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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.
Bethesda's Rogue Warrior to battle Ubi's Tom Clancy forces
Bethesda Softworks and Zombie Studios want a piece of the tactical-shooter market. The two are teaming up to adapt Dick Marcinko's Rogue Warrior book series into an Unreal 3-driven FPS for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.Rogue Warrior will undoubtedly go up against any number of Ubisoft's established Tom Clancy franchises of similar nature, including Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, when it releases later next year. It's a difficult challenge, but there are a few details that are already setting Bethesda's project apart.Rogue Warrior's campaign mode will feature on-the-fly (jump-in, jump-out) co-op, similar to what Epic's offering in Gears of War, only Bethesda and Zombie plan to allow up to four players. On the multiplayer side, a map generating system using "tiles" is reported to provide 200 unique map variations on both day and night settings. Rogue Warrior will also benefit from a total of 10 multiplayer modes. Watch out, Ubi![Thanks, Matt]
Oblivion gets Nine Knights, expansion set on Nov 21 [update 1]
Bethesda has announced its eigth mini-expansion for Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The latest download, Knights of the Nine will feature a new faction you can join, a sorcerer-king (and demonic minions, of course) that you can defeat, and the holy armor and weapons of the Divine Crusader to take for yourself. No price has been announced. Knights of the Nine will be available for download through the usual channels (XBLM, OblivionDownloads.com) as well as a boxed expansion set (for PC only) that includes all the downloadable content (currently valued at $13.53, or $11.54 sans Horse Armor). The PlayStation 3 version of Oblivion will come with Knights of the Nine. It was originally thought that this quest would be "exclusive," but we all know how finicky that word can be.[Thanks, PaleGringo][Update 1: clarified boxed package is PC only. Sorry Xbox gamers!]
PS3 Oblivion's exclusive quest explained
News that Oblivion was going to be PlayStation 3's "surprise" launch title was disappointing in the sense that we'd been anticipating the port since April, but the official confirmation did instantly boost the prospects of the PS3 launch lineup for those of us who haven't had a chance to tromp around Cyrodiil. But what about Oblivion vets? Is there a reason for us to invest in another version of Bethesda's masterpiece?As previously revealed, the PS3 edition will include an additional faction, the Knights of the Nine. A new -- and allegedly, exclusive -- questline with focus on restoring the Knights' order, adding a reported 10–20 hours of gameplay. The incentive: you'll gain access to "super-powerful" relics. The catch: if you raise your infamy level you'll be suspended from the faction and those relics will be removed from your possession.Will this new content motivate you to play well behaved? Will it motivate you to revisit Cyrodiil if you already came, saw, and conquered?
How modders saved Oblivion [update 1]
[Update: We covered this exact article yesterday. Consider this a different angle and color me foolish.]Pixel Rage has compiled a list of user-made modifications for Oblivion that should never have been necessary (i.e. features that should have been in the game out of the box). Oblivion, for all its praise, is strewn with bugs and other maladies that degrade the overall experience. You might find that harsh and overcritical, but we think its warranted to hold a title that spent over three years in development (on an engine the developer had been using for almost eight years) to higher standards. The modifications listed include: More realistic weather patterns, vegetation, and habitat, including the addition of birds and insects. Murkier, more transparent / realistic water effects. Light that shines through windows at night. Adding side effects to drinking too much wine (it's about time we get double vision for dipping to much into Skingrad's finest ... ). Inventory list customization. Interjections of silence within the constant soundtrack (a clever way to add to the atmosphere). Unique icons for spells. Various quest-specific fixes. It's wonderful to see the community perfect the game, but what are Xbox 360 owners to do? When the "vampire cure" quest was found to be broken, PC users could fix the problem themselves, while console gamers were forced to reload an earlier save (or, in worst situations, restart the game). Bethesda is currently working on Fallout 3 using a variation of the same engine used in Morrowind / Oblivion; let's hope they get the kinks out this time.[via Penny Arcade]
Oblivion PSP: less tromp, more romp
OPM's got the scoop on PSP's Oblivion. Sounds like Bethesda will strip out the open world, focusing on dungeon romps. Did you really believe they'd do otherwise?We'll still get create-a-character and have access to 18 of the 21 skills featured in the original Oblivion, but no word on cross-link features between the PSP version and the PS3 edition. And no word on load times either ... ... ... But the developers do cite Metroid Prime as a source of inspiration. Well then, how about throwin' in a morph ball ability?
Updated roundup of essential Oblivion mods
PixelRage has assembled a collection of 13 Oblivion mods that they feel Bethesda Softworks should have included as in-game features to begin with. Some of them may seem trivial, but they add to the game's realism and overall usability. In addition to map, inventory, and environmental enhancements, your inebriated hero will now have blurry vision after boozing it up at the local tavern. And if you need a moment of silence from Jeremy Soule's brilliant score, there's a mod for inserting pauses in the soundtrack. My favorite on the list is the extended death camera, which suppresses the load screen and gives you the pleasure (or pain) of watching your character get beaten to a bloody pulp.What are your favorite Oblivion mods?See also: Oblivion: let the modding begin!
