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Hidden boobies incite Oblivion rating change [update 1]
The ESRB has changed the rating of the PC version of Oblivion from T (Teen) to M (Mature). The ratings board enacted the change because the game contains stronger depictions of violence than what were featured in the content that was submitted to determine the original rating. But more importantly, the new M-rating is a result of hidden (archived) topless skin files that can be accessed via a fan-created mod.At this time, it's unclear if a recall will be issued, but the new rating, along with the addition of a "nudity" warning, will be applied to copies of Oblivion that are still on store shelves. It's also possible that Take-Two will force Bethesda to remove the archived files and re-release the game, in turn, regaining the T-rating.Update: the Xbox 360 version has also been re-rated to M due to "Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence" [via ESRB]. [Thanks, Scott]
Star Trek: Legacy site launches
Bethesda Softworks has launched the official web site for Star Trek Legacy, an action-strategy title for the PC and Xbox 360 due in September. The Star Trek franchise has seen many similar titles from the Starfleet Command, Bridge Commander, and Armada series, but is due for a little next gen shake-up. Capt. Kirk once said, "In every revolution, there's one man with a vision," and Legacy's man is Mad Doc Software founder Dr. Ian Davis, who will bring his company's renowned AI to the latest Trek mission. Davis has said Legacy will feel like a squad-based shooter with space ships, while maintaining the traditional RTS and tactical elements. Fascinating!
Bethesda quashes Oblivion port rumor
Yesterday, there was talk of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion ports to the PlayStation 3 and PSP. Developer Bethesda Softworks wasted no time in dismissing the rumors with this response: "At present, we have no announced plans to bring Oblivion to any platforms other than PC or Xbox 360." According to Eurogamer, a gaming forum participant named "snatches" claimed he saw the alleged ports on a Bethesda release list for November. Disappointing news for the Sony faithful, although you have to keep in mind the official response includes our favorite ambiguous marketing gems, "at present", and, "no announced plans." More grist for the rumor mill. We'll keep you posted.
PS3 & PSP Oblivion ports, rumored to be in the works
Modojo.com reports that Bethesda is porting The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to the PlayStation 3 and PSP. While the site does not state the source of this information (read: consider it a rumor for now), Modojo does suggest that both versions are tentatively set for a November 2006 release, making Oblivion a definite candidate for the PS3 launch lineup.As Modojo notes, several Elder Scrolls games have been produced for the mobile scene in the past, highlighted by The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey for N-Gage, but a PSP version of Oblivion would be the most significant, and perhaps most daunting task Bethesda has ever undertaken in the portable gaming market. If either of these Oblivion ports is in development, we'll know for sure when E3 rolls around.[Thanks, Justin]
Oblivion's incomplete physics
If snow falls in the magical realm of Tamriel, will a battlemage leave a footprint as he traverses Bethesda Softworks' beautifully rendered landscapes? Does it even matter? Aaron Stanton of GamesFirst! attempts to address these questions in his discussion of casual physics and its absence from next gen games such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Although developers attend to specific targeted physics in a game, such as the rag doll behavior in enemy deaths, a 3D environment's accidental interactions tend to be ignored, due mostly to a lack of dedicated physics acceleration in today's hardware.A quick excerpt from the article: "The impact of wide-scale physics acceleration in video games is going to be responsible for the next significant shift in how gamers perceive our industry. Good graphics won't be defined simply by things like dynamic lighting, but by the ability to play a game 100 different times without ever seeing a scripted scene that plays out twice in the same way. How your sword is deflected, and how a shield is moved, during an attack would be different in nearly every swing depending on the angle and the force of the strike."Stanton suggests that advanced physics processing units will be the hallmark of true next gen gaming. Do you agree? [via GameBanshee]
Elder Scrolls: Arena - to download or not to download?
In my day, we didn't have fancy 3D graphics engines and radiant AI. If you wanted a deep and engaging role-playing experience, you played DOS games like Elder Scrolls: Arena. That's the way it was, and you liked it! You loved it. If you've already seen everything there is to see in Oblivion (anyone?), and are wondering if the free 25MB download of Arena is worthwhile, you should check out RPGFan's new review of Bethesda's first entry in the classic RPG franchise. A few bugs aside, it's an open-ended world of pixelated goodness.
