Oblivion The Let's Rant and Rave About Oblivion Thread

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Icewind Dale was good, its sequel sucked hugely though. Any game where I am compelled to cheat and STILL end up dead is not worth a second look, ever.


Did you really find IWD II to be that difficult? I remember some parts being quite challenging, but nothing I had to cheat my way past. I thought it was pretty close to IWD 1 in overall quality.
 
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Oct 21, 2006
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Yes, the later portions of IWD 2 were mind numbingly difficult. The final battle was outright impossible except by massively cheating. I'm talking about hex editing myself HP values into the thousands before I was able to get anywhere and STILL ended up with nearly the whole party dead. It was truly ridiculous.
 
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Sep 20, 2010
Messages
3
I cannot remember IWD2 as hard. I remember that the end boss was voiced by a famous Swedish actor.
 
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Oct 26, 2006
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Oblivion is in many ways a great study on how game design can go wrong.

I support Xi's conclusion that there weren't any point in exploration or building your character. There are no exciting or unique locations to be found. Almost every place look the same. With respawning computer generated loot/enemies there is no reward in trying to explore new places. With leveling up foes there is no reward in getting stronger. Getting stronger accomplish nothing and leads to no reward.

I finished the game in vanilla mode and maxed out every stat. I remember jumping up and down cliffs to grind Acrobatics. I did it because I was interested to see if it could be done with the strange leveling up mechanics where leveling up too fast gave you a weaker character.

Without that grinding, Oblivion is a really short game. The total amount of *CONTENT* in Oblivion was really low. The game relied on generated content instead of handcrafted which ruined the joy of exploring the game. ME1 suffered from the same ussue. Playing games like Gothic 3 at the same time really hammered that point. Questwise there are like 40 quests in total, while often funny, very few of them surprised me. Whodunnit for Dark Brotherhood was the only I remember that felt different. The rest was "follow waypoint to X, there take item, kill enemy, speak to NPC or use what you find". Note though that "40" counts guild questlines as one each.
 
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Oct 26, 2006
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overall liked it. but it was a good game where it coulda been a great game if they spent more time on making a seperate PC version.

Console ports piss me off. especialy when they crap on RPGs wich are PC turf in my opinion.
 
