Immature Gamers

Beyond Oblivion

It's been a month or more since my last post and I figure I should adhere to some kind of schedule. Once per month sounds like a decent minimum for such things. That said, I'm a bit late. Packing and moving saw that March was without a post, but now IG has a new home! You can't see it but it's nice.

Last I spoke I was extolling the virtues of Assassin's Creed. This was truly a fun game, what is was not is enduring. Once I had my fill of free running and killing of rooftop guards by rear entry spring blade I was done. The desire to know exactly what it is that lies at the end was compelling though not enough to keep me from my new love: Oblivion.

Why would I make a post about a 2 year old game? Simple, I just started playing this may happen again. I'm old, I have a full-time job which is not this and it's inevitable that a game comes out that I don't have time to fully commit myself to for a year (or two) after it's release. While my first impulse is to be apologetic, I think this is something an older gaming readership will relate to. There are advantages to this lifestyle, the most obvious being when a game has been out for over a year it's quality has been spoken for. There was no doubt in my mind what I was getting in to and whether or not I would enjoy it.

I played Morrowind in ages past and found it pleasurable to an extent that borders on addictive. Like a fiend with his dope I made my way through the guild side quests. And indeed, as many have experienced, I was guild master of the thieves, Archmage of the wizards and owned half of Morrowind before I even considered saving it from impending doom. One may think this a sort of obsessive madness but I was struck by a new thought. In completing these quests I intertwined my characters fate and that of Morrowind. It was "my island" and I felt attachment to it. I would not see it burned or dominated by any villain unless that villain was me. The great epic adventure became a gang war or sorts. Though I consider myself a traditionalist in RPGs, this was an excellent experience which Oblivion only improved on.

Before I get into an entirely subjective rant of high praise for Oblivion I should mention what finally made me decide to play it. Though I knew it was a great game I lacked the impetus to actually install it and begin play. Last month I was privileged with attending PLAY!, a video game symphony in Seattle. I could pursue a tangent on game music symphonies and why I think they're awesome, but I'll leave it at this; I love video game music, especially RPG music. I think they're a second renaissance or orchestral music and I support them getting the recognition and public appreciation they disserve. It was in this way I was drawn to Oblivion. The selection they played from that game was moving, inspiring and immediately drew me into that feeling of epic adventure in a world of magical splendour. It was in that moment I decided to play the game.

To sum up, it's Morrowind 2.0. If you liked Morrowind you'll love Oblivion. There's more of the same and better. If you didn't play Morrowind and enjoy a single player RPG experience that is as deep and vast as you want it to be, you should pick up Oblivion. As an added bonus it's relatively cheap now and includes the expansion packs.

As for the game itself I won't bother explaining it, many have already. It is established canon if you will. What I will say is the consensus among myself and those I hold dear is the thieves guild, vampire hunting and dark brotherhood quests are the best optional content in the game.

With that I leave you, hoping to return soon with an artist and more of my musings.
- Rovon

April 7, 2008

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