I got a chance to preview the character selection process featured in
The Elder Scrolls IV:
Oblivion. It's actually a segment of the game that gives players a taste of what to expect when things really
jump off—it's also a testing ground that will analyze your playing style and recommend a character type (you can choose
whatever you want).
The preview was running off of a 2-week old build, but the developer on-hand assured me that the final product would be better polished—particularly when it comes to weapon balance (I noticed it took about ten arrows to drop a low-level goblin). Still, I was impressed with what I played. Unfortunately, I wasn't given the opportunity to visit other parts of the game—I would have liked to see some outside environments and towns.
The game starts you off?as usual?in prison. Your first task is to mold your appearance using a system not unlike the character creation process featured in Tiger Woods. After doing so, you?ll be paid a visit by the Emperor (Patrick Stewart) and some of his guardsmen. Low and behold, you?re the man (or woman) of his dreams.
Most of the opening segment takes place underground in dark rooms and passages inhabited by goblins and giant rats. You?ll get plenty of opportunity to test out the much-improved hand-to-hand fighting mechanics, which translate well on the Xbox 360?s controller?you?ll also get to try out the projectile system (including a hadouken-like magic attack). Making contact with your weapon still feels a bit awkward, but it?s a lot more rewarding than the Morrowind experience on the original Xbox.
Graphically, Oblivion is impressive, highlighted by great
lighting effects. I?m still curious to see how Oblivion holds up in the daylight, but I?m confident that it
will satisfy next-gen enthusiasts. In addition, Bethesda has incorporated the Havoc Physics Engine, which above all
else adds a layer of fun factor to the game. At any time you can place the cursor over an object (dead bodies included)
hold the left paddle (LB) and mess with it?I inadvertently flipped over a dead rat and forced it into a gnarly
spread-eagle position (?Nice one,? the developer remarked). Later in the game, you?ll acquire a spell that will let you
pick up and toss objects around.
My experience with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was merely a taste to whet my appetite. It promises a
hearty 200 hours of open-ended gameplay, which will likely scare a lot of casual gamers away. But that?s okay?Elder
Scrolls junkies wouldn?t want it any other way. Bethesda has also put a lot of energy into making the combat
system work this time around; and this will attract new fans, as well as satisfy the old ones. The menu system is a bit
difficult to navigate?but this is also a sign of Oblivion?s depth (the game will feature a robust alchemy
system). It?s the perfect RPG to compliment the Xbox 360?s theme: choice. Choose how you want to play. As the developer
explained, you create the character; you create the outcome. Follow the quest to glory or spend your time (literally)
picking flowers?it?s up to you.
Note: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has been delayed?likely until early to mid-December.
