Info about The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition (2009):

Official game description:
PUBLISHER UPDATE - This is the product page for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition, released in 2009.
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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition presents one of the best RPGs of all time like never before. Step inside the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created. With a powerful combination of freeform gameplay and unprecedented graphics, you can unravel the main quest at your own pace or explore the vast world and find your own challenges.
Also included in the Game of the Year edition are Knights of the Nine and the Shivering Isles expansion, adding new and unique quests and content to the already massive world of Oblivion. See why critics called Oblivion the Best Game of 2006.
Key features:
*   **Live Another Life in Another World**  
    Create and play any character you can imagine, from the noble warrior to the sinister assassin to the wizened sorcerer.  
*   **First Person Melee and Magic**  
    An all-new combat and magic system brings first person role-playing to a new level of intensity where you feel every blow.  
*   **Radiant AI**  
    This groundbreaking AI system gives Oblivion's characters full 24/7 schedules and the ability to make their own choices based on the world around them. Non-player characters eat, sleep, and complete goals all on their own.  
*   **New Lands to Explore**  
    In the Shivering Isles expansion, see a world created in Sheogorath's own image, one divided between Mania and Dementia and unlike anything you've experienced in Oblivion.  
*   **Challenging new foes**  
    Battle the denizens of Shivering Isles, a land filled with hideous insects, Flesh Atronachs, skeletal Shambles, amphibious Grummites, and many more.  
*   **Begin a New Faction**  
    The Knights of the Nine have long been disbanded. Reclaim their former glory as you traverse the far reaches of Cyrodill across an epic quest line.

Release date: Jun 16, 2009

Categories: Open-World Exploration, Character Customization, Magic System, Faction System, Story-driven Gameplay, First-Person Perspective, Mod Support

