The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

[Sync]

for discussion & help
As I havent played the game yet I really cant think of much to say that screenshots and videos havent shown, "it's going to look beautiful!". By the way if you havent seen any of the videos I encourage you to at least take a look at this "one week" video (8.46MB .WMV) and the "four days" video (15.7MB .WMV). IMO, FarCry has now been dwarfed in terms of outdoor environment capabilities, but then again FarCry didnt have Patrick Stewart and Sean Bean either!

Localized versions for France, Germany get text & voices translated while Spain and Italy have all text with English audio.
Collector's Edition includes a "Pocket guide to the empire," a replica Septim coin, and a bonus DVD with trailers, interviews, and making-of videos (no Construction Set tutorials ). The included map probably wont be any different than the non-CE release.

System Requirements - an Xbox 360 or PC
Recommended:
- 3 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
- 1 GB System RAM
- ATI X800 series, NVIDIA GeForce 6800 series, or higher video card

Minimum:
- 2 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
- Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows XP 64-bit (no exclusive 64-bit content is expected)
- 512MB System RAM
- 128MB Direct3D/DirectX 9 compatible video card
- 4.6 GB free hard drive space
- 8x DVD-ROM drive (the game is DVD only)
- DirectX 9.0c (included), DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card
- Keyboard, Mouse

Supported Video Chipsets:
ATi - X1900, X1800 X1600, X1300; x850, x800, x800, x600; Radeon 9800, 9700, 9600, 9500
NVidia - GeForce 7800, 6800, 6600, 6200, GeForce FX (5xxx) series

Links:
official PC (and x360) screenshots
movies!
Encyclopaedia Oblivionicus, practically everything known about Oblivion

The Nine and the Empire, citizens.

[Yojimbo]

I've already had it preordered for the 360 and will be picking it up tomorrow hopefully. I'm so psyched I love the Elder Scrolls games.

[glitch1501]

i cant wait to play this, i am getting it for my comp and my roomie is getting it for his x360, i wonder which one will look better

[Yojimbo]

[quote="glitch1501"]i cant wait to play this, i am getting it for my comp and my roomie is getting it for his x360, i wonder which one will look better ]

PC if you have an extremely expensive rig and probably only in resolution and draw distance. For 90% of the rest of the people that want this game that won't matter.

Really it comes down to a couple things on which version to get. If you have a very good rig and are into the TES construction set the PC is the way to go. If you already have a 360 (or you are willing to get one) and a so so or worse rig then go for the 360. Even for minimum requirements those specs are steep. My PC could run it decently but when it comes down to sitting in an office chair playing the game on low-mid settings versus a couch on a TV with much more detail it's a no brainer for me.

[glitch1501]

im pretty sure my pc is going to run it better than the x360

[Puritan]

I have the PC Collector's Edition pre-ordered, and I can't wait to play it either. I meet the recommended specs for my PC, so I hope it runs well (although I understand that maxing out the settings will require a really high-end system).

For all of the countdown videos go to http://www.elderscrolls.com/downloads/media_movies.htm. Very, very pretty!

[GrubbTheFragger]

i need to get the money for this cuz well it looks so freaking sweet.

[Steeltemplar]

but when it comes down to sitting in an office chair playing the game on low-mid settings versus a couch on a TV with much more detail it's a no brainer for me.

Do you have an HD or Plasma TV, then? A standard projection TV has a much lower resolution than a PC monitor does.

[Link Antilles]

After looking at those requirements, I think my computer is officially retired from active duty. ...so, I'm waiting for my preorder on the 360 to come in. Close, very close.

A standard projection TV has a much lower resolution than a PC monitor does.

Speaking of which, I never really realized how low the resolution on TVs were til' I got a VGA cable for my X-box 360.

Edit:
I'm looking at my LIVE friend's list and looks like Yojimbo is playing the game right now (lucky). Anyways, what's really cool is (I think, at least) on his profile, you can see his current level and health in Oblivion.

[Yojimbo]

Do you have an HD or Plasma TV, then? A standard projection TV has a much lower resolution than a PC monitor does.

No I don't I said that wrong. I know that the resolution is much lower than a monitor or an HDTV but it's a tradeoff I'm willing to make for a larger screen and comfort. I meant more playing in more detail on my 360, as in not having to sacrifice graphical detail for performance which I know I would have to do for my PC.

The load times are awesome on the 360 new areas take about 8-10 seconds or so to load and transitions in the wilderness about 1 second. No framerate stutters in combat even when 6 or so people were fighting.

Really Link that's pretty darn cool right there. Was it just health and level? I'm just going through the initial "woahness" right now from running around everywhere. But I'm starving so I'm taking a break to get some food and walk the dog.

[White]

Grab Your Newegg Gift Cards Kiddies, Just Look At Those Graphics, It's Going To Take One Monster of A PC To Run Those At A Frame Rate Higher Than 30...