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Jan 25, 2011
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25
Obligatory mod list for those who will probably be interested:
Code:
Active Mod Files:
00  Oblivion.esm
01  TR_OoT_Main.esm  [Version 17]
02  Hammerfell.esm
03  Cobl Main.esm  [Version 1.72]
04  All Natural Base.esm  [Version 1.0]
05  Open Cities Resources.esm  [Version 3.5.5]
06  Armamentarium.esm  [Version 1.35]
07  Artifacts.esm  [Version 1.1]
08  VASE - core.esm
09  TamrielTravellers.esm  [Version 1.39c]
0A  CM Partners.esm
0B  Cybiades.esm  [Version 2.0]
0C  Children Of Rourken.esm
0D  Kvatch Rebuilt.esm
0E  Windfall.esm
0F  GTAesgaard_2.esm
10  Oblivifall Master File.esm  [Version 1.0]
11  Unofficial Oblivion Patch.esp  [Version 3.3.1]
12  Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch.esp  [Version 1.4.0]
13  Enhanced Economy.esp  [Version 4.3]
14  DLCShiveringIsles.esp
15  All Natural - Real Lights.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
16  All Natural.esp  [Version 1.0]
17  All Natural - SI.esp  [Version 1.0]
++  All Natural - HDR Brightness Patch.esp  [Version 1.0]
18  Immersive Interiors.esp
19  Immersive Interiors - Lights Addon.esp
++  TamrielTravellersItemsNPC.esp  [Version 1.39c]
1A  ShiveringIsleTravellers.esp  [Version 1.39c]
1B  Happyhannah's Wines.esp  [Version 1.1]
1C  BHC_Expanded.esp  [Version 1.2]
1D  Cliff_BetterLetters.esp  [Version 1.2]
++  ArmamentariumLL.esp  [Version 1.35]
++  ArmamentariumLLMagic.esp  [Version 1.35]
++  ArmamentariumLLArmaVendor.esp  [Version 1.35]
1E  ArmamentariumArtifacts.esp  [Version 1.35]
++  Artifacts - ArmaCompleteAddon.esp  [Version 1.0]
1F  TIE.esp  [Version 1.37]
20  IlluminateStaves.esp
21  Immersive Travelers.esp
22  Alternative Start by Robert Evrae.esp  [Version 1.67]
++  VASE - Vanilla Cyrodiil.esp
++  VASE - Vanilla SI.esp
23  Cyrodiil Travel Services.esp  [Version 2.0.4]
24  AFK_PrayerIdles.esp  [Version 1.0]
25  DLCHorseArmor.esp
26  DLCOrrery.esp
27  DLCFrostcrag.esp
28  DLCThievesDen.esp
29  DLCVileLair.esp
2A  DLCMehrunesRazor.esp
2B  DLCSpellTomes.esp
2C  Knights.esp
2D  DLCBattlehornCastle.esp
2E  SM Plugin Refurbish(Merged).esp  [Version 1.30]
2F  OCC-KOTN-Patch.esp  [Version 3.0]
30  OCOD+FrostcragSpire Patch.esp
31  AFK_Frostcrag.esp  [Version 1.0]
32  Oblivifall - Losing My Religion.esp  [Version 1.3]
33  Whispered Warning.esp
34  Kvatch Rebuilt.esp  [Version 1.1]
35  Kvatch Rebuilt Weather Patch.esp
36  OCC-KR-Patch.esp  [Version 2.0.1]
37  Lost Paladins of the Divines.esp
38  RTT.esp  [Version 3.01]
39  RTT-Weye Relocation Patch.esp  [Version 2.0.1]
3A  OCC-RTTv3 Patch.esp  [Version 2.0]
3B  Malevolent.esp  [Version 1.02]
3C  OCC-Malevolent-Patch.esp  [Version 3.0]
3D  GTAesgaard.esp
3E  GTAesgaard_2.esp
3F  Cybiades.esp  [Version 2.1]
40  CybiadesDungeon.esp  [Version 2.1]
41  Nascosto Isles 3.esp
42  All Natural - Nascosto Isles Weather Patch.esp  [Version 2.0]
43  COR-Episode1 Secret of Enourk.esp
44  Ivellon.esp  [Version 1.8]
45  WeynonRetreat.esp  [Version 1.4]
46  The Lost Spires.esp  [Version 1.4]
47  OCC-Lost Spires-Patch.esp  [Version 2.1]
48  OldCrowInn.esp  [Version 1.5.1]
49  HeartOftheDead.esp  [Version 6.3.2]
4A  Windfall.esp
4B  LetThePeopleDrink.esp  [Version 2.5]
4C  The Ayleid Steps.esp  [Version 3.4]
4D  HackdirtCaverns.esp
4E  Mimics!.esp
4F  BrotherhoodRenewed.esp  [Version 1.0.7]
50  EaglesRest.esp  [Version 1.0]
51  Better Benirus Manor - Interior Only.esp
52  Better Benirus Manor - Helping Hands.esp
53  Better Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary for OBSE.esp  [Version 2.3]
54  Gaelendryl.esp
55  Dungeons Merger.esp
56  Unique Dungeons - Lost Glory.esp
57  Unique Dungeons - Lichs Lair.esp
58  JQ-Return_of_Dagoth_Ur.esp
59  TheOubliette.esp
5A  TheForgottenRealm.esp
5B  PTArtifacts.esp
5C  ImpeREAL Empire - Unique Forts.esp
5D  ImpeREALForts+LostSpires Patch.esp  [Version 1.0]