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 60; verdict: Aggressive Monetization; summary: The reviews indicate significant frustration with the game's DLC practices, particularly the feeling that content is being withheld to push players towards more expensive editions. The infamous horse armor DLC is frequently mentioned as a symbol of unnecessary and overpriced additional content. Overall, the monetization strategy appears to be aggressive, with a focus on selling content that feels like it should be part of the base game.
- Mods: score 45; verdict: Buggy but Playable; summary: The game heavily relies on community mods for stability, bug fixes, and an enhanced experience. While some users find the vanilla game playable, many indicate that mods are essential for a smoother and more enjoyable experience. The need for unofficial patches and various mods to fix bugs and improve gameplay is a recurring theme.
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The game suffers from significant technical issues, including crashes and infinite loading screens, which greatly detract from the user experience. Additionally, the levelling system and inventory management are cited as confusing and poorly designed, often requiring external resources for effective navigation and management.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game runs well on Linux with Proton, with users reporting stability, modding capabilities, and overall positive experiences.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game has significant stability issues and lacks proper controller support, which are major barriers for Steam Deck users. However, community workarounds and mods can improve the experience. Despite these issues, users appreciate the game's story and design.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance varies significantly across hardware cohorts, with lower VRAM configurations struggling the most. Higher VRAM setups generally report better stability and performance.
  - Sample size: 58 (2% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (negative, 34 reports): Frequent crashes and frame issues reported, especially on lower-end hardware.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (mixed, 9 reports): Some users report bugs and crashes, while others experience fewer issues.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 8 reports): Generally stable performance with fewer crashes reported.
  - Caveats: 58 of 2662 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community considers the game to be worth purchasing, particularly when it is on sale. The mentions of the game being worth it at $5 and $10 are strong indicators of the lower end of the price range. Additionally, the mention of the game being worth $20 but often going on sale for around $5 further supports the idea that the community finds the game to be fairly priced in the $5 to $10 range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 100.0h
  - Story completion: 44.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several data points regarding playtime. One user mentions that completing the Main Quest Line, The Fighters Guild, and the Arena took them 44 hours, indicating a substantial investment of time for significant portions of the game. Another user states that it took them weeks of playtime to fully experience the game, suggesting a total playtime well over 100 hours for full completion. Additionally, a user mentions spending a couple of hours on technical issues, which, while not directly related to gameplay, indicates engagement with the game over extended periods. These points collectively suggest that the game offers extensive content that can keep players engaged for long hours.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts slow and may not be immediately engaging, but it becomes more enjoyable and addictive as players progress and overcome initial friction.
  - Stance: Fun after initial slow progression
  - Anchor: Progression and interesting quests
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Slow beginning; Outdated mechanics; Clunky UI; Repetitive dungeons
  - Unlock drivers: Character progression; Interesting quests; Exploration and rare item drops
  - Conditions: Playing with modding support; Engaging with the game's unique world and lore; Appreciating the game's atmosphere and immersion
- Player Archetypes:
  - Aesthetic Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Immersion and exploration
    - Playstyle: Explores the game world, appreciates visuals and atmosphere, and enjoys the overall aesthetic.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: explorer; immersive player
    - Reference games: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim; The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
  - Veteran Adventurer (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastery and completion
    - Playstyle: Extensive playtime, deep knowledge of game mechanics, and engagement with various quests and locations.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: veteran; completionist
    - Reference games: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim; The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
  - Newcomer (sale)
    - Motivation: Discovery and learning
    - Playstyle: Exploring the game world, learning mechanics, and comparing to other known games.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: newcomer; beginner
    - Reference games: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim; The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
  - Strategic Role-Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Character development and strategy
    - Playstyle: Focuses on character classes, skill advantages, and strategic gameplay.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: role-player; strategist
    - Reference games: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim; The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Highly praised game quality (weight 0.49): The game is frequently described as one of the best games of all time, with many players finding it very enjoyable and worth the price. It is praised for its good gameplay, storyline, and overall amazing experience.
- Immersive and beautiful world (weight 0.32): The game's world is often described as immersive, beautiful, and vast. Players appreciate the living world and the immersive atmosphere it provides.
- Superior RPG experience (weight 0.21): The game is often compared favorably to modern RPGs and is considered one of the best RPGs ever made. It is highly recommended for RPG fans.
- Game holds up well (weight 0.21): Many players note that the game still holds up well over the years, with graphics and gameplay that have aged well. It is considered impressive for its time and still looks great.
- Large open-world gameplay (weight 0.18): The game offers a true open-world RPG experience with a massive world to explore. Players appreciate the open-world missions and adventures.
- Better story than Skyrim (weight 0.17): Many players believe the game has a better story, writing, and quests compared to Skyrim. The main quest and environments are also considered superior.
- Shivering Isles DLC praised (weight 0.17): The Shivering Isles DLC is frequently mentioned as the best DLC and a fantastic addition to the game. It is considered one of the best expansions in the series.
- Enjoyable experience (weight 0.15): Players find the game enjoyable overall, with a pleasant experience even in modern times. It is considered enjoyable despite its age.
- Good performance on low-end PCs (weight 0.15): The game is noted for running well on low-end computers and older hardware. It is considered easy to run on low-spec devices.
- Varied and interesting quests (weight 0.14): The game offers a variety of quests that are not just dungeon or cave focused. Players appreciate the fun and interesting quests that do not feel grindy or repetitive.
- Fun and quirky NPCs (weight 0.13): The game is filled with fun and quirky characters that players find well-designed and interesting. The NPCs are noted for feeling alive and adding to the game's charm.
- Best in The Elder Scrolls series (weight 0.12): Many players consider this game to be the best in The Elder Scrolls series. It is often praised as one of the best games in the series and a great first experience.
- Solid main story (weight 0.11): The main story is generally enjoyed by players, who find it entertaining and fine. The main quest is considered solid and enjoyable.
- Charming art style (weight 0.11): The game is noted for its charming art style and classic RPG charm. Despite dated graphics, it is considered to have a lot of soul and charm.
- Wonderful soundtrack (weight 0.11): The game is praised for its wonderful and atmospheric soundtrack. Players find the music and sound to be incredible and a highlight of the game.
- Quality side quests (weight 0.11): The game is praised for its quality side quests, which are considered beautiful and enjoyable. Players appreciate the variety and love in every side quest.
- Spell creation system (weight 0.11): The game features a spell creation system that allows players to create custom spells. This mechanic is noted for adding depth to the gameplay.
- Includes all DLCs (weight 0.11): The Game of the Year Edition includes all DLCs, providing a comprehensive experience. Players appreciate the inclusion of major expansions and smaller DLCs.
- More accessible than Morrowind (weight 0.11): The game is considered easier to tackle and more accessible than Morrowind. It is noted for being simpler and less of a slog to play compared to Morrowind.

Common complaints:
- Frequent bugs and glitches (weight 0.3): The game is noted for having various bugs and glitches, including crashes and broken saves, which detract from the overall experience.
- Clunky combat system (weight 0.23): Combat is frequently described as clunky, unbalanced, and outdated, making it feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable aspect of the game.
- Poor leveling system (weight 0.21): The leveling system is widely criticized for being confusing, unbalanced, and poorly designed, often leading to bad character builds and a frustrating experience.
- Outdated graphics (weight 0.21): The graphics are often described as outdated and not up to modern standards, which can be a turn-off for some players.
- Performance issues in remaster (weight 0.19): The remastered version is criticized for poor performance, frequent crashes, and additional bugs, making it a less favorable option.
- Repetitive dungeons (weight 0.18): Dungeons are frequently described as dull and repetitive, with patterns and designs that become boring quickly. This repetitiveness extends to the music as well.
- Comparison to Skyrim (weight 0.14): Many players feel that the game does not live up to Skyrim in terms of convenience, visual appeal, and overall interest, making it less enjoyable.
- Lack of controller support (weight 0.09): The absence of controller support, particularly for the PC version, is a notable issue for players who prefer using controllers.
- Repetitive Oblivion gates (weight 0.09): The Oblivion gates are criticized for their repetitive designs and monotonous tasks, making them a tedious part of the game.
- Auto-leveling issues (weight 0.08): The auto-leveling system is criticized for being poorly implemented, leading to an unbalanced and frustrating gameplay experience.
- Enemies are damage-sponges (weight 0.08): Enemies are often described as taking too much damage and being overly tough, which can make combat feel tedious and unbalanced.
- Fetch-quest tedium (weight 0.07): The game is criticized for having too many fetch quests, which can become tedious and frustrating for players.
- Limited voice actors (weight 0.07): The game is noted for having a limited number of voice actors, leading to repetitive conversations and a lack of variety among NPCs.

Gameplay feedback:
- Open-world RPG mechanics (weight 0.35): The game features an expansive open-world environment with high freedom for exploration and a variety of RPG elements. Players can explore a medieval fantasy world with numerous points of interest and develop their characters with various skills and magic.
- Character customization and progression (weight 0.27): Players can customize their characters in detail, choosing from various races and classes. The game offers a deep character progression system with numerous skills and attributes to improve.
- Main questline and side quests (weight 0.21): The game features a rich main questline along with numerous side quests and dungeons. These quests offer varied locations and challenges, providing a depth of content for players.
- Difficulty compared to Morrowind (weight 0.14): The game is noted to be more challenging than Morrowind, with gameplay and leveling mechanics that are similar but more difficult. This provides a different experience compared to other games in the series like Skyrim.
- Combat system (weight 0.13): The combat system in the game includes melee combat and first-person perspective. It is noted to be challenging and different from other games in the series.
- Level scaling mechanics (weight 0.12): The game includes a level scaling system where enemies and challenges adjust based on the player's level. This mechanic ensures that the game remains challenging as the player progresses.
- Factions and guilds (weight 0.12): Players can join various factions and guilds, such as the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, and Arena. Each guild offers unique quests and benefits.
- Shivering Isles expansion (weight 0.1): The Shivering Isles expansion adds significant content to the game, featuring new quests, characters, and areas to explore. It is a notable part of the game's additional content.
- Story-driven gameplay (weight 0.1): The game offers story-driven gameplay with epic and environmental storytelling. This includes main questlines and various story mods.
- Enchanting and crafting system (weight 0.09): The game includes an enchanting mechanics that allows players to create and enhance enchanted weapons and gear. This system adds depth to the gameplay and character customization.
- Mod support (weight 0.09): The game supports modding, allowing players to enhance and customize their gameplay experience. This includes visual improvements and additional content.
- Oblivion Gates (weight 0.09): Oblivion Gates are a core feature of the game, serving as part of the main questline and offering unique exploration opportunities.
- Magic system (weight 0.06): The game features a magic creation system that allows players to use and create various spells. This adds depth to the combat and character customization.
- Guard interactions (weight 0.05): The game features interactions with guards, including specific AI behaviors. These interactions add to the realism and immersion of the game world.
- Simplified NPC dialogues (weight 0.05): The game includes simplified dialogues with NPCs, which can provide hints and information for quests. This system is integrated into the gameplay and exploration.
- Weapon durability (weight 0.05): The game includes a durability system for weapons and gear, adding a layer of realism and strategy to the gameplay.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.26): Many players report frequent crashes, including crashes to desktop and occasional crashes during gameplay.
- Runs well on low-end hardware (weight 0.22): The game is noted for running well on low-end PCs and laptops, making it accessible for players with less advanced hardware.
- Graphical and technical issues (weight 0.12): Players have noted various graphical and technical issues, including outdated graphics, ugly UI design, and visible seams in landscapes.
- Compatibility with Steam Deck (weight 0.09): The game runs well on the Steam Deck and Linux with Proton, making it a good option for players using these platforms.
- Stable performance with mods (weight 0.08): The game can achieve stable performance with the use of mods, which help to smooth out gameplay and reduce bugs.
- Resolution and settings issues (weight 0.08): Players have reported issues with resolution and settings, including problems with old resolution settings.
- Animation and NPC behavior (weight 0.07): There are issues with animations and NPC behavior, including stiff facial animations.
- Memory and system requirements (weight 0.06): The game has specific memory requirements, such as needing a 4GB RAM patch, and can run on low-spec devices.

Recommendations:
- General Recommendations (weight 0.28): The game is widely recommended, especially for fans of RPGs, combat games, and open-world adventures. It is also suggested for those who enjoy medieval fantasy settings.
- Remaster vs Original Recommendations (weight 0.16): Players are divided on whether to recommend the original version or the remaster. Some suggest playing the original for its gameplay differences, while others recommend the remaster for its improvements.
- Mod Recommendations (weight 0.15): Various mods are recommended for improving the game, including translation mods, bug fixes, graphic improvements, and unofficial patches.
- Difficulty and Gameplay Tips (weight 0.15): Players suggest lowering the difficulty for new players and provide various gameplay tips, such as saving often, exploring main quests and guilds, and using guides for efficient leveling.
- Comparison with Skyrim (weight 0.13): The game is often compared to Skyrim, with recommendations for players who enjoyed Skyrim to try this game as well.
- Deluxe Edition Recommendation (weight 0.12): Players recommend purchasing the Game of the Year Deluxe Edition for a better deal and access to all DLCs, which enhance the gameplay experience.
- Value and Replayability (weight 0.11): The game is considered to offer great value and is worth playing even without mods. Some players express a desire to replay it indefinitely.
- Wait for a Sale (weight 0.1): Many players suggest waiting for a sale to purchase the game, indicating that it frequently goes on sale and is worth the price when discounted.
- Miscellaneous Recommendations (weight 0.1): Various other recommendations include talking to NPCs often, consuming guides on YouTube, and trying both vanilla and modded versions of the game.
- Specific Player Preferences (weight 0.09): The game is recommended for those who enjoy quests and atmosphere but may not be suitable for players looking for a hardcore role-playing system or those annoyed by auto-leveling.
- Technical Considerations (weight 0.08): Players mention technical aspects such as the game being suitable for lower-end PCs and potential issues with crashes in the remaster.

Other player notes:
- DLC availability concerns (weight 0.03): Players are discussing the availability and quality of downloadable content for the game.
- XBOX 360 compatibility (weight 0.03): There are mentions of the game's performance or availability on the XBOX 360 platform.
- Remastered version feedback (weight 0.03): Players are providing feedback specifically about the remastered version of the game.

Emotions:
- Nostalgia (weight 0.24): Players express nostalgia for Oblivion as it was a significant part of their childhood and first exposure to the fantasy genre. Many appreciate the original version for its unique features, memories of exploration, and the lasting impact it had despite its age.
- Joy (weight 0.13): Players find joy in the beautiful landscapes, soundtrack, and engaging storyline of Oblivion. The immersive gameplay, detailed quests, and freedom of action contribute to a highly enjoyable experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Frustration in Oblivion stems from frequent crashes, bugs, and game engine limitations. Players also struggle with the leveling system, combat mechanics, and the difficulty spike in early game dungeons.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Players feel satisfaction with Oblivion due to its extensive content, exploration, and freedom in roleplaying. The game's performance on less advanced computers and the successful resolution of encounters also contribute to this feeling.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Oblivion generates excitement through its immersive world, engaging combat system, and the freedom to try out new character classes. The modding community and continuous improvements also add to the excitement.
- Disappointment (weight 0.05): Disappointment arises from the remastered version not capturing the original's charm and having performance issues. Players also express dissatisfaction with the leveling system, combat mechanics, and the lack of depth in mechanics and story.
- Amusement (weight 0.05): Players find amusement in Oblivion's unique in-game events, humorous NPC interactions, and ragdoll physics. The game's quirky and sometimes absurd moments provide a source of entertainment.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Appreciation for Oblivion comes from its impressive environments, rich NPC interactions, and engaging stories. Players also value the game's unique side quests, freedom in gameplay, and the overall quality of the game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Enjoyment of Oblivion is derived from the fun of mindlessly wandering a medieval world, engaging in NPC interactions and quests, and the freedom in roleplaying and creating spells.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire Oblivion for its high-quality story mods, mod support, and overall game quality. The recognition of the game's quality and praise from others contribute to this admiration.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Approval of Oblivion comes from players considering it better than Skyrim and enjoying it despite having played Skyrim. The game is recommended for Bethesda RPG lovers.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm for Oblivion is expressed through strong positive feelings about the game, enjoyment, and immersion in the game's story and world.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is expressed by players who love Oblivion but cannot recommend it due to issues like lack of controller support and the current state of Bethesda.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is mentioned in relation to specific aspects of Oblivion, such as the Dark Brotherhood and the Blade of Woe, as well as Bethesda's approach and recommendations from loved ones.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger towards Oblivion is caused by issues with Steam purchase and support, misleading pricing structures, and negative aspects of the game.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is expressed by players who regret purchasing Oblivion or waiting to play it.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom in Oblivion is caused by repetitive dungeons and the main mission.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express love for Oblivion, calling it their favorite broken game and simply stating their love for the game.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.01): Players feel nostalgic about Oblivion as it feels like home and they have spent countless hours playing it, indicating a deep emotional connection.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Frustration is expressed with Oblivion's auto-leveling system, combat balance issues, difficulty, combat mechanics, and camera movement.}