Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

[Jebus]

Had my first AI quirk today. Recived a quest from an Ork in Bravil, who wanted me to fetch an Axe for him from a small Island, and in return he would tell me how to find someone for another quest. So I recive the quest, and decide to rest for the night (the orc was in the inn when I recived the quest). When I wake up, first thing I hear is a sword being pulled out, I run down to find the orc attacking someone who had obviously tried to steal from him. They leg it outside where the orc and gaurds attack the theif, only the orc accidently gives the gaurds some in the crossfire, forcing the gaurds to take him out too. The orc must of been pretty tough, as he took out the theif, and two gaurds, before being taken out by an archer.

Anyway, thats two quests down the drain

That sounds like the same quest that was bugged for me too actually! I did the entire quest only to come out and he was there killing my "mate"...killed him and his evil buddy but nothing will make the quest "complete"...I go back to search the bodies again to check but they've all gone!

[capcom_suicide]

I started the game again, this time on PC. (7800/2GB DDR)

First of all, I wacked all the view distance stuff (Objects, Items, Characters) on Max. I reduced the res to 1024x800 and the game runs as smooth as silk. It does pop up "Loading" now and then outside, but doesn't stutter.

This has really improved my sense of immersion, over the (Still very pretty) 360 version. Being able to see enemies/npc's miles away, instead of them just appearing 10m in front of me, suits my level of graphical expectation far better.

Then there is the geometry. (Trees, rocks etc) I hadn't appreciated how much better the PC draw distance was. Areas on 360 that seemed bland and devoid of structure, now can be seen in their true nature. Sprawling forstest and grass, rocky outcrops near rivers, cliffs and hills, distant buildings & towns all rendered a long way in the distance. AMAZING!

I was a little dissapointed with the visual pop up on the 360, and I was really pleased to see this fixed on my PC. I guess the game wasn't "360 optimised" or something. Still damn impressive what you get for the 360, considering it cost me less than my Graphics card did on PC....

OK, so then moving from the 360 controller to the mouse/keyboard. I was a bit worried about this, and initially tired (without success) to use my USB 360 controller. But this failed to register both control sticks, and it was a mare to setup.

So I opted for the default mouse/keyboard setup. It works really well! The controls are well thought out, and I actually find the mouse useful for navigating menus and aiming. I loved the 360 controls too, but was just relieved that they translate well to PC too. Phew!

So then we come onto the gameplay.

I now realise why I didn't get on with Oblivion first time round. The updated fancy PC graphics certainly help, but they are not really that important in the larger context of things. The reason I "failed" to enjoy the game were two fold. My choices of:

1.) Character choice. I choose a mage "hero" type of bloke.

2.) Starting with the main quest straight away.

This time round I decided I just wanted to "Exist" in Oblivion, and try my hand at wandering around and soaking up sub quests. I decided on a Wood Elf, who is an Assassin. I fully intend on doing the main quest, but I really wanted to just spend time "Doing my own thing" for a bit.

The "For a bit" has lasted for 3 days of pretty much solid gameplay in my free time, and I have of course only scratched the surface. It's just utterly immersive and incredibly rewards to play. I've enjoyed beating some brilliant dungeons and I working my way up the ranks of the Dark brotherhood. I'm only level 4, but I have already got pretty well tooled up and found some interesting hidden items.

I'm just loving it! I'm much more into using a Bow (posioned or otherwise) from distance and trying to be stealthy. Now that I can see other characters so far away, this is more easily accomplished and very very satisfying.

I feel I just want to wander around and pick up jobs for the moment. I'll take on the main quest eventually, but that can wait.

I have discovered PC Oblivion, and I am in gaming heaven. Would have been cheaper to just start over on my 360, but then I would have missed amazing graphics becoming jaw droppingly amazing graphics, so it's all good.

