If you’re thinking about playing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in 2025, you might wonder, how does it compare to today’s modern RPGs? Games have come a long way, right? Big graphics, huge worlds, fancy controls. So, is Oblivion still worth trying? Let’s talk about it simply.
What Is Oblivion?
Oblivion is a role-playing game (RPG) made by Bethesda. It came out in 2006. That’s nearly 20 years ago! But many people still talk about it. It’s the fourth game in the Elder Scrolls series. You play in a big fantasy world called Cyrodiil. You can fight monsters, join guilds, follow stories, or just walk around and do your own thing.
Oblivion vs Modern RPGs (2025)—Comparison
| Oblivion (2006) | Modern RPGs (2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | Outdated, simple textures, a charming world | High-quality, realistic, detailed characters and environments |
| Storytelling | Unique side quests, fun stories | Often cinematic, but some quests feel repetitive |
| Freedom | Open world, go anywhere, do anything | Semi-open world, more guided missions |
| Combat System | Basic, clunky, slower reactions | Fast-paced, smooth, more action-oriented |
| Leveling | Skill-based, it can feel weird if not managed well | More balanced, often based on XP and skill trees |
| Voice Acting | Few voice actors reused lines | Full cast, motion capture, high production value |
| Mod Support | Massive PC modding community | Limited mod support (unless on PC) |
| System Requirements | Runs on low-end PCs and handhelds | Needs powerful systems, big downloads |
| Replay Value | Very high with mods and exploration | Depends on the game, some offer less freedom |
| Charm & Nostalgia | Feels like a classic, relaxing world | Feels epic and big, but sometimes too serious |
Graphics: Old, But Still Nice in Some Ways
Let’s be real, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion doesn’t look like today’s games. If you compare it to something like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Cyberpunk 2077, the graphics feel old. The faces look funny, and the animations are not smooth. But the game still has charm. The forests, towns, and dungeons feel peaceful and cozy. Some people even say they prefer it over modern “too realistic” styles.
And if you play on PC, you can install mods. These mods can improve textures and lighting and even make it look closer to 2025-level graphics.
Story and Quests: Still Some of the Best
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’s main story is not the best in the series. But the side quests? They’re amazing.
There’s a quest where you go into a painting. Another one has you solving a murder in a locked house. These quests feel like little stories, and they’re still better than what many modern RPGs offer. A lot of new games give you boring fetch quests: “go here, kill this, bring that.” But The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion makes you think, explore, and feel part of the world.
Even in 2025, that kind of storytelling holds up.
Freedom and Exploration: Top Class
Modern RPGs often guide you a lot. You follow the map and go from point A to point B. But The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion? It lets you loose.
From the moment you leave the tutorial dungeon, the game says, “Go. Do what you want.” You can join the Thieves Guild, become a vampire, buy a house, or ignore the main story completely. That freedom is still hard to beat in 2025.
Even games like Starfield or Hogwarts Legacy have more limits in comparison. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’s world feels like your own little playground.
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Combat and Controls: This Is Where It Feels Old
Here’s the downside. Combat in Oblivion feels clunky. You swing a sword or cast spells, but it doesn’t feel very smooth. Modern games like Elden Ring, The Witcher 3, or Assassin’s Creed have fast, polished combat. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion doesn’t.
Also, the leveling system can be weird. Enemies get stronger when you level up, which can make the game harder if you’re not careful. It’s something players today might find frustrating.
But if you’re patient and enjoy old-school style, you’ll get used to it.
Voice Acting and Dialogue: Limited, But Memorable
Most modern RPGs have big voice casts. Some even use AI or motion capture. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion didn’t have that. Almost every NPC sounds the same. Sometimes, one actor voiced many characters.
But that’s also part of its charm. People remember the lines like “Stop right there, criminal scum!” or “Let me guess, someone stole your sweetroll?” (Oops, that’s Skyrim, but still!)
In 2025, it feels old but fun. Like watching a classic movie with funny dubbing.
Mods: A Huge Advantage
If you’re playing on PC, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has a massