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Oblivion's Shivering Isles coming to retail
Bethesda has announced that Shivering Isles, the expansion to the life-owning RPG Oblivion, will soon be making its retail debut. Previously available only as a download on Xbox Live Marketplace, the retail disc will offer up both the Shivering Isles expansion as well as another piece of downloadable content, Knights of the Nine. As we've reported before, Shivering Isles offers dozens of hours of additional gameplay with new areas, items, spells, enemies, and ingredients. The disc is set to hit retailers next month. No price has been set at this time, but we imagine the pricing will be on par with the downloadable version.If you've yet to step into the world of Oblivion, you might want to wait until the Game of the Year Edition ships this month. The GOTY Edition includes all the downloadable content for Oblivion including Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine. For the rest of us (especially those without Knights of the Nine) the Shivering Isles retail disc might be a pretty good deal.[Via Gamertag Radio]Update: The Game of the Year Edition does not include all downloadable content. It includes only Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine.
Oblivion heads to Japan, scores big
Bethesda has announced on their blog that the Japanese version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has shipped. The Japanese version of Oblivion has been completely localized, with nearly a million words translated, including ever book in the game. The beginning and ending cinematics have also been re-recorded in Japanese, though spoken dialogue within the game remains in English with Japanese subtitles. What is more, the Japanese version includes the Knights of the Nine content right on the disc (as will the upcoming Game of the Year Edition in America). The game recently received rave reviews from Famitsu -- the game scored a 38, a score equaled or bettered by only 44 titles since September of 1986 -- and production director Ashley Cheng expects the game to be a "breakout hit." Furthermore, Cheng expects it will sell a few Xbox 360s, too (the localized PS3 version is expected in a few months). Whether or not Oblivion affects the 360's performance in Japan, we're happy that Japanese gamers finally get a chance to see what the rest of the world has been raving about.
Video: Shivering Isles gameplay
Shivering Isles, the official expansion for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is now available, but what is it all about? Perhaps this video will help explain that. Apparently, Shivering Isles is about monsters, giants, and unrelenting madness. To be honest, that sounds great, doesn't it? You bet your bag of holding it does! The video showcases some of the expansion's psychotic themes as well as some seriously ferocious beasts, including the giant gatekeeper at the end. If you prefer nothing to be spoiled, you'd best skip this video, because it pretty much lays down the entire beginning to the expansion. As for everyone else, enjoy! Don't forget to tell us what you think in the comments.
Oblivion PS3 vs. Xbox 360 comparison
Ahh, video console comparisons. As flamebait goes, it doesn't get much better than video console comparisons. Wary as we are of this, we can't help but post GameTrailers' recent video comparison of the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Oblivion. Granted, Bethesda has had a substantial amount of time to improve the PS3 version, but there are some undeniable differences. In particular, at about 1:30, you'll witness some nasty pop-up on the 360 version. We're only speculating here, but that may be the result of all PS3's containing a hard drive; Bethesda didn't have to account for a Core version as on 360. There are some other subtle differences, you can see a few more wrinkles on the King's face in the PS3 version and some of the weapon textures look sharper. Other textures look better on the 360, though, most notably the textures of the cobblestones on the city streets.Now, Bethesda has made it known that many of the graphical additions made to the PS3 version will be made available for the 360 version as well. Hopefully, we'll see another comparison after that comes to pass.To the topic at hand, though, can you declare a clear winner in this video? Hit the "read" link to compare them in HD.
Maddening new screens of Shivering Isles
Xboxyde has unearthed some new shots of Shivering Isles, the upcoming expansion pack for Oblivion. The shots show off some of the new creatures and locales. We've also uncovered a video feature from a recent issue of OXM. If you've been raring to learn as much as possible about Shivering Isles without all the pesky reading, we suggest you check it out. Bethesda promises 25 hours of extra gameplay to complete the main quest of Shivering Isles. Should you go after every sidequest, it could take up to three times as long. The expansion will be loaded with new creatures, new locations, and new ingredients for eager alchemists (like me). Hit the "read" link to take a gander at the new screens, and don't forget to check out the video feature, too.