Mysterious PS3 launch title is Oblivion
Remember when the folks at the Official Playstation Magazine declared than an upcoming issue would reveal a surprise PS3 launch title? A game so magnificently obscure and unexpected, a launch game "that you have not heard of?" The answer has finally come in the editorial team's latest podcast -- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Don't worry, we've never heard of it either. Sounds rather pretentious.The podcast does provide some clarification with regards to how Bethesda's in-your-face epic could possibly have been labeled as a game you've been completely oblivious (har har) to. Correction: it's a launch game you've never heard of, in the sense that you've never heard of it being a PS3 launch game. Obviously, Halo 3, Space Channel 5 and Pikmin would all have been fair guesses. Ah, we jest.According to OPM, the PS3 version of Oblivion will include new content and enhancements, likely referring to a bevy of equine protection items and the vicious eradication of problematic insects seen in the Xbox 360 and PC versions. 1UP specifically mentions a new faction, the Knights of the Nine, entering the world of Cyrodiil and providing the player with new quests. In addition, they also confirm a PSP game, Elder Scrolls Travels: Oblivion. More information on both titles will surely arrive in the next few weeks.Listen -- about three quarters of the way inRead -- a new faction and a PSP OblivionBehold -- the first batch of PS3 screenshots[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
"Epic" RPGs: too time-consuming for casual gamers?
A recent editorial at GamersInfo suggests that RPGs featuring vast, open-ended worlds are produced with only hardcore gamers in mind. The author argues that with RPGs such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, there are no mechanics in place to attract more casual gamers, and keep them interested for short periods of time. These types of RPGs are intended to provide dozens (if not hundreds) of hours of gameplay, but because they fail to offer "accessible distractions" within the first few hours of exposure, gamers with less time on their hands may quickly abandon the adventure -- and never return.What this person is looking for are more minigames that still allow you to progress through the main game, but can be digested in periods of a half-hour or less. To illustrate, the author points out the limited utility of horses in Oblivion and wonders why developer Bethesda couldn't have mixed in gameplay elements from other genres: "Why couldn't I collect and corral other horses (Pokemon)? Why couldn't I breed different horses together in order to cultivate desirable traits (Jade Cocoon)? Why couldn't I use my horse to plow a field outside of my house so I could grow my own Alchemical resources (Harvest Moon)? Why couldn't I cross breed my horse with another creature in the game (Monster Rancher)?"The author's self-admitted rant might be just that, but it raises an interesting point. Should the value of a role-playing game be measured in number of quests, map square miles, and other "super size" features? Or, should open-ended environments present immediately accessible minigames each time you load up your last save point?See also: Single player RPGs are alive and well "RPG" missing from today's MMORPGs
Oblivion's vocal and line repetition
With the six month anniversary of Bethesda's epic single-player RPG Oblivion on store shelves, we've all gotten a pretty good handle on its highlights and flaws. Highlights being that for $60 you get a world so big that its mass exudes a gravitational force. However, the flaw is that like Amistad Maupin's Tales of the City, which seemed to only have six people living in all of San Francisco, Oblivion has six voice actors spouting the same few lines all over Tamriel.Over at the Game Chair they explore this redundantly repetitive flaw in Oblivion and blame it on the industry's lack of emphasis on writing. The writer of the piece makes some interesting points, and then throws all credibility out the window when he pimps his writing out and offers up his body to Bethesda.
No official Oblivion expansions planned
Here's an interesting nugget from the Elder Scrolls forums, posted last week. Bethesda employee mburg responded to the most recent thread discussing Oblivion expansion packs: "We have no plans to make an expansion for Oblivion. Should that change, we'll make an announcement on Elder Scrolls.com." The steady stream of downloadable content Bethesda has been providing only adds incremental enhancements to the best selling RPG. However, you can still get lost in Tamriel for months. So do we even need an official expansion, or are mod communities such as The Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary enough to extend the Oblivion experience for years?See also: Oblivion PS3 and PSP rumors resurface Modder makes multiplayer Oblivion
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.]
