Oblivion Remastered Proves Its Main Story Outshines Skyrim’s

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It’s challenging not to mention Oblivion without drawing parallels to its more famous and popular sibling, Skyrim, although the balance of popularity might shift in favor of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, given that it’s now available. A fresh wave of gamers can now experience the classic 2006 Bethesda RPG with a modern polish, thanks to a range of visual and technical enhancements powered by Unreal Engine 5. As more contemporary players delve into the enchantment of Oblivion, it’s likely that some will start to consider it as good as, if not better than, the frequently released Skyrim.

While it’s true that Skyrim has been highly praised since its release in 2011, and for good reason – its immersive fantasy world, intriguing side quests, and unparalleled sense of exploration have left an indelible mark on the gaming community – it should be noted that Oblivion Remastered offers a compelling counterpoint. The main narrative in Oblivion, revolving around Martin Septim and Mehrunes Dagon, could arguably surpass Skyrim’s in terms of depth and complexity. This comparison is not meant to diminish the achievements of Skyrim, but rather to shed light on the distinct strengths of each game.

Oblivion’s Main Story Is More Central To the Overall Adventure

Skyrim’s Main Quest Simply Isn’t as Compelling as Oblivion’s

The contrast between the main stories in Skyrim and Oblivion becomes evident during their initial hours of gameplay. In contrast to the more subdued start of Oblivion, Skyrim launches with a thrilling scene where a dragon attacks Helgen, causing destruction and forcing the player-character to dodge flames and race through a burning village in order to survive. This dramatic opening immediately establishes that the main quest in Skyrim is expansive, majestic, and filled with grandeur.

The narrative of Oblivion also carries significant importance, albeit in a distinct fashion. Instead of an extraordinary battle against a humongous beast, the game begins subtly with the player-character receiving a visit from Emperor Uriel Septim, who identifies them from a sequence of enigmatic, unexplained dreams. The character then navigates secret tunnels and pathways to break free from confinement, eventually receiving the emperor’s magical amulet before he is slain by a member of the Mythic Dawn cult. This sets the player on a quest to locate his missing heir, Martin Septim.

In the game ‘Skyrim’, the player takes on the role of the Dragonborn, a prophesied individual with extraordinary powers, destined to save the world. Conversely, in ‘Oblivion’, the player is more of an emissary, which facilitates a more personal and character-focused narrative. Unlike Skyrim, Oblivion focuses less on grandiose battles between humans and dragons, and more on political machinations and malevolent forces battling for the very soul of Tamriel, as much as for its land. This gives the main quest in Oblivion a far more complex and mature feel compared to Skyrim’s, which is often considered one of its less significant aspects.

Skyrim’s Side Content Blows Oblivion’s Out of the Water

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that Skyrim’s main narrative might not surpass Oblivion’s, but where Skyrim truly shines is in its side missions. The grand quest lines such as the Civil War plot, the Dark Brotherhood mission, and the Mages’ Guild story are what makes Skyrim tick – these are the beating hearts, not the main story. Compared to Oblivion, while its side missions are by no means poor, they seem almost quaint in comparison to the captivating main story that Oblivion offers.

The way each game is structured varies significantly, and this is evident in every aspect. For instance, if you contrast the repetitive, dull dungeons found in ‘Oblivion’ with the diverse and unique caverns, camps, and ruins seen in ‘Skyrim’, it becomes clear that there’s a shift in emphasis. This doesn’t mean one game is superior to the other; however, it does showcase Bethesda’s focus on enhancing side content rather than main questlines, a trend that continues in later games like ‘Fallout 4’.

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2025-04-30 14:04