Oblivion records record sales, 1.7 million and climbing
According to NPD sales figures, Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has become the fastest selling Xbox 360 title to date, in North America. In addition, the PC version accounted for 13% of all Windows games sold during Oblivion's first week of release — more than four times the percentage of the next best selling game. Currently, the standard and collectors editions rank #1 and #2, respectively, on the PC sales chart. Bethesda reports that more than 1.7 million combined units have shipped.In Europe, Oblivion's sales are also thriving, as the game ranks #1 in the UK, Germany, and France. Also worth noting, the official game guide ranked #10 on Amazon's North American bestselling books list during its first week of release.[Thanks, The1]
Oblivion's gender bias: the official word
If you haven't heard enough about the ladies of Oblivion recently, this tidbit is an interesting look at gender and gaming. While the female characters manage to score bonus points on the "lack of scantily clad armour" scale, it seems that there are some inherent gender-based stat advantages under certain circumstances.Gamers with Jobs have spoken to Bethesda about the perceived gender bias, and it seems that the differences are subtle, designed so that players have more choice when it comes to gameplay. While it may seem a little old-fashioned for male Redguards to have a higher strength, while females have a higher personality, the balance is all in the name of game diversity. For anyone wishing to experience the game free of any gender concerns, there's already a mod which equalises stats irrespective of gender.[Thanks, SickNic]
Free Oblivion horse armor coupon with PC version
Interested in buying Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for the PC but the $1.99 horse armor at obliviondownloads.com is scaring you away? Lucky for you, EB Games / GameStop is now offering these coupons with every purchase of Oblivion for the PC, featuring a promo code good for one free download of the Horse Armor pack.Running the Xbox 360 version, you're still stuck ponying up the MS points. Already bought the PC version and the horse? Well, better late than never, right?[Thanks, Matt]
Bethesda patching Oblivion, lowers cost of future content download
Bethesda recently confirmed (via the official Elder Scrolls forums) that an Oblivion patch is in the works for both the PC and Xbox 360. The plan is to first release a beta patch onto the PC, once it's cleared initial testing. Bethesda warned players to backup saved games before installing the beta patch and to be prepared to reinstall the game once the final patch is released.In addition, Bethesda offered more details about the upcoming downloadable content plugins. The Orrery download, which includes a new quest and character powers, should be available next week for the low-low cost of 150 Microsoft points (about $1.88) for the Xbox 360 and $1.89 for the PC. 'Big ups' to Bethesda for experimenting with different price points. Although we passed on the $2.50 horse armor this week, we'll definitely be messin' with that Orrery device when it hits the Marketplace.[Thanks, SickNic]
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 ...
Next Oblivion downloads promise more than horse getups
Bethesda revealed details about two Oblivion content downloads that will be released "in the coming weeks." The Orrery (the mysterious and broken device that's locked behind a door in the Arcane University lobby) download will feature a full-fledged quest, which will task players with rebuilding the celestial-tracking machine. Once reconstruction of the Orrery is complete, players will gain access to special powers based on lunar cycles. GameSpot speculates that one such power could be lycanthropy.The second download will feature the Frostcrag Spire, a wizard's tower, located in the snow-capped mountains of Cyrodill. While it's unclear if a quest will accompany the tower (maybe it just needs to be cleared of its current inhabitants), aspiring mages can take up residence there and will be able to grow herbs, craft spells, and learn to summon atronachs. Both downloads will be available to PC users for $1.99 (the same price as the controversial horse armor), but Bethesda has declined to announce costs for the Xbox 360 version.
Bethesda responds to Oblivion backlash
Evil Avatar got in touch with Bethesda's Pete Hines, questioning the VP of PR and marketing about yesterday's release, which consisted of two pieces of horse armor, costing $2.50 for the Xbox 360 and $1.99 for the PC. Needless to say, much of the Oblivion community was not pleased with the fee and did not hesitate to spread this concern across Internet forums and gaming sites. Despite the backlash, Bethesda is playing it cool for now:"We tried to find a spot for [the download] that fit with what other things were out there. A Theme costs 150 points. The Kameo thing was 200. We're trying to find the right spot that fits... We're not even a day into this right now. We've got a couple more [downloads] we're working on finishing... We want to put some different things out there and find out what folks want and what they don't want. These are optional things, not requirements, so if you don't want to get them you don't have to." (Pete Hines, Bethesda VP of PR and marketing)Speaking with 1UP, Hines elaborated on the decision to charge for the download. Although additional Morrowind content, which was developed in-house, was released for free, Hines maintains that Oblivion is a "different game," and with that comes a "different approach to downloadable content and the size and scope of things we want to do, and what it takes to do them." Bottom-line: the next-gen is gonna be expensive for all of us, and if Bethesda's bold reaction to player criticism is any indication of the state of things to come, then don't expect to be receiving handouts any longer. Crack open your wallet, or enjoy the game as is. Your decision.