New Oblivion plug-in available
Bethesda Softworks has announced the availability of a new plug-in for Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. PC users can download Mehrunes' Razor at the Oblivion download store for $2.99, while it will cost Xbox 360 owners 250 Microsoft points at the Xbox Live Marketplace. This new, "fully-featured quest" enables you to explore the largest dungeon in Cyrodiil, in search of a weapon that has the ability to destroy enemies instantly. With a weapon like that, who needs horse armor?[via GameBanshee]
Oblivion patch doesn't mend item duping
Those of us concerned that our item duping days are a thing of the past, thanks to Bethesda's Oblivion patch, need not worry. Even with the patch installed, you'll still be churning out grand soul gems faster than a gang of mage apprentices -- and you won't need no stinkin' code to do it. Here's the step-by-step from About.com (purists, avert your gazes): Equip any number of arrows (a number divisible by ten is advised) With no weapon equipped, look at the floor and punch it by pressing Right Trigger Quickly, before the punch has been completed, press B to access the inventory screen Select the arrows that are equipped and press A to attempt to unequip them (you will receive a message saying you cannot do this because you are attacking) Select the item you wish to duplicate and press X to drop and duplicate the item Pick up your loot
Oblivion patched for PC, 360 tomorrow
Bethesda released the v1.1 Oblivion patch for the PC today. The Xbox 360 patch (via Xbox Live) should follow tomorrow. The patch fixes a number of bugs that range from nuisances to issues that render the game unplayable, or at least, prevent players from advancing certain quest lines. The patch also "corrects" these popular glitches: Fixed infinite gold issue on some dead NPCs Fixed an issue with duplicating items and unequipping the bow In 'Till Death Do They Part' (quest), the Count no longer rewards player with gold more than once Tip: Before you update, consider cashing in on the Count's generosity or Dorian's deep pockets. And use your fleeting "cloning magic" to stockpile those potions and soul gems.
Star Trek: Legacy updated screens
Bethesda Softworks (Elder Scrolls: Oblivion) and Mad Doc Software have released 10 new screens from Star Trek: Legacy, which will combine strategy and squad-based shooting elements across all the Trek settings. Take the captain's chair of Federation, Klingon, Romulan, and Borg vessels this holiday season.See also: Star Trek Online tidbits
RPG legend Ken Rolston retires
If you're an RPG gamer, there's a good chance Ken Rolston has had an impact on the many nights you and your buddies have spent engrossed in tabletop and online adventures. From pen and paper classics such as Dungeons & Dragons, Stormbringer, and Warhammer to that copy of Oblivion you're enjoying today, Rolston's contributions to the role-playing genre have been monumental. Rolston's most recent work has been at Bethesda Softworks, where he acted as lead designer on Morrowind, and played a significant part in the development of Oblivion. The latter will end up making an appropriate swan song, as he's decided to call it quits after decades of leveling up through the industry. Read [H] Consumer's interview with Ken to find out what his fondest achievement is, as well as his thoughts on the evolution of RPGs. You'll be missed, Ken![via TeamXbox]
New Oblivion add-on inspired by Goonies
Speaking about the upcoming 'Thieves Den' Oblivion download, Bethesda developer Ashley Cheng explained, "Basically, it's Goonies." The downloadable mission will task players with taking control of a cavernous lair, which houses an abandoned pirate ship. Once the ship is yours, you're free to assemble a merry band of pirates and get your loot on.But if plundering ain't your thing, don't sweat it. According to Cheng, Bethesda has an additional 6–7 add-ons, including an epic dungeon, waiting in the queue. The plan is to release new downloadable content every 3–4 weeks as long as folks are playing. If you're concerned that these micro-downloads are taking the place of a hearty expansion, don't be. Bethesda still plans to release a full-fledged expansion or two. The Thieves Den download should be available within the next two weeks. A price point has not been set.
E3: Fallout 3 appears ... in spirit
Caught a picture of the Fallout 3 on Bethesda's booth wall, and got hopeful it would make an appearance. However, a Bethesda representative we talked to confirmed that, yet again, Fallout 3 is trudging along the usual Bethesda development cycle. Being that this is the second E3 where Fallout has appeared in photo form, we are hoping third time's a charm ...[Note: location of flash on pip boy purely incidental ... we swear]
Bethesda responds to Oblivion rating change
Bethesda has issued an official statement addressing the ESRB's decision to change Oblivion's rating from Teen to Mature. The developer will not contest the change, but insists that a "full, accurate, and comprehensive" report of Oblivion's content was submitted to the ESRB before the game's release. That report included a 60-page document that detailed all "explicit language, acts, and scenes in the game."Bethesda's report did not list nudity because "[there] is no nudity in Oblivion without a third party modification." The existence of topless heroines is not a result of unlockable content, but rather, a result of third party tools used to modify the game's art archive. With that said, it's difficult to justify the ESRB's decision to include "nudity" as part of the PC version's explicit content.Bethesda also confirms that there will not be a recall, nor will the game's content be changed in order to retain the Teen rating. Instead, future copies will be printed with Mature rating labels, and M-rated stickers will be applied to all existing unsold copies of Oblivion.Note: Both the PC and Xbox 360 versions of Oblivion have been re-rated.