Interactive Achievement Awards nominees announced, Gears in the lead
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences has announced the nominations for the 10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards. Though Gears of War has yet to make an acquaintance with that irrelevant temptress, Emmy, it stands a very good chance of winning a statuette that actually matters -- it's been nominated in ten different categories, including Console Game of the Year, Action / Adventure Game of the Year, and Overall Game of the Year. The AIAS (probably not pronounced "Ahyeehuss") also fancies The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, each garnering six nominations. These, along with Guitar Hero II and Wii Sports complete the list of classy nominees in the Overall Game of the Year category. The full list of nominees is available on the official Ahyeehuss website.[Via GameDaily BIZ]See also: Joystiq's Game of the Year
Oblivion: New Shivering Isles details
Today, we got hold of Bethesda's official press release announcing Shivering Isles, the Oblivion expansion for PC and Xbox 360 (and presumably PS3). Promising to put players in a world split by the extreme ends of madness -- sublime creativity and complete psychosis -- Shivering Isles promises 30 hours of gameplay, so it's suitable for your existing character or a brand new one. The expansion promises new weapons and armor to find (or to have forged by the experts of Crucible and Bliss), vast dungeons to explore, a twisted landscape to admire, and new monsters to fight. We're particularly interested in seeing what a Flesh Atronach looks like (ewww). Unfortunately, Bethesda still hasn't nailed down a release date or price. We all wait with bated breath (and bloated MS Point accounts).[Via FiringSquad. Thanks, teknomusik]
Shivering Isles on 360, free content in OXM
360 Fanboy regular, J. Goodwin, reports that the latest issue of the Official Xbox Magazine contains a six page blowout of information on the upcoming expansion for Oblivion, entitled Shivering Isles. We assumed that the expansion was 360 bound before, but it's always nice to have confirmation, right? As an added bonus, the DVD that comes with the latest issue has two pieces of previously released Oblivion content, "Wizard's Tower" and "Thieves Den." Wow, after grabbing "Mehrune's Razor" for free last month, patient Oblivionites have really struck gold. Of course, the real question is: are you buying a magazine with free Oblivion content, or Oblivion content with a free magazine?
Oblivion: Knights of the Nine now available
Boy, when it rains it pours. Microsoft is making damned sure that 360 owners stay glued to the couch this Thanksgiving. After all, MS wouldn't want you going outside to score a Wii or PS3 on Black Friday now would they? First, Small Arms is released. Then Video Marketplace goes live. Tomorrow we have the Lost Planet multiplayer demo, and now, now we get new content for Obliovion. Entitled Knights of the Nine, the new content is the not so exclusive expansion that will be packaged with the PS3 version. The content is supposed to be epic in scope, giving players access to new items, new enemies to fight, and a new faction to join (guess what their name is ...). Unfortunately, we still have memories of Morrowind destroying our old Xbox's poor little disc drive, so we've been shy about Oblivion. Have any of our Oblivionites out there dropped 800 points for this yet?
You got Halo in my Oblivion!
If you thought a Spartan was out of place in Dead or Alive 4, your head just might explode when you see one in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Entitled the "Spartan Project," this Oblivion mod adds a brand new Halo themed mission to the game. The story actually borrows from Bungie's official explanation for a Spartan in DOA4. A ship from the future gets caught in a timespace rift, and crash lands in Oblivion's timespace. As the hero, you find a broken energy sword, take it to the local (mad) scientist, and he asks you to investigate further. After all is said and done, you wind up with the energy sword, Mjolnir armor, and even a Covenant plasma shield. All in all it sounds pretty cool. Unfortunately, this mod is PC only. Check out a video after the break.
