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Japanese jones for Oblivion
Are millions of people being deprived of the opportunity to pay 230 Yen for Samurai horse armour? Slashdot Japan has an article about a web petition calling for a Japanese language edition of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Translating the 360's best game for RPG-obsessed Japan seems like a no-brainer, especially considering Microsoft's continuing struggle to impress in that market. Listen up Bethesda.
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.]
Rumor: Oblivion is, in fact, coming to PSP
Back in April, a supposedly leaked release list from Bethesda Software, showed PS3 and PSP versions of the insanely popular Xbox 360 & PC RPG, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The rumor was squashed when Bethesda commented: "At present, we have no announced plans to bring Oblivion to any platforms other than PC or Xbox 360." Well, the rumors of a PSP version of Oblivion are back, most notably because EBGames now shows a product listing for said rumored product. With the rumors of a PSP version of Half-Life 2 abound, maybe there's a lot more power in the PSP than we could've ever imagined.[Via IGN Boards]
Developers dish next-gen game prices
We've all heard about the supposed pricing of the next generation of games. Kaz says we're getting off easy when it comes to PS3 games. But what about the developers making these games? Recently, Brian Eddy (Midway Games), Todd Howard (Bethesda Software), and Evan Wells (Naughty Dog) discussed their take, as developers, over the pricing issues on the latest Gamasutra podcast. Evan Wells says that games are still a bargain at $60, claiming that "a small [price] increase is completely warranted" in regard to price. Could Wells' position be tied to Sony's stance on higher game prices, since he is currently the lead designer on Naughty Dog's PS3 title Naughty Dog (c'mon guys, name that thing something else already). Brian Eddy and Todd Howard disagree, saying games are too expensive as is. Eddy says that as game prices go up, gamers "simply can't afford that many games" and this may reduce sales numbers. Howard agrees and adds "I'm a proponent of a $19 price point." With these differences of opinion between developers, do you think that game prices will really affect third-party support on our next-gen consoles? If the games are more expensive, will developers be attracted to the chance to make large amounts of money quickly, or conversely, if they are cheap, will developers tend toward higher sales numbers instead?
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.
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]
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]
Oblivion's Wizard's Tower up for 150 MS points
The internet had a collective tantrum following Bethesda's decision to release the horse armor pack and have the audacity to charge 200 Billybucks for it (about $2.50). Pricing the Orrery Map pack at only 150 MS Points seemed like not only a fair price, but a mea culpa on Bethesda's behalf for the horse armor snafu.The Wizard's Tower download similarly commands 150 MS points (under 2 of your Earth dollars). You get access to the titular wizard's toward, Frostcrag Spire, from where you can teleport to every Mages Guild in Cyrodiil and hone your Alchemy skills in the shiny laboratory. Now we'd like to see the glorified horse blanket take a pricing nose-dive so that the value is more in line with subsequent add-ons. [Thanks, Paranoised, Tah, and Sjohn]Update: fixed totally lame error on my part. Thanks, puh_fifer!
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 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 gold cheat v2.0
One of our gold-grubbing readers sent in another Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion cheat:On Oblivion if you want an unlimited amount of money eqiup your most expensive weapon (has to be a weapon....NO ARMOR!!) Get on your horse (w/ the weapon equipped) And travel to Kvatch when you get there stay on your horse with your weapon equipped and go talk to the orc with cornrow things on her head. Sell her your equipped weapon (it doesn't disappear) Keep doing this as much as you want. You get lots of money!Nice.[Thanks FeatherKing]
