The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Playstation 3 Game of the Year Edition

First off, I am a fan of The Elder Scrolls series, but with that comes a higher standard and some familiarity with previous entries.Overview: This RPG is the latest entry into The Elder Scrolls series (not counting the recently announced TES V:Skyrim). Some things have improved from the previous entries and some have not, albeit any Elder Scrolls fan would be doing themselves a disfavor by skipping this entry. Combat is fairly fluid, although some of the more chaotic fights feel too chaotic if you are not careful or well prepared. The "generic" character build returns, where you pick what you want for your traits, and play however you wish. So, no traditional classes, but you can make one if you so choose. The game is pretty expansive with plenty to see and do. There is fast travel, so do not wonder if all that space will mean 3 hours of walking just to get loot to a city. The story seems less "interesting" than Morrowind, but still a decent story compared to other RPGs out there.The Good: If you want to wander aimlessly for hours exploring instead of actually playing the game, then this is the game for you. Their are few "time based" quests, so you could basically play through the tutorial and be on your way. I have played the game's main quest line from start to finish and barely scratched the surface of places to go and see. I have put in 50+ hours into just the main story, and that is not including all the random quests, the guild quests, or exploring the vast number of dungeons.The Bad: Some random glitches can cause a few quests to be a tad frustrating. When you have an AI companion, they are not the brightest in the bunch, even so far as to not jump up easy to clear obstacles in caves where that is the only means to continue down the path. The AI will either run in futility towards you or try an alternate path, which may not be the safest. In most cases, this will not ruin the quest or explorations, but don't expect them to always be where you want them.The Ugly: The only bug/glitch that could be potentially ruin your game play is rarely the AI does not follow their "schedule" correctly (most have a pattern of being at work/eating/visiting/sleeping) so it can become difficult to complete certain tasks or to get around unnoticed for you Rogue types. However, I have played through the Assassin and Thieves Guild Quests without any real issues (see The Bad for the one potential annoyance).Final Word: If you want a game to last you for a good while, then this game is worth picking up. It comes with both major expansions and for the price, this game is an excellent value.

The media could not be loaded. Note: This review is specific to the PS3 GOTY version.I love RPG games and after spending countless hours with Bethesda's Fallout 3 GOTY and Fallout: New Vegas, I decided it was time to travel back in time to experience The Elder Scrolls. I started with this one, Oblivion. It took me quite a while to understand the mechanics and get comfortable with the game itself. It is huge and I mean huge. I found myself underpowered and overwhelmed at times. The game will punish you for rushing in willy-nilly. You must learn how to defeat the enemies. It takes practice, but it is not impossible. Many, many side quests will occupy your time for countless hours. I finished the main quest in about 50 hours (quite a few side quests included). What a great feeling and I was stoked, because now my plans were to complete EVERY side quest I could. I had great armor; strong weapon; I understood the game intimately. Sounds great, right? WRONG.This is not a spoiler alert, but rather a warning to all who are playing the PS3/GOTY version. DO NOT BECOME A VAMPIRE, UNLESS YOU WANT TO, BECAUSE THERE IS NO CURE. That's right, there is a major bug in this version, that will not allow the player to complete the "Cure for Vampirism" side quest. Period. I won't go into the details, but suffice it to say that if you do not cure yourself IMMEDIATELY, before turning into a full-fledged vampire (DO NOT SLEEP!!), you are SCREWED. Royally.I was so pissed off. I do have the option of finishing the main quest from a previous save, not too long before the end, and I may well do that, but for the time being, I have put the game on the shelf and have moved onto Skyrim.Heed this warning and you can really have a great time with this game.Edit: Did decide to re-play the main quest from a previous save. Now I am completing the side quests once again and have just been named "Champion" of the Fighter's Guild. Next up is the Mage Guild. IF you happen to contract Porphyric Hemophilia (Vampirism) DO NOT SLEEP!!!! Instead, go immediately to the nearest temple and receive a blessing at the chapel altar. If you do not cure the disease within three days, however, you can no longer be cured. This is especially important if you are playing the GOTY version on the PS3. I have revised my rating to 5 stars as this game is completely and thoroughly addicting. LOVE IT!!!

One of the best game of the TES series, and still holds up well. The potato faces of the Imperial City welcome you.

Oblivion is always good. Oblivion the Timeless. Better than Skyrim. Product was shipped well.