Your Bro In Christ,

White

[Link Antilles]

Really Link that's pretty darn cool right there. Was it just health and level? I'm just going through the initial "woahness" right now from running around everywhere. But I'm starving so I'm taking a break to get some food and walk the dog.

It was only health (100/100) and level (1)... I believe because that's all that could fit on the MSN profile page. No location or etc, but that stuff might fit on the X360 blade... maybe.

I see you beat the intro part (sewers), was it long?

Also, that's awesome to hear about the loadtimes. I knew the framerate was solid, but I was curious about that.

[Steeltemplar]

No I don't I said that wrong. I know that the resolution is much lower than a monitor or an HDTV but it's a tradeoff I'm willing to make for a larger screen and comfort. I meant more playing in more detail on my 360, as in not having to sacrifice graphical detail for performance which I know I would have to do for my PC.

The load times are awesome on the 360 new areas take about 8-10 seconds or so to load and transitions in the wilderness about 1 second. No framerate stutters in combat even when 6 or so people were fighting.

Really Link that's pretty darn cool right there. Was it just health and level? I'm just going through the initial "woahness" right now from running around everywhere. But I'm starving so I'm taking a break to get some food and walk the dog.

Ah, I see. That makes sense.

I can't wait to get the game myself. I love Morrowind to death.

[Yojimbo]

It was only health (100/100) and level (1)... I believe because that's all that could fit on the MSN profile page. No location or etc, but that stuff might fit on the X360 blade... maybe.

I see you beat the intro part (sewers), was it long?

Also, that's awesome to hear about the loadtimes. I knew the framerate was solid, but I was curious about that.

Ahh ok that's what I was wondering about what info was in the blade. Yeah it was decently long about 30 minutes. I was just starting to get sick of the area as it ended so it worked out. Never have been a fan of dark dungeons.

Yes the framerate is very solid so far in every area and fight I've been in. Even when I was running full speed around the Imperial Palace (which is very ginormous and detailed) with a good number of NPC's around it was still solid.

Speaking in general here, whether or not to get the 360 version or the PC version depends entirely on personal preference and what you have availible to you.

[Puritan]

I got my copy this afternoon. Running on a Radeon X800 XT PE and an Athlon 64 3500+ gives me good visual quality and excellent frame rate. Loading times are short, and the game is absolutely gorgeous.

I think it's pretty cool to watch the NPCs wander around and randomly talk to each other, and I can already see the AI at work in other ways. I went through the initial dungeon twice (I messed up my character the first time), once as a mage and once as a fighter. At one point you are attacked by rats running away from a zombie. When I was the fighter I had to exterminate the rats and then deal with the zombie, however as a mage I cast a single fireball and the rats ran away from me and began trying to kill the zombie! Guess the new AI can evaluate threats and act based on that.

[Sync]

I'll have to wait until tomorrow afternoon for my copy, half the town was closed because of snow and the problems with my car have yet to be discovered.

You guys should kill a random citizen and leave their body in the middle of town at night, then watch the fun as dawn breaks.

[CreatureArt]

Wow. I had heard of the new Elder Scrolls and that screenshot looks fantastic. While my brother owned the game I played the third game in the series a lot and really enjoyed the freedom and open plan of the game. I'll definitely be thinking about trying to get the Elder Scrolls IV sometime in the future, though the old computer may need a few upgrades first.

I hope you don't mind me asking, but what sort of differences/improvements are you who own it noticing in comparison to the last game?

[TrigunX89]

No way my gfx card is gonna run this. I guess I'll have to stick with Morrowind for a while.

[Yojimbo]

Wow. I had heard of the new Elder Scrolls and that screenshot looks fantastic. While my brother owned the game I played the third game in the series a lot and really enjoyed the freedom and open plan of the game. I'll definitely be thinking about trying to get the Elder Scrolls IV sometime in the future, though the old computer may need a few upgrades first.

I hope you don't mind me asking, but what sort of differences/improvements are you who own it noticing in comparison to the last game?

-Updated graphics
-Havoc physics
"Radiant" AI which basically means that the NPC's are much more animated, they converse with eachother, they have their own schedules, they have their own motives, etc.
-Realtime combat - Combat no longer depends on stats and rolling dice whther you'll parry, block, or hit with an attack. You'll block if you block, hit if you actually hit, etc.
-Horse
-Instant transportation to previously visited places
-More intuitive TES Construction Set (for PC)
-Tons more weapons, armor, spells, items, etc.
-Awesome indepth character customization

There's a ton of improvements its a huge leap from Morrowind.

[Puritan]

"Radiant" AI which basically means that the NPC's are much more animated, they converse with eachother, they have their own schedules, they have their own motives, etc.

From what I've seen, the AI is amazing and probably the biggest change to the game (although the graphics are beautiful). Guards will follow you if you run into a house to try to escape them, shopkeepers actually follow you around if you wander out of their sight in a shop, creatures gage threats and act accordingly, and people actually do things in a random but believable pattern rather than simply taking a pre-set route and being in the same place every time you go into town. I heard the hype before the game came out and wondered how good the AI was, but it truly is amazing.

