Playing Oblivion for the first time is like opening an RPG time capsule

The author never played Oblivion when they were younger due to being on the PS2 during its release in 2006.
Their introduction to the Elder Scrolls series was through Skyrim, which they struggled to get into despite their partner’s love for it.
When playing Oblivion for the first time, the author was surprised by the voice acting of notable characters like Emperor Uriel Septim VII (Patrick Stewart) and Brother Martin (Sean Bean).
The game captured the author in a way they didn’t expect, but not for reasons related to its gameplay or story.
Playing Oblivion for the first time was a nostalgic experience that opened up a new appreciation for the Elder Scrolls series for the author.

Screenshot from Oblivion remaster featuring an armored character shooting a bow at a minotaur surrounded by flames.

It was really great seeing all the excitement from fans when Oblivion shadow dropped earlier this week. For a lot of people, the fourth installment in the Elder Scrolls series is the game, the experience that either was the impetus for their career in video games, instilled in them an everlasting love for the format, or both.

But I never played Oblivion when I was younger. It came out in 2006, when I was a freshman in college and firmly within the iron grip of the PS2. (While you partied on Cyrodiil, I studied the keyblade.) I was first introduced to the Elder Scrolls series via Skyrim, a game that I simply could not get into despite my best efforts and having a partner who loved the game who I wanted to become closer to. When I started Oblivion for the first time I was so hopeful that it would capture me in a way its successor did not. It did – but not for the reasons I expected.

My first surprise came within the game’s opening minutes when I met Emperor Uriel Septim VII. I was shocked. This was the Patrick Stewart, Captain Picard himself, best friend of Gandalf the Grey. I was surprised yet again when I met Brother Martin; I’d know Sean Bean’s voice anywhere. (And because it …

Read the full story at The Verge.

link

Q. What was the author’s experience with playing Oblivion for the first time?

A. The author was hopeful that it would capture them in a way its successor, Skyrim, did not, but was surprised by how much they enjoyed it.

Q. When was the author introduced to the Elder Scrolls series?

A. The author was introduced to the Elder Scrolls series via Skyrim, which they tried to get into despite their best efforts.

Q. Who played Emperor Uriel Septim VII in Oblivion?

A. Patrick Stewart, who is also known for playing Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Q. What was another surprise the author encountered when playing Oblivion?

A. The author was surprised to hear Sean Bean’s voice as Brother Martin.

Q. Why did the author want to play Oblivion despite not enjoying Skyrim?

A. The author wanted to become closer to their partner, who loved Skyrim and they wanted to share that experience with them.

Q. What console was the author primarily playing on when Oblivion was released?

A. The PS2.

Q. How did the author feel about playing Oblivion for the first time?

A. The author felt it was like opening an RPG time capsule, capturing their excitement and enthusiasm for the series.