Oblivion slips from PS3 launch, expansion for PC, 360 late Nov
It's a phenomenon known as déjà vu. It's a phenomenon known as -- oh, forget it ... Bethesda has dropped The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion from PlayStation 3's launch lineup, conjuring up memories of last year's delay, when the title was scratched from Xbox 360's holiday roster. The PS3 version has been pushed to the first quarter of 2007.Bethesda clarified that the Knights of the Nine expansion (built into the PS3 version) will be released for PC on November 21 and includes all previously released downloadable content. Knights of the Nine content will also be offered to Xbox 360 players, via Xbox Live Marketplace, on the same date. A standalone download (just including Knights of the Nine content) will be released for PC on December 4 for $9.99.
New Oblivion content $10?
Bethesda has posted some new info on the upcoming "Knights of the Nine" content for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. While the info revealed is for the PC version, we can only assume that the 360 offering will be similar in both content and price. "Knights of the Nine" will offer Oblivionites access to a new faction -- the Knights of the Nine, natch -- new enemies, and new items. The content is apparently "epic" in scale, thus demanding the price of $9.99 earth dollars (how many septims is that?). The PC expansion will arrive on November 21. We can only hope that the 360 version won't be long after -- and for the same price (or less).Now, just to ease the waiting, let's play a game. Give the above picture a funny caption. Roll over the pic for ours.[Via digg]
Oblivion PS3 & PSP rumors resurface [update 1]
Back in April, there was talk of Oblivion ports for PlayStation 3 and PSP in the works, but speculation quickly died down after E3 passed with no further announcement. But recent listings for PS3 and PSP versions of Oblivion on EBGames have renewed hopes for ports onto Sony's platforms. Far from concrete evidence, but it's still got us thinking...A PS3 port is certainly within the realm of possibility, and if Bethesda could have it complete in time for the launch window, the title could be a big hit, even if it is the game's second coming. But the idea of a PSP port is still baffling. Perhaps if it were an extension of the console version, with the ability to share data between platforms. We're thinking hack n' slash spin-off that randomly generates Oblivion maps where you could share characters/gold/items with the console version of Oblivion. Or not.[Update: Speaking with Gamepro, Bethesda's Pete Hines responded (predictably) that the rumors of the ports are "just an assumption" and that there are "no announced plans for any other version right now." Note that he's not saying , "EN OH." There's smoke for sure, but is there fire? Thanks for the update, Mike.]
The ladies of Oblivion drop their tops
Modders are already hard at work on bending the code of the recently released PC version of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to their will. Early success: topless mod FTW! Before everyone jumps in and criticizes the mod's author for being a lonely, sophomoric h4x0r, you should read what he has to say about the mod:"Please note, this is a realistic nudity mod, not a pornographic one. The file included removes the bra welded to the skin of females of all races, showing things as most people know they are in the real world after removing upper body clothing. It will not show every female in the game as topless. I do this because I hate government/society/whatever forcing companies to 'protect our innocent population from seeing those evil dirty things 50% of them posess personally anyways' not because I'm trying to turn it into a porn game."Regardless of intent, there are boobs in it, so use your best judgment before checking out the uncensored (NSFW) video after the break, or go here if the embedded video doesn't work for you ...
12-hour Oblivion marathon starts on Monday
It looks like GameSpot's taking a page from Joystiq's gaming book by trying a 12-hour marathon with a retail copy of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for the 360 this Monday.There will even be a live video feed of executive editor Greg Kasavin "driving" the game, but that will only be available to GameSpot subscribers. (Booo!) The event's currently scheduled for Monday, March 20, 6:00 PM-Tuesday, March 21, 6:00 AM PT.Greg'll be "offering commentary about the experience as it transpires" via the picture-in-picture feed, but he won't be taking part in the concurrent subscriber chat room planned so as "to avoid any outside influences on his time spent evaluating the game." Well, good luck, Greg, and make sure to stay hydrated... 'cuz it's gonna be a long night.See also: Oblivion release imminent -- March 20 (it's official) 48-hour Xbox 360 marathon begins… now! Super-frustrating boss fight in Kameo Joystiq's massive Xbox 360 launch weekend blowout: the aftermath