[Link Antilles]

Joy, looks like my over-night shipment has been "rescheduled" to tomorrow.

After watching bits and parts of Gamespot's live marathon, I was completely stoked to play the game today. Until I got an e-mail saying my shipment is rescheduled and reshipped from KY. Great job UPS. Knowing them, I bet they carelessly crushed the package. And of course, they don't give a crap. But, I should have known better... I was gambling with them. Like always. See, my father works for a freight-line and he knows plenty about them. Did I listen? Nope.

Anyways, I gave EBgames a call and they completely refunded me the shipping. Of course, I was very polite with them... I'm very easy-going with retail people. Now, I'd really liked to complain to UPS, but I know that fall on deaf ears. O'well.

But, wait, apparently I'm not the only one with Oblivion shipping problems. Check out what happen to the review copies at Gamespy:

Into Oblivion: What we have to go through to play this game! We didn't get the Xbox 360 version because they had the wrong address and our boxed PC copy came factory sealed ... but empty! However, we did get the strategy guides in fine shape. Maybe we will review those. -- Warrior

I wonder if they used UPS? Well, I guess the gates of Oblivion have opened.... at the wrong address or under a 200-pound box.

[/rant]

Anyways, I hope you guys who do have it are lovin’ it. Beat the snot out of a monster for me!

[Yojimbo]

Ya know you could have probably just walked into any store by now and gotten it. Did ya get a good deal online or something? I mean I can't imagine saving more than a few dollars by shopping around online for this game and then when you factor in shipping.

[Link Antilles]

Ya know you could have probably just walked into any store by now and gotten it. Did ya get a good deal online or something? I mean I can't imagine saving more than a few dollars by shopping around online for this game and then when you factor in shipping.

I wish I could, but my car recently went out of order, that's why. I've also pre-order the collector's edition, so I wasn't going to call for a complete refund. But, hey, now the shipping is *completely* free... so, with my Gamespot complete saving, it wasn't all a lose.

I'm still really dying to play the game, though...

[Da Rabid Duckie]

I went to Gamestop to pick up my copy of the collector's edition on PC, and it hadn't come in yet despite it being late in the afternoon (around 5 PM). But while shopping at Wal-Mart, I went to go pick up a USB cable... and lo and behold, they had at least thirty copies of the COLLECTOR'S EDITION. I swore I'd never do it, but I did it... I bought it anyway and I'll cancel my preorder tomorrow. At least they'll still get my money, as Metal Gear Acid 2 comes out tomorrow.

[FadedOne]

Been obsessing over this game for months, lol, sadly i dont plan on shelling out that kind of money anytime soon. Maybe this summer. *cheap and poor*

[GrubbTheFragger]

man i really want to get this i was so close to getting it today b ut yet so far away....

[Puritan]

I went to Gamestop to pick up my copy of the collector's edition on PC, and it hadn't come in yet despite it being late in the afternoon (around 5 PM). But while shopping at Wal-Mart, I went to go pick up a USB cable... and lo and behold, they had at least thirty copies of the COLLECTOR'S EDITION. I swore I'd never do it, but I did it... I bought it anyway and I'll cancel my preorder tomorrow. At least they'll still get my money, as Metal Gear Acid 2 comes out tomorrow.

THIRTY COPIES!?! The EB Games I went to tried to convince me to go with the standard edition rather than the collector's edition because they were given fewer collector's edition copies than pre-orders. Seems strange that a Wal-Mart would just have thirty copies lying around.

[Da Rabid Duckie]

Well if you must know, it was 27 counting the copy I bought. I counted because I was dang near close to rubbing it in at GS and I wanted the exact number. It blew me away too that a Wal-Mart in lil 'ol Oxford, MS had thirty copies. I dunno if it was a shipping deal, but it really doesn't bother me. Heck, if I see a auction trend I may just snag a couple of copies and profit from it. :p

That is if I can stop playing the game...... 0_0

[Sync]

I finished up the first Gate and the battle for Kvatch a few hours ago, that was an amazing battle in town once those three Legionaires joined up with me, and two hilarious moments.
1st, the Daedra tower keeper that had the tower key got lodged into one of the "smasher" elevator mechanisms after I power attacked him and his lower body was flailing around in the air like mad.
2nd, I had to run back to regroup & heal in the sigil tower, one of the daedra summoners followed me out onto the large bridges; where I was waiting for him with a fireball spell and several steel arrows. After staggering a bit from the fireball I got him right in the ribcage with an arrow and he FLEW into the tower and then out into one of the lava pits 100 feet below.

Oh, Havoc physics engine, I love you.

[TriezGamer]

This is frustrating for me. My PC falls JUST short of minimum specs in so many areas (most notably video hardware), and I don't have the money to drop on new hardware or a 360 right now.