Gameplay: 8.5
I loved this game when I first started playing it. I was a relative newcomer to RPG's and I still am, but the combat system was fun, simple, and akin to any action game. I was pleased to see that there were no turns, nor number popping up in the air. Left-click to attack. Right-click to block. Simple. There are many MANY quests to complete but I was disappointed that the faction quests were not more fleshed out. Instead I was sent on random errands to occupy myself, when I just wanted more assassination contracts! Other than that, there were little frustrations like quests being incompatable with each other, but that's mostly been fixed by patches. Ignoring these flaws, you could easily squeeze over 40 hours out of this game, and that's assuming you rush through it like the world is ending tomorrow, and you won't. You'll WANT to experience more of this immersive world.
Graphics:8.0
For the time, the graphics were absolutely stunning, and still push many mid-range PC's to the limit. The lighting was gorgeous, and watching a sunset in Oblivion was a unique experience, despite it only holding my attention for a few seconds (minor case of ADD). However the visuals were far from perfect, despite my generous 8.0. Glitches were everywhere. Clipping issues, objects getting stuck in other objects, possessed paintbrush jars twitching madly or levitating clean off the floor. These are all common occurances within the great realm of Oblivion.
Audio: 10
Audio's great. Swords clashing, shields bashing, steel boots clanking with every step, and epic orchestral scores all compliment the atmosphere. Nothing more to say. Flawless.
If you're playing this in the middle of the day, with a fresh mind of optimism, this game is epically wonderful, and wonderufully epic. If you're playing it in the wee hours of the morning with bloodshot eyes and a short temper, then the technical glitches with simply ruin the experience. So, if you're the picky type, you might wanna keep reading reviews or give this one a rent. If you just want a good game for your money that'll last you, pick this one up.