5E  Valley_View_Estate.esp
5F  InnsOfCyrodill.esp
60  Shezrie's Villages.esp
61  TR_Stirk.esp
62  Stirk_Compatibility_Patch.esp
63  To Feed an Empire - Wickmere Farm.esp  [Version 1.0]
64  VHBloodlines 1.2.esp  [Version 1.5]
65  AFK_Weye.esp  [Version 2.1.Non-COBL]
66  Wellspring Vale.esp
67  ElsweyrAnequina.esp
68  road+bridges.esp  [Version 4.5.8]
69  Feldscar.esp  [Version 1.0.4]
6A  Vergayun.esp  [Version 1.0.6]
6B  Faregyl.esp  [Version 2.0]
6C  Faregyl+Anequina Patch.esp  [Version 2.0]
6D  Molapi.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
6E  xulStendarrValley.esp  [Version 1.2.2]
6F  xulAncientRedwoods.esp  [Version 1.6]
70  xulCloudtopMountains.esp  [Version 1.0.3]
71  xulBeachesOfCyrodiilLostCoast.esp  [Version 1.6.4]
72  XulEntiusGorge.esp  [Version 1.2]
73  xulImperialIsle.esp  [Version 1.6.5]
74  xulAncientYews.esp  [Version 1.4.3]
75  xulArriusCreek.esp  [Version 1.1.4]
76  xulPatch_AY_AC.esp  [Version 1.1]
77  xulRollingHills_EV.esp  [Version 1.3.3]
78  xulFallenleafEverglade.esp  [Version 1.3.1]
79  xulChorrolHinterland.esp  [Version 1.2.2]
7A  xulRiverEthe.esp  [Version 1.0.2]
7B  xuldarkforest.esp  [Version 1.0.5]
7C  xulLushWoodlands.esp  [Version 1.3.1]
7D  xulColovianHighlands_EV.esp  [Version 1.2.2]
7E  xulTheHeath.esp  [Version 1.1.1]
7F  xulPantherRiver.esp
80  xulBravilBarrowfields.esp  [Version 1.3.3]
81  xulBrenaRiverRavine.esp  [Version 1.1]
82  xulBlackwoodForest.esp  [Version 1.1.0]
83  xulCheydinhalFalls.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
84  xulAspenWood.esp  [Version 1.0.2]
85  xulSkingradOutskirts.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
86  xulSnowdale.esp  [Version 1.0]
87  HammerfellBorders.esp
88  West Roads.esp  [Version 1.3]
89  WellspringVale+WestRoads Patch.esp
8A  Castle_Seaview.esp
8B  EaglesRest+LostCoast+CastleSeaview Patch.esp  [Version 1.0]
8C  LostSpires-Everglade patch.esp  [Version 1.2]
8D  LostSpires-DarkForest patch.esp  [Version 1.1]
8E  WeynonRetreat-ChorrolHinterland-Patch.esp  [Version 1.1]
8F  HeartoftheDead-ArriusCreek patch.esp  [Version 2.1]
90  ValleyViewEstate-RiverEthe patch.esp  [Version 1.1.1]
91  Anequina-Fallenleaf-Patch.esp  [Version 1.0]
92  Mimics+Ravenview+Cloudtop Patch.esp  [Version 1.0]
93  Gaelendryll-BrenaRiver patch.esp  [Version 1.2]
94  KvatchRebuilt-CheydinhalFalls patch.esp
95  Lakewood+AspenWood Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
96  Feldscar+Snowdale Patch.esp  [Version 1.0]
97  Verwen Brewery.esp  [Version wen.]
98  A Imperial Outpost - Fort Novi Sad.esp
99  ClocksOfCyrodiil_BC_OBC_OC_OCLR_Vanilla.esp
9A  AFK_ICTempleCleanup.esp  [Version 1.0.LtPD]
9B  bartholm.esp
9C  WaterfrontMarketNoShack.esp
9D  Open Cities New Sheoth.esp  [Version 1.1]
9E  Open Cities Bartholm.esp  [Version 1.1.1]
9F  Open Cities Outer Districts.esp  [Version 3.5.5]
A0  Open Cities Reborn - Full Merge.esp  [Version 0.6.3]
A1  OCC-ULCH-Patch.esp  [Version 2.2]
A2  NRB4+UL-II+LtPD+OCOD Patch.esp  [Version 3.0.2]
A3  OCLR+ULBWForest Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.2]
A4  OC+Cheydinhal Falls Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
A5  OC+ULSkingradOutskirts Patch.esp  [Version 1.0]
A6  AFK_Blades_EQ.esp  [Version 1.2]
A7  WindowLightingSystem.esp
A8  Map Marker Overhaul.esp  [Version 3.6]
A9  Map Marker Overhaul - SI additions.esp  [Version 3.5]
**  All Natural - Indoor Weather Filter For Mods.esp  [Version 1.0]
++  Bashed Delayers - MERGE ONLY.esp  [Version 2.0]
++  Enhanced Water v2.0 HDMI.esp
++  Enhanced Vegetation [100%].esp
++  Symphony of Violence.esp
++  Louder Nirnroot Sound.esp
++  Visually Realistic Lava.esp
++  TrollfLoadingScreens.esp
**  Rusty+Fine Items.esp
**  Book Jackets OB+SI+DLC.esp
**  Clutter Graphics.esp
++  QuestDialogueFix.esp
AA  PersonalMerge.esp
AB  Streamline.esp  [Version 3.11]
AC  RefScope.esp  [Version 2.0.2]
**  NRB4 OCReborn Road Record.esp
AD  Bashed Patch, 1.esp
AE  MergedMaps.esp