[Myth]

Had my first AI quirk today. Recived a quest from an Ork in Bravil, who wanted me to fetch an Axe for him from a small Island, and in return he would tell me how to find someone for another quest. So I recive the quest, and decide to rest for the night (the orc was in the inn when I recived the quest). When I wake up, first thing I hear is a sword being pulled out, I run down to find the orc attacking someone who had obviously tried to steal from him. They leg it outside where the orc and gaurds attack the theif, only the orc accidently gives the gaurds some in the crossfire, forcing the gaurds to take him out too. The orc must of been pretty tough, as he took out the theif, and two gaurds, before being taken out by an archer.

Anyway, thats two quests down the drain

I did that quest the other day, good quest with some twists and nice armour.

[NW2013]

I'm starting to kick some ass in the arena now, up to the rank of Myronil or summat. Much more enjoyable than the main quest!

[Jebus]

I'm starting to kick some ass in the arena now, up to the rank of Myronil or summat. Much more enjoyable than the main quest!

Not sure if I left it too late to do the arena, but I absolutely murdered most of the enemies, did it all within 2 days (of in-game time) only getting killed twice!

[wonderboy]

Picked Oblivion up during the week after reading this thread. Definitely
a great game. I've benn playing non-stop for good few days, good fun.
The dungeons and caves remind me of Diablo in 3D. Tried a bit of
everything so far. There's some much to do..

Done a couple of missions in Skingrad, now in Bruma. Tried a couple of
fights in the area. Tough for me, but summoning a scamp is a bit of a
help. Today, i've tried to get my bow skills up. Really does come in handy
like capcom_suicide was saying. Add this to my high sneak skills and Bang
3x damage ! Another handy addition is to get the detect Major life spell.
No chance of anyone suprising me. I'm running around like the alien in
predetor. Also, just got a Elven dagger, pretty mean weapon. When your
character is that great with swords..

Noticed Jebus mentioning Skeletons as most hated enemy. There handy
though, for me getting my laughable blocking skills up. Love the ones that
come at you with an over-heavy axe !

Really love the little touches. Like hit your summoned scamp a couple
of times. Then he starts attacking you !

[marcus]

I think I need a walkthrough guide for this one! Im at the first (!) oblivion gate, theres some guy called Martin hanging out inside a church that Ive been told to locate. Ive found him, he says he isnt leaving until its safe to do so. So I go back out and talk to this Matius dude who tells me they cant do anything till the Oblivion gate is sealed. If the game was to lead me, Id expect that when I went to talk to Martin he would trigger the next 'event' to locate, but Ive talked to everyone and nothing is happening. Im presuming I now have to close that gate, but, like.. how?

I dont think I get this game yet. Im also still annoyed at how I walked somewhere for 20 mins, went through a big door thinking it would autosave, got killed and got put back right where I started from again.

[Space Monkey]

Im presuming I now have to close that gate, but, like.. how?

You have to enter the gate by walking up to it and pressing the action button. Then you`ll see

[marcus]

Please dont tell me it was that simple..

[Space Monkey]

You must be getting old

[marcus]

Oh god.

[marcus]

I was too focused on this Martin fella, couldnt see the wood for the trees..!

[wonderboy]

Im also still annoyed at how I walked somewhere for 20 mins, went through a big door thinking it would autosave, got killed and got put back right where I started from again.

Yep, done a good few times. Yeah i had the same problem, with the
Oblivion gates. Keep walking through it to quick... !

Is it me, or is it harder to kill bears and mountain lions ? Might be just
my character. If i'm fighting someone with a weapon, i'll have a good
fight, but a bear will just rip in to me. While i fumble for a spell to help...

I'm a level up away from being able to use my summon Daedroth. That
might help me agains't the wildlife ! Anyone been able to summon a
Daedroth yet, any good ...?

[Daragon]

I would have to say most summoned creatures are not worth spending the mp on to begin with - they only last 20 seconds, cost you near enough all your magika and have pathetic AI. Half of their summon duration is actually spent standing there staring at you before they realise whats going on.

[marcus]

If I have no potions, can I use the Restore Minor Health spell without having to do it in-game? I keep getting mullered because I cant recover health fast enough before they get me first. I dont think I can cast it whilst Im in a building also which makes it harder.

edit - found somewhere to sleep, health restored.