The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion released in North America
Bethesda and 2K Games releases this highly anticipated RPG Behemoth on Xbox 360, PC
March 22, 2006
Bethesda Softworks and 2K Games have announced the release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in North America. The game is now available for Microsoft's Xbox 360 and the PC platform.
Oblivion is the fourth title in the highly-accliamed The Elder Scrolls series. The Elder Scrolls gained a phenomenal growth after its previous installment, Morrowind. This new game hopes to capture and amplify the success of Morrowind by leveraging the latest technology in graphics, audio and AI to create a massive virtual world filled with realistic people and creatures.
Oblivion features an all-star cast of voice talents which bring the world of Tamriel to life. Voice actors include Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Linda Carter (Wonder Woman). Unlike its predecessor, Morrowind, this latest installation features completely vocal communication. Rather than presenting large blocks of text, all characters in the game speak.
The mad words of Oblivion's characters aren't without method, though. Oblivion features a break-through system called "Radiant AI", through which non-playable characters interact with each other independant of the main player, creating a vibrant, realistic world. Characters in the game have opinions about you, and about each other. And they act on them. A preview of the game showed a woman become upset with her pet dog and punish it with a firey magic spell — all without any suggestion or action from the player.
"Oblivion is an engrossing and unique role-playing experience with incredibly deep gameplay," commented Christoph Hartmann, Managing Director of 2K Games. "Gamers will be amazed when they see the revolutionary features that have made Oblivion one of the most anticipated titles of 2006."
The game makes full use out of the Xbox 360's graphics, and requires fairly powerful graphics hardware on the PC platform. Gamers are warned to ensure that their system meets the requirements of the game.
The game has been released in two sets — a stand-alone game, and a collector's edition which features game art and other goodies.