Thanks for the modlist.
One day I will play it, just have a bunch of other games to finish first.

(among them IWD 2 wich is running together with Witcher right now)

C
 
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Oct 29, 2009
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WGS84 Latitud:59.85 Longitud:17.65
Is it just me that wants to see an upgraded version of Daggerfall with modern-day graphics and some adjustements in gameplay? I think that would be pretty cool, considering the tons of content present in it compaired to Morrowind or Oblivion :).
 
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Sep 2, 2011
Messages
341
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Europe's Boot
Is it just me that wants to see an upgraded version of Daggerfall with modern-day graphics and some adjustements in gameplay? I think that would be pretty cool, considering the tons of content present in it compaired to Morrowind or Oblivion :).

Yes, and (more) no.

Daggerfall was huge, it had a lot of things in it, it was challenging. But it was also darn repetitive, almost everything was randomly generated, the dungeons were huge but quickly got old(I consider the size of the dungeons in DF to be a big problem for the game, combat is just not fun enough to warrant hours of it in one go, which could be required if the game ended up giving you a huge dungeon). The quests were also incredibly repetitive, with most just being variations on the same theme (go to dungeon, kill nasty thing, return).
Overall I consider Daggerfall as being more of a grand experiment in gaming than a great game. It was very impressive for its time, but these days it just is not all that fun (nostalgia aside).
 
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Jun 2, 2011
Messages
1,756
Location
Stockholm, Sweden
Fnord, you made a good point ^^ indeed Bethesda games are always experiments in my eyes, and despite many flaws, I enjoy them anyway: maybe it's because I consider them just a box where you can put almost anything you want (accordingly to the game engine, of course ;)) with the editor... Damn, some MW and OB mods are pretty cool! Which other game allow such a degree of "freedom"?
Anyway, let's hope that this time Skyrim is a step forward from Oblivion, especially about fighting and main plot, but that's just me ;).
 
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Sep 2, 2011
Messages
341
Location
Europe's Boot
I'd like to see a roguelike of Daggerfall done right. I think that's what they were going for in Daggerfall (as far as the random dungeons were concerned), but either I just wasn't into Roguelikes back then or they failed by a country mile. The random dungeons were horrendous (from what I remember, I really didn't play it that long). I do however remember searching a godawful amount of time to find some chest in some dungeon and trying to figure out that automap when exploring the dungeon.

Was anyone else just totally lost a lot in that game? It might just be me, but I couldn't figure out that map to save my life…..literally a couple of times. I remember it being (I think) wire framed with many different levels which overlapped and ended up in some sort of mush of a map. I seriously could be thinking of some other game, but I don't think so.
 
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Feb 3, 2007
Messages
5,347
Location
Taiwan
That's one of the reasons they added the cheat codes in one of the patches. Put cheatmode 1 in your command line, and you can cycle through map locations with [ and ]. ALT+F11 was another, very useful code; it teleported you back to the space you had been in before you fell through a hole in the map (you know, those holes in the map ... the ones the Dwemer probably fell through). You didn't even need to activate cheatmode - ALT+F11 worked no matter what.

Those dungeons WERE really tough IMO. Sometimes they were built so that you became stuck. Nasty. Anyway, the Daggerfall version I got came with all those patches, cheatmode was mentioned in the corresponding manual, so I finally succumbed to the unethical ways of [ and ].
 
Joined
Aug 31, 2006
Messages
3,754
I must be one of the few that REALLY loved the Daggerfall dungeons.

Initially, they were one WTF moment after another.

Though once I figured out how to zoom, raise/lower/swivel, and change transparency, dungeons became navigatable. I now think that the 3d automap was far ahead of its time, and nothing has come close since.
 
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A big problem with these ES games is that they're action rpgs, and the combat isn't any good. They don't have interesting stories/characters/dialog either, sure the exploring is cool, but combat has to be good for a game like this to 'work'.
 
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Sep 3, 2011
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South Florida
maybe it's because I consider them just a box where you can put almost anything you want (accordingly to the game engine, of course ) with the editor… Damn, some MW and OB mods are pretty cool! Which other game allow such a degree of "freedom"?
This is what I consider MW & OB to be as well. The games are, out of the box, not very good (Morrowind being a bit more interesting than Oblivion, due to the setting), but with proper modding, these games can shine (Morrowind, having a more interesting setting, gets to shine far more).

I must be one of the few that REALLY loved the Daggerfall dungeons.
Aye :p Most people I have talked to about Daggerfall have said that they dreaded going down into those dungeons, due to their size, hidden/locked (or hidden & locked) doors & bugs.
 
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A big problem with these ES games is that they're action rpgs, and the combat isn't any good. They don't have interesting stories/characters/dialog either, sure the exploring is cool, but combat has to be good for a game like this to 'work'.

I agree that the combat isn't the best, but not about them having uninteresting stories and characters. I think TES has some of the most fascinating and in-depth lore ever created for a game series. It's one of the things that keeps me playing, along with the exploration.
 
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Oct 21, 2006
Messages
39,129
Location
Florida, US
I agree that the combat isn't the best, but not about them having uninteresting stories and characters. I think TES has some of the most fascinating and in-depth lore ever created for a game series. It's one of the things that keeps me playing, along with the exploration.

This I agree! Its pity that they didn't explore much of it in Oblivion. I believe that may have something to do with the original lore dev leaving the company.
 
Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
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UK
Well, at least in Daggerfall there's no auto scaling for dungeons: am I right?

If you mean level scaled enemies Daggerfall had a blatant amount of it. Humans (enemies labelled "barbarian" or whatever) were always scaled to your level both in power and loot. Other enemies were replaced by tougher varieties as you levelled up. If you went back to the starting dungeon at level 20 you'd find that the initial population of imps and rats had been replaced by ancient vampires and liches.

TES games (and Fallout 3) always had plenty of level scaling, and Daggerfall is among the more obvious cases.
 
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Nov 4, 2006
Messages
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I agree that the combat isn't the best, but not about them having uninteresting stories and characters. I think TES has some of the most fascinating and in-depth lore ever created for a game series. It's one of the things that keeps me playing, along with the exploration.

Lore != current in game story and character dialogue

Lore is the backstory. No one is saying Bethesda has poor lore. You'd be very hard pressed to make that claim. The problem is the writing for the dialog and in game quests tends to be inferior to the lore. Also Oblivion's main quest really didn't take much advantage of the lore at all in comparison to say Morrowind's main quest or even the Shivering Isles. Knights of the Nine even seemed to re-write the lore. Compare the portrayal of the Imperial religion there to Daggerfall.
 
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