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
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  1. grimreapersims
    Sep 24, 2021
    9
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  2. JonS.
    Mar 30, 2006
    8
    Dont get me wrong, I love this game, but it really should have been released as the last great game on the Xbox rather than a full 360 release. It just doesnt give me that next gen feeling! In itself though, its still a great game just on the wrong console.
  3. ChrisC.
    Aug 9, 2007
    8
    The good: It's obviously so expansive, and they obviously put a lot of hard work into making it a really diverse experience. The bad: If you're not used to playing western-style RPGs it's a lot less accessible. The game just sort of throws you in the world, assuming you are used to the way these sorts of games play. The good but other people have called bad: The way it The good: It's obviously so expansive, and they obviously put a lot of hard work into making it a really diverse experience. The bad: If you're not used to playing western-style RPGs it's a lot less accessible. The game just sort of throws you in the world, assuming you are used to the way these sorts of games play. The good but other people have called bad: The way it penalizes you for powerleveling. Powerleveling is lame. It's boring and it rewards you for just wasting a lot of time doing easy stuff over and over instead of successfully doing anything hard. Games *ought* to penalize you for just walking around doing rote tasks over and over. It's about time.… Expand
  4. MattC
    Jul 22, 2009
    8
    Great game on it's design and scope. The story and interactivity with NPCs and items in the game are incredible. The character customization is also very well done. The biggest downfall of the game is the repetitve combat, and ridiculously long loading screens. Traveling around in a big city and long distances can take almost a minute in the load screen. I know that doesn't Great game on it's design and scope. The story and interactivity with NPCs and items in the game are incredible. The character customization is also very well done. The biggest downfall of the game is the repetitve combat, and ridiculously long loading screens. Traveling around in a big city and long distances can take almost a minute in the load screen. I know that doesn't sound like much, but after reading this, stare at a clock for 60 seconds and tell me that isn't a long time to wait on a regular basis. But what can you expect from such a huge game. It's definitely a must play.… Expand
  5. RobJ.
    Mar 31, 2006
    8
    At first look (20+ hours) this is a wonderfully crafted jewel, but closer scrutiny shows some flaws. A comparison with the prequel, Morrowind, is obvious. The game mechanics are very similar, so people having played MW will feel very much at home. Combat system has been improved and feels more visceral this time around. It absolutely shines in terms of visuals, musical score, and voiced At first look (20+ hours) this is a wonderfully crafted jewel, but closer scrutiny shows some flaws. A comparison with the prequel, Morrowind, is obvious. The game mechanics are very similar, so people having played MW will feel very much at home. Combat system has been improved and feels more visceral this time around. It absolutely shines in terms of visuals, musical score, and voiced dialogues. I have one significant complaint, which unfortunately concerns a fundamental design decision. It's called level scaling. Basically the game world (NPCs, creatures, loot) changes with your level. This may not sound all that bad but leads to some oddities, and, personally, I've taken a strong disliking to it. For a start, levelling is actually contraproductive, especially for a non-combat oriented char. Caves, shrines etc are nearly irrelevant, since they will always contain stuff that you already have, and opposition that is exactly matched to you (if you're a fighter). You can finish main quest lines, become guild master etc at level 1. While, at high levels, the simplest bandit will routinely kick ... just like a master fighter, and will more often than not drop armour and weapons that are supposedly very rare and expensive. This not only breaks the economy, but feels ridiculous and affects immersion. The level scaling as such is not a bad idea, but it's been poorly implemented here. That said, I still can't stop playing, and expect to spend some hundred hours with this game. It probably won't be a game that I will return to repeatedly over the next few years, as Morrowind was, but it's easily the best RPG available on any console today.… Expand
  6. AugustoE.
    May 26, 2006
    8
    This is a great RPG, no doubt about it. A little bit more work in the radiant A.I., and a more compelling storyline whould have made it one of the greatest rpg of all time. p.s.: when are they gonna make a versiona of the arena online?
  7. Nahyo
    Jun 10, 2006
    8
    A very high '8.' Amazing visuals. Engrossing and lenghty game. 1 of the few reasons to own the 360. Interesting plot with so-so ending. Lose a few weeks of your life. Play this game
  8. DE
    Apr 23, 2007
    8
    A few very annoying glitches. Accidentally did something to make a key character refuse to tallk to me. And later in the story I needed to get something from this character for the main story to continue. I had to start a new file. Other than that it's a really great game for RPG fans and will keep you playing for 100+ hours.
  9. Max
    Aug 3, 2007
    8
    This is probably the most over-rated 360 games so far. It is fun at first but swinging a weapon around over and over again just gets annoying and out of the maximum 50 levels you can grow to, the enemies stop getting harder and the weapons stop getting stronger at around level 20. Most of the caves and dungeons you travel through look the same and I am suprised they didn't include a This is probably the most over-rated 360 games so far. It is fun at first but swinging a weapon around over and over again just gets annoying and out of the maximum 50 levels you can grow to, the enemies stop getting harder and the weapons stop getting stronger at around level 20. Most of the caves and dungeons you travel through look the same and I am suprised they didn't include a multiplayer arena mode or something like that. There are many good things about this game though. The spells are fun to use and customize and the downloaded content is cool. The graphics are good and the quests are fun. This game is worth a buy but it isn't the best game for the 360 like some people say.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. BobbyP.
    Apr 23, 2006
    8
    The game is massive but boring. Spend hours looking at nventory screens and watching the loading message. Not as great as I thought it would be.
  14. JohnP
    Feb 21, 2009
    8
    This game is just another example of how great Bethesda is. Although, it isn't as great as its predecessor, Oblivion brings a bigger world with all of the original fun and challenges, along with the sandbox atmosphere to your console. Graphically, this game is beautiful, top notch rendering. Great work with blooming caps and the Havok engine.
  15. ChrisR
    Jul 12, 2009
    8
    I've always been a big ES Fan. Ever since Morrowind that is. But this game brings a whole new perspective to the title. Once you start playing the storyline, and all the other sub-quest lines the game has to offer. You won't want to stop until you've completed every aspect the game has to offer. However I found that It's far more worth your money if you invest the PC I've always been a big ES Fan. Ever since Morrowind that is. But this game brings a whole new perspective to the title. Once you start playing the storyline, and all the other sub-quest lines the game has to offer. You won't want to stop until you've completed every aspect the game has to offer. However I found that It's far more worth your money if you invest the PC version. They're are many great and intriguing mods that enhance gameplay from start to finish. But on the xbox I found that It has no replay value what so ever. After creating one character and playing through every possible quest-line. I found it hard to believe that my adventure was finally over. 8/10. In the future I would recommend that they give more replay ability to the next ES title. At least for Xbox 360 owners that is.… Expand
  16. JudgeMental
    Sep 4, 2010
    8
    This is classic Bethesda. Brilliant characters, decent mechanics, an excellent plot. Downsides are the same as in most Bethesda games: things start to look the same quickly. Every Aeylid dungeon uses the same tiny texture palate, every indoors location in a given city looks the same. The outdoors is kept fresh and interesting, a notable difference from Fallout 3, but the textures reallyThis is classic Bethesda. Brilliant characters, decent mechanics, an excellent plot. Downsides are the same as in most Bethesda games: things start to look the same quickly. Every Aeylid dungeon uses the same tiny texture palate, every indoors location in a given city looks the same. The outdoors is kept fresh and interesting, a notable difference from Fallout 3, but the textures really bug me, it drags down an otherwise excellent game. Still gets an 8/10, but loses points for textures, odd physics engines, and the infinitely annoying Mage's Guild entry level quest ring.… Expand
  17. Shockwave
    Sep 1, 2010
    8
    Oblivion is overall a very fun and immersive game. Bethesda's sandbox world is immense and beautiful. The level of freedom you have in forging your unique character is amazing. It is a very easy thing in this game to lose track of the main quest...which is not a bad thing. I particularly enjoyed the Dark Brotherhood quest line even though the writing and voice acting was often campy.Oblivion is overall a very fun and immersive game. Bethesda's sandbox world is immense and beautiful. The level of freedom you have in forging your unique character is amazing. It is a very easy thing in this game to lose track of the main quest...which is not a bad thing. I particularly enjoyed the Dark Brotherhood quest line even though the writing and voice acting was often campy. There are three main issues I had that really held the game back from being truly awesome. The first two is the dialogue (especially between NPCs) and the voice acting. The dialogue in general can be awkward and non sensical at times, but the more significant issue is that they only used a handful of voice actors for the many (maybe over a hundred) speaking characters. Even if you were to just stick to the main campaign you will hear the same voice for several critical characters you will encounter throughout the game. For me that, along with the downright ugly characters (PC players at least have the opportunity to reskin via a mod), kept me from fully becoming lost in Oblivion.… Expand
  18. Djvincey
    Sep 5, 2010
    8
    The Elder Scrolls IV:Oblivion is one of, if not the best game i've ad the pleasure to play. The world map may not seem big, but with hundreds of of locations to be discovered, dozens of guilds to join, an enthralling main quest and many quests that can be bought on by talking to strangers. On the downside, the game is slightly repetitive and occasionaly predictable. The character maker atThe Elder Scrolls IV:Oblivion is one of, if not the best game i've ad the pleasure to play. The world map may not seem big, but with hundreds of of locations to be discovered, dozens of guilds to join, an enthralling main quest and many quests that can be bought on by talking to strangers. On the downside, the game is slightly repetitive and occasionaly predictable. The character maker at the beginning is'nt the easiest to use and once completed there's nothing really to do.… Expand
  19. drlowdon
    Jun 9, 2013
    8
    The fourth in the longing running PC series Oblivion is the first to be designed primarily for console gaming. Fortunately however, while it is more accessible than its predecessors, it retains all of the depth with well in excess of 150 hours of gameplay available. Designed to be an open ended single player experience Oblivions huge world is virtually unparalleled in video games andThe fourth in the longing running PC series Oblivion is the first to be designed primarily for console gaming. Fortunately however, while it is more accessible than its predecessors, it retains all of the depth with well in excess of 150 hours of gameplay available. Designed to be an open ended single player experience Oblivions huge world is virtually unparalleled in video games and everything is open right from the start, allowing the player to take things at their own pace. The main quest involves the usual RPG theme of saving the world from impending doom. This is done by entering a number of 'Oblivion Gates' that transport you to a hellish dimension where the gate can be shut down. Truth be told these gates are probably the least interesting aspect of the game. Thanks to the simplistic combat and almost identical looking dimensions trolling through the repetitive enemies can become tiresome on occasions.

    Those that stick primarily to the main plot will however miss a huge amount of interesting content. The three guilds (Magic, Fighters and Dark Brotherhood) for instance offer some excellent side quests that give the player choices in how they should be completed. A handy map makes it easy to keep track of any quests you have started and as well as allowing quick travel to any locations you have already visited. As with any RPG worth its salt the player is also able to level-up and customise their character. Having selected a race and gender during the games opening it is possible to specialise in different handheld weapons, ranged weapons or even magic. Skills such as lock picking and charisma also affect the way in which the game is played. One controversial feature however does see the enemies around the world level up in relation to your character. This can be frustrating when you are killed by an enemy you thought you could easily overpower but does ensure the game remains a challenge. Just be sure to save often!

    Anyone after a game in which they can really invest their time won't find many better RPG's available on the current generation of consoles.    … Expand
  20. Sci-Fi-Dude1456
    Jul 7, 2011
    8
    Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion has an immerse open-world that will keep the gamer playing for a lot of hours. The storyline was very broken and it didn't suck you in , but it doesn't stop this game from being great.
  21. CarsonRGB
    Oct 4, 2011
    8
    Story: 8 Characters: 7
    Graphics: 7
    Setting: 10
    Multiplayer: N/A
    Soundtrack: 10
    Audio: 6
    Gameplay: 8
    Re-Playability Value: 10
    Fun Factor: 10

    Score: 8.4/10 = A-
  22. Dyedfire
    Nov 7, 2011
    8
    Bethesda studios created one of the best open-world RPG for Xbox360. The game included features and quests to make the player play for a long time. Introducing this on a console removed to countless cheat features presented on the PC forcing the player to explore around without the need for them. Oblivion included a difficulty feature for players to change the experience of the gameBethesda studios created one of the best open-world RPG for Xbox360. The game included features and quests to make the player play for a long time. Introducing this on a console removed to countless cheat features presented on the PC forcing the player to explore around without the need for them. Oblivion included a difficulty feature for players to change the experience of the game whenever they want. Although, raising the difficulty mid-game would create enemies that would take 5,000 slashes and creates a pointless thought of even raising the difficulty. Once you get to roam around this huge landscape, you'll begin to forget about the main quest... And that it existed in the first place.… Expand
  23. Beermonger7
    Nov 20, 2014
    8
    Its a great game, I never really beat it though. Honestly after a while all of the content is recycled. Like a lot of dungeons look the same, different layout but the same. Also the difficulty level goes from extremely easy to damn near impossible. I know you can lower the difficulty setting but I just wish they would have got it right. I think I should go back to this game and just do aIts a great game, I never really beat it though. Honestly after a while all of the content is recycled. Like a lot of dungeons look the same, different layout but the same. Also the difficulty level goes from extremely easy to damn near impossible. I know you can lower the difficulty setting but I just wish they would have got it right. I think I should go back to this game and just do a speed run through the main storyline, because I would just keep doing the side quests.… Expand
  24. Shadexx7
    Nov 22, 2011
    8
    I am coming back to review this having invested time in the newly released Elder Scrolls game, Skyrim. While Skyrim is amazing, one can't help but look back at Oblivion. Thus, this review comes.

    I played Morrowind, the game before Oblivion. Unfortunately, I did so after playing Oblivion, and I could clearly see how flawed the game is in comparison to Oblivion. First, though, let me    I am coming back to review this having invested time in the newly released Elder Scrolls game, Skyrim. While Skyrim is amazing, one can't help but look back at Oblivion. Thus, this review comes.

    I played Morrowind, the game before Oblivion. Unfortunately, I did so after playing Oblivion, and I could clearly see how flawed the game is in comparison to Oblivion.

    First, though, let me praise Oblivion. As one of the best RPGs on the 360, and considering its age, Oblivion is just a blast to play, with so much replayability in it that one could play for hours on end. The combat, much improved from Morrowind, is fun; however, sometimes, usually in the melee combat, it feels floaty and the mechanics aren't perfect. Despite these hiccups, combat is still quite enjoyable, even if you want to be a mage or, like me, a sneaky thief/assassin. The quests are usually fun; there are many that fall flat, those being parts of the main quest or the Fighter's Guild. The Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild quests are still fun, no matter how many times I play them.

    Now, on to the flaws. First and foremost is the voice acting. It is great in that every line of dialogue is spoken clearly but...I can only hear the same voice so many times. You will end up hearing the generic Orc, Nord, Imperial, etc. voice many times throughout your adventure. Also, there are problems with the AI. In some instances in the game, where you fight alongside town guards, you'll end up accidentally hitting them; this leads to confusion at the end of the battle, when one will come up to you and demand to take you to jail for assaulting (or killing) a guard. This takes away from the experience.

    Another complaint would be the textures. They sometimes don't load, and you will notice that many of the caves, forts, and ruins do start to look very, very similar. The skill system is also kind of complicated, with major skills going to your level, and minor skills not affecting it at all. This really placed an emphasis on what you choose at the start of the game, narrowing down the freedom as it limits your character's growth.

    Even though it's not perfect, Oblivion is still a good game, and has aged rather well. Skyrim is much improved, but Oblivion will still entangle you. I doubt you'll get as much play time out of it as I did (100+ hours, all achievements) now that there are better RPGs out there, but I still recommend it if you have played Skyrim and want to see some of its origins (and understand some of the references) or you just enjoy fantasy RPGs where you make all the choices.    … Expand
  25. Josh_47ra
    Mar 6, 2012
    8
    A great game marred by poor design decisions. I'll admit I might have rated this a 9 if I hadn't finished Skyrim before writing this review. It's incredibly fun and addicting, but it never is that immersive. It is almost insistent on yanking the player out the world constantly be it from glitches, meta gaming, or just annoying controls. Still really fun and I recommend playing ,even if theA great game marred by poor design decisions. I'll admit I might have rated this a 9 if I hadn't finished Skyrim before writing this review. It's incredibly fun and addicting, but it never is that immersive. It is almost insistent on yanking the player out the world constantly be it from glitches, meta gaming, or just annoying controls. Still really fun and I recommend playing ,even if the ending is a bit anti-climatic.… Expand
  26. Bloodlustrous
    May 12, 2013
    8
    Oblivion sets you up in a world to fend for yourself. Nobody holds your hand. For someone who hasn't played many open world RPGs, this is not good news. You really have to have previous knowledge to get started in this game. I found myself, a newbie to the open-world RPGs, frustrated at every corner. I suggest it's sequel, Skyrim, to people who haven't played games like this before. It isOblivion sets you up in a world to fend for yourself. Nobody holds your hand. For someone who hasn't played many open world RPGs, this is not good news. You really have to have previous knowledge to get started in this game. I found myself, a newbie to the open-world RPGs, frustrated at every corner. I suggest it's sequel, Skyrim, to people who haven't played games like this before. It is ever-so-slightly more newbie-friendly.

    That aside, it's a great game. It's legendary. When I found out it was released in 2006 I couldn't believe it. The graphics are lovely, the gameplay is lovely, the map is lovely. However, I cannot give this game a high rating just because of how unfriendly it is to new players.    … Expand
  27. GamingSoldier
    Jul 13, 2013
    8
    even though I have mixed feelings about Skyrim I loved oblivion. it is one of the best RPGs ever in my opinon and you should get it and i will tell you why
    pros: Story and characters, memorable dynamic storys you make on your own or through the quests, oblivion gates, Daedra are really cool villains, combat is good for a 2006 game, large amount of interesting content, the guilds have    even though I have mixed feelings about Skyrim I loved oblivion. it is one of the best RPGs ever in my opinon and you should get it and i will tell you why
    pros: Story and characters, memorable dynamic storys you make on your own or through the quests, oblivion gates, Daedra are really cool villains, combat is good for a 2006 game, large amount of interesting content, the guilds have interesting storys and actvities and help power up your skills in each respective class (fighter= warrior mages guild= wizards thieves guild= theives duh dark brotherhood= assasins arena= whatever you dang want) spell creating
    cons= level up system (level up wrong and lose every fight after) kind of disappointing main story climax, character models are poorly designed, in the dialogue system the camera zooms in onto the NPCs face as time stops for everything else and you basically select the subject of the conversation rather then what you say
    all in all oblivion is an amazing game worth every penny of its purchase price and with expansions like the shivering isles and knights of the nine there is plenty of content once you finish all of the original game (which i doubt would happen)    … Expand
  28. Wolfie1987
    Mar 24, 2014
    8
    The leveling system is broken, the graphics haven't aged well, everything looks generic, the combat system is atrocious, ... yet I love this game and its freedom & magical atmosphere. Daggerfall & Morrowind are true classics, Skyrim is better in nearly every way, but Oblivion has so much heart.
  29. JFadd
    Sep 3, 2014
    8
    The fourth installment of the Elder Scrolls takes us back to Cyrodiil for the third time in the franchise and the first time since Daggerfall. It is a beautiful game that is definitely one of my favorite games of all time. The only problems with Oblivion is that it hasn't aged well. The graphical capabilities is way behind nowadays and compared to its spiritual successors( Fallout 3 andThe fourth installment of the Elder Scrolls takes us back to Cyrodiil for the third time in the franchise and the first time since Daggerfall. It is a beautiful game that is definitely one of my favorite games of all time. The only problems with Oblivion is that it hasn't aged well. The graphical capabilities is way behind nowadays and compared to its spiritual successors( Fallout 3 and Skyrim ) and the A.I. is not as good as it should've been.
    My last thoughts is that Bethesda must've opted for an easy way out by going back to Cyrodiil and creating an easily thought out game so they could make something as epic as the next installment in the series.    … Expand
  30. Epik_Ninnja
    Aug 12, 2017
    8
    I played this game from mid 2016 to early 2017 and I can assure that it's stood the test of time since I honestly enjoyed it almost as much as Skyrim. The combat is clunky and graphics and animations are very bad by today's standards but the game still offers a good main quest, a pretty big open world, factions to join with quality quest lines and several fighting styles with numerousI played this game from mid 2016 to early 2017 and I can assure that it's stood the test of time since I honestly enjoyed it almost as much as Skyrim. The combat is clunky and graphics and animations are very bad by today's standards but the game still offers a good main quest, a pretty big open world, factions to join with quality quest lines and several fighting styles with numerous spells. I put 60 hours into the game by the time I finished it and there's probably another 60 worth of content. Over a decade after its release, this is an RPG you can enjoy long after its release.… Expand
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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

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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.
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  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.
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  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
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