Download Oblivion's horse armor, for a price
Oblivion's infamous horse armor can now be downloaded and imported into your game. Why infamous, you ask? Because it's not free. To be clear, you won't be splurging from your Tamriel gold stockpile, no, you'll be using Microsoft (XBLM) Points (a.k.a. real money). Sure, no one's gonna be taking out a loan to cover the $2.50 expense (200 points), but you have to wonder why we're being charged for a measly game item, when in the past, a similar charge would have granted us access to an entire game map.C'mon, if this download came with a side quest, then sure, we'd throw down some points. But, despite our ever-growing addiction to Oblivion, we're not itching to hand over additional cash for an item that was supposed to be included in the game's initial release. We realize that extra content takes work, and we're more than happy to compensate the developers and programmers that provide this post-release service, but only when we feel that it warrants compensation. So unfortunately, our (stolen) horses are gonna have to remain armor-less for the time being.
Oblivion: let the modding begin!
Now that you've been playing Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for one week straight, you might find that despite the game's appeal, there's just something missing. If only you could ride a unicorn that has greater speed and leveling abilities than the typical Tamriel steed. Maybe you need a cure for a bad case of Vampirism, or want to go all Riddick on the unsuspecting populace with your Vin Diesel Redguard.There is already an extensive library of Oblivion mods at Planet The Elder Scrolls to satisfy even the most discriminating fan. You can try the new Champion and Wanderer classes, hire specialized mages and mercs to travel with you, and if you like Boromir, you can even make Martin look like Sean Bean. Some of these modders must sell real estate or practice interior decorating on the side because I found some cottages and beachfront homes available, fully furnished. It's a great time to be fighting demonic invasions.
An Elder Scrolls retrospective
In celebration of last week's Oblivion launch, UGO is taking a look back at the previous entries in the Elder Scrolls series. This 12-year retrospective traces the humble beginnings of Arena to the massive Morrowind, and everything in between (mobile phone games included).Fortunately for RPG enthusiasts, Bethesda decided to expand the original game's gladiatorial premise in favor of a larger scale adventure. The result has been one of the longest running, and arguably the deepest, role-playing experience in modern gaming.For a trip down memory lane, you can download Arena at the Elder Scrolls web site.
Metareview - Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Following a four month delay, Bethesda Softworks has finally delivered Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and the gaming press is abuzz with marathon review sessions. As usual, the TeamXbox coverage reads more like a tutorial, but that's fine for a game as deep and meticulous as Oblivion. You'll want to read every word.Credit Bethesda for maintaining their cool and keeping the fan base in the loop with frequent developer chats and previews. It appears the extra effort has paid off, resulting in a worthy successor to Morrowind.With God of War-like ratings, Oblivion is sure to contend for game of the year honors. Yahoo! Games (100/100) was instantly addicted ("The only problem with Oblivion is putting it down"), and spent plenty of time taking in the scenery: "Screenshots don't do this engine justice -- seeing it in motion will impress the most jaded of gamers. Sumptuously detailed and full of vivid, rich color, it puts even the most graphically detailed of FPSs to shame, let alone the rest of its typically drab genre." GameSpot (96/100) compliments Bethesda's attention to replay value: "The many types of gameplay in Oblivion are well-designed and deeply satisfying, even when taken on their own. That's the main difference between this game and Morrowind. This may be a role-playing game, but you could play it like a pure action game, or like a stealth game, or like an adventure game, and it'd still be at least as good, if not better, than games that are specialized in these regards." TeamXbox (95/100) enjoyed the customization and level progression: "Although the amount of options provided when creating a character not only amazed us, it tops our list of favorite features. The way in which a character’s skills and abilities are increased works great for the experience, and we found ourselves not having to worry about what level we were, as it seemed to naturally move up as our quest evolved." IGN (93/100) suggests the game will appeal to both hardcore and newbs alike: "Once outside the initial dungeon, you'll start to understand just how massive Oblivion's world really is. Opportunities for new quests and stories are everywhere, and there's no pressure as to which path you should follow. Thanks to the map, journal and fast travel system, it's way easier to follow a path once you pick one." [via Metacritic]
