know most RPG's arnt all about the fun but more about a feeling of accomplishment, and i admit when u do level up in this game it takes so damn long it does give a feeling of achievement. But to be honest its really not work your time. I do enjoy playing it to a certain degree but if someone presented me with Fable: Lost Chapters or Dues Ex (If you havnt tried this game, its my 2nd favoruate game and I would very much recommend it to everyone) then i would much rather choose them. The classing and skills, although complex, ur actual development is only really noticable after a extreme shedload of leveling up. and it just doesnt feel like it was worth it. You know something, if your game crashed and you havnt saved for a good couple of levels, i can guarentee youll just say "ah I cant be arsed!" And turn it off and do something more creative… Expand
  11. DannyY
    Apr 14, 2009
    9
    One word...Mods. When I first played oblivion I didn't think it was that great. The level scaling, the pathetic magic system, and the crappy UI were all turn offs for me. I threw it on the side and didn't take another glance. Then the wonderful Mod community started churning out mods from the woodworks. These Mods fixed thousands of problems in the Vanilla Game. It added many One word...Mods. When I first played oblivion I didn't think it was that great. The level scaling, the pathetic magic system, and the crappy UI were all turn offs for me. I threw it on the side and didn't take another glance. Then the wonderful Mod community started churning out mods from the woodworks. These Mods fixed thousands of problems in the Vanilla Game. It added many fixes like the UI problem, and added much more content to the game. If you are buying this game BUY IT FOR THE PC! The X-box and PS3 versions pale into comparison to the modded version of the game. Unless you want to be infuriated by level scaling and the horrible UI.… Expand
  12. mitchh
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    I am a frequent rpg'er and i feel like this is one of the best i have ever played. The world is amazing graphics-wise and i was surprised to read that some didnt feel the same. The main story is excellent, but i actually had more fun working for different guilds.
  13. ChristopherP
    Jun 8, 2009
    7
    Interesting for its scale and scope, but not so much for its gameplay or story. Combat is stiff, boring, and repetitive; environments are overly similar; many of the character models are disgustingly ugly; the "level scaling" system is more annoying than fun; the omnipotent and all-seeing guards are frustrating; the game-world is far from seeming living and natural; and there is an almost Interesting for its scale and scope, but not so much for its gameplay or story. Combat is stiff, boring, and repetitive; environments are overly similar; many of the character models are disgustingly ugly; the "level scaling" system is more annoying than fun; the omnipotent and all-seeing guards are frustrating; the game-world is far from seeming living and natural; and there is an almost endless variety of small problems that add up to hinder the experience. But, for some reason, it's hard to stop playing in favor of doing just one more quest. Now that it's cheap, it may be worth playing for Western RPG fans, but because of its massive list of annoying design choices, it isn't anywhere near the game it could have been.… Expand
  14. Christopherf
    Sep 23, 2009
    8
    I debated on whether or not to rate this game an 8 or a 7, frankly because with as many bugs as this game has, it deserves a 7. But, inspite of them all I cant stop playing the game!! The major problems with ESO to name a few are the butt ugly characters; the complete lack of fluidity in the combat system; the fact that every ayleid ruin and cave looks exactly the same leading to a I debated on whether or not to rate this game an 8 or a 7, frankly because with as many bugs as this game has, it deserves a 7. But, inspite of them all I cant stop playing the game!! The major problems with ESO to name a few are the butt ugly characters; the complete lack of fluidity in the combat system; the fact that every ayleid ruin and cave looks exactly the same leading to a nauseating feeling of dejavu on every mission; and the fact that I wholly expected my first fireball at level 2 to turn into a dazzling pyrotechnics display at level 25 (but sadly its still a whimpy, lackluster little fireball). However the sheer scope of this game, the authentic AI, Beautiful beautiful scenic views, engaging main story line and sidequests, beautiful cities (and ugly ones) and the ability to truly become the character I created is a wonderful refreshing exercise in freedom that keeps me coming back again and again! A must play, for anyone who has ever wanted to be part of a Lord of the Ring sized epic fantasy!… Expand
  15. AnonymousMC
    Dec 18, 2006
    5
    This game has great potential, but Bethesda screwed up. Level scaling defeats the entire point of levelling up and kills the realism the Elder Scrolls boasts so much. The plot is okay, but the ending is very disappointing. There's really not much to do with the main quest and the few town quests and guild missions. The boasted 'huge world' populated with 'caves andThis game has great potential, but Bethesda screwed up. Level scaling defeats the entire point of levelling up and kills the realism the Elder Scrolls boasts so much. The plot is okay, but the ending is very disappointing. There's really not much to do with the main quest and the few town quests and guild missions. The boasted 'huge world' populated with 'caves and ruins' is true, but thanks to the TSEditor system it's all built from the same pieces and there's no variation whatsoever. Every dungeon is the same at heart. Before you hit level 10 you can… Expand
  16. MikeR.
    Mar 19, 2006
    10
    The first greatest RPG XBOX 360 game ever! Been waiting for a long time! Great sword fight and nice original magic spells!
  17. GregM.
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    To give this game anything less than a 10 would be ridiculous. I've been waiting two years for this game and I bought it last night and played it for four hours without breathing. It's as good as the hype, and I'm generally overly critical. It's breathtaking and amazing and I can't wait to get the hell out of work to play it all night again tonight. I'm sick. To give this game anything less than a 10 would be ridiculous. I've been waiting two years for this game and I bought it last night and played it for four hours without breathing. It's as good as the hype, and I'm generally overly critical. It's breathtaking and amazing and I can't wait to get the hell out of work to play it all night again tonight. I'm sick. The graphics are beautiful and the gameplay magnificent. If you own an Xbox but not this game, return your Xbox because you don't deserve to have it. If you haven't got an Xbox, you should buy one immediately or cry yourself to sleep at night.… Expand
  18. ScottV.
    Mar 23, 2006
    9
    This game is huge and the graphics are beautiful. Load times between buildings are occasionally annoying but the whole load time and frame rate issue has been way overstated, at least on the 360 version. I haven't seen it stutter or slow to unplayable levels once. And blurred textures in the distance, maybe--but compared to what? I've never seen any other game that shows wide This game is huge and the graphics are beautiful. Load times between buildings are occasionally annoying but the whole load time and frame rate issue has been way overstated, at least on the 360 version. I haven't seen it stutter or slow to unplayable levels once. And blurred textures in the distance, maybe--but compared to what? I've never seen any other game that shows wide open 3D wilderness in this kind of detail. Anyway, it's tempting, as in most Elder Scrolls games, to stray off the plot but unlike most of them the plot is actually very engaging. That's a real first--it's not just good for an Elder Scrolls game, it's good for an RPG in general. Someone stated the first two hours were boring which is true--but stick with it, it really starts to pick up steam from there.… Expand
  19. JustinD.
    Mar 24, 2006
    10
    I can't leave my controller, I'm so addicted to this game.
  20. RobertP.
    Mar 24, 2006
    10
    As someone that never played the previous Elder Scrolls games i've gotta say im blown away not just visually & sonically but also at the overall user friendliness of the game in general. i've currently racked up around 12 hours of playtime, in which i really have barely scratched the surface. if your budgets tight and you want one great game to last you a good few months this is it.
  21. SeanT.
    Mar 24, 2006
    10
    This game rocks.
  22. Megatron
    Mar 25, 2006
    10
    I won't try repeating what everybody else says that the this game is far above anythng we've seen and olayed in years...only that its impossible for bethesda or anyone else to make a virtually better place....just buy it,and forget reality and all its problems,cause reality sucks,compared to this artwork..every one should at least give it a try,but be prepared to neglect personalI won't try repeating what everybody else says that the this game is far above anythng we've seen and olayed in years...only that its impossible for bethesda or anyone else to make a virtually better place....just buy it,and forget reality and all its problems,cause reality sucks,compared to this artwork..every one should at least give it a try,but be prepared to neglect personal real life needs...enough said ...just buy the damn thing!!… Expand
  23. Sn1ck3rz
    Mar 25, 2006
    10
    Take the Oblivion compatability survey: 1) Do you have an Xbox 360? 2) Do you have $60? 3) Do you have enough discipline to maintain a personal hygiene, social and work schedule in the face of overwhelming forces of graphical goodness and soul-possessing gameplay? If you answered yes to the above questions you have already wasted a minute of time that could have been spent playing the Take the Oblivion compatability survey: 1) Do you have an Xbox 360? 2) Do you have $60? 3) Do you have enough discipline to maintain a personal hygiene, social and work schedule in the face of overwhelming forces of graphical goodness and soul-possessing gameplay? If you answered yes to the above questions you have already wasted a minute of time that could have been spent playing the game. GET IT NOW!… Expand
  24. Andyman
    Mar 26, 2006
    10
    Heh, if I was so inept as to be stuck at level 1, I'd probably give this game a 3 too... and then I would quit playing games, because I suck at life. Simply put, this is the best game I've played, on any system, ever, period. You don't PLAY the game so much as you LIVE it. So much to do, so much to see, and it all looks and sounds incredible. Even if you didn't like Heh, if I was so inept as to be stuck at level 1, I'd probably give this game a 3 too... and then I would quit playing games, because I suck at life. Simply put, this is the best game I've played, on any system, ever, period. You don't PLAY the game so much as you LIVE it. So much to do, so much to see, and it all looks and sounds incredible. Even if you didn't like Morrowind (I didn't), you'll love Oblivion. It is next-gen gaming at its absolute finest. OK, enough time spent on this review... back to the game!… Expand
  25. Mike
    Mar 26, 2006
    10
    Incredible. Can't stop playing it. To Alex L below who rated it a 3 because he can't figure out that in order to level up you need to SLEEP in a BED, I think you should stop playing the game because it is apparently too dificult for you. (When the game says "You've learned new skills in Blade work. Meditate upon what you have learned by sleeping" it means take a friggin nap)
  26. MikoM.
    Mar 26, 2006
    5
    While the sandbox-type openness of the world is compelling, it also makes the game feel aimless and unrewarding. Add reams of horrible bugs, fairly dull combat, extremely dull persuasion and lockpicking subgames, and some of the worst NPC AI known to man, and you have a recipe for the most horribly overhyped game since Daikatana.
  27. FakeyM.
    Mar 27, 2006
    10
    Wow! What more can I say? Spectacular must-have RPG.
  28. AaronS.
    Mar 27, 2006
    8
    Great game, few flaws. Graphics are amazing, pop-ins not a bother but are there. Combat is very pleasureable. Leveling up leaves no sense of accomplishment as the game gets harder every level, but also adds to enjoyment in my opinion. All around a great buy for anyone 12 and up.
  29. NeilV.
    Apr 15, 2006
    10
    This is an incredible game. I loved Fable and Jade Empire a great deal as well and this has the potential to be the best of the bunch. I'm just shy of 20 hours into the game (and RPGs are NOT my primary/fave genre as a sidenote), and I've just scratched the surface. Another sidenote, I could not get into Morrowwind at all (played it for maybe 4 hours, never touched it again). This is an incredible game. I loved Fable and Jade Empire a great deal as well and this has the potential to be the best of the bunch. I'm just shy of 20 hours into the game (and RPGs are NOT my primary/fave genre as a sidenote), and I've just scratched the surface. Another sidenote, I could not get into Morrowwind at all (played it for maybe 4 hours, never touched it again). This is superior in all ways and so far, I have yet to run into any glitches (fingers crossed)… Expand
  30. NovaShade
    Apr 16, 2006
    10
    I never thought I would say this again.....This IS the greatest game made bar none...Well....to me it is.......Before this game came along there was no other game to match my love for Baldur's Gate 2. I have played almost every game avabile...yes i said EVERY......I have owed every Xbox game (worth buying that is...) and playstation 2, and Gamecube game....Yes i am a game I never thought I would say this again.....This IS the greatest game made bar none...Well....to me it is.......Before this game came along there was no other game to match my love for Baldur's Gate 2. I have played almost every game avabile...yes i said EVERY......I have owed every Xbox game (worth buying that is...) and playstation 2, and Gamecube game....Yes i am a game addict.....(mainly buying meanign at deals and trading them when i was done.) I have also owned every RPG I could get my hands on for the computer, also FPS's. This game beats every game i have ever played. However, I am not so proud of playing almost every game in the North Amercia market before finally finding a game worth more than i payed for it. Like i said only Bulders Gate 2 was worth more before this one. This game does not replace that game but I cant denie that it is unbeileveable. Morrowind I brought about 4 times (once for the computer, couldnt run it, then for the Xbox, then the GOTY came out and i got that, Then i traded that in and bouaght it again a couple years later.) I did love that game but every time I polayed it i felt alittle underwhelemd. not that is wasnt great but the werid combat really ruin it for me. it just took some fun out of it. I thought FABLE was suppose to be what this game is but Fable just turned into a cute adventure game (with its own little touchs of a colourful world) But it just got boring. The towns had nothing to do in them. You could buy a house (which to me a so cool) but like GTA theyt were useless. (not that you can use houses that much but...) Also there are Horses in this game, and nothing is cooler than becoming artifical bond to your loyal house. Not everyone well find it that way but i did. And you can.....what?....sit down? Thats odd....You can REALLY sit down. Not a highlight but i have to admit that i always wanted to do something to simple like sit in a chair in a game. it just adds that wierd believeable-ness to the game. Things like that mean alot to me. all those tiny things that dont really make it worth buying but in the whole makes the real experience more real. I agree with RavenX301, you have to be a totally fool not to give this atleast a nine.… Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2006
3
#3 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2006
3
#3 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 90 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 90 out of 90
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 90
  3. Negative: 0 out of 90
  1. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    94
    A refreshing, immersive, massive, satisfying and hugely impressive game.
    Read full review
  2. Worth Playing
    98
    Oblivion not only raises the bar in the visual and audio modules but also in the gameplay and presentation department, making it easily one of the most recommendable titles to anyone who has ever enjoyed the thought of truly doing whatever they want in a video game, in a world where actions actually mean something.
    Read full review
  3. Xbox Evolved
    97
    Oblivion is so deep it is hard to escape its grasp. Few things keep it down, such as loading times, and a few problems with visuals and sound, but the gameplay, the most important piece is dead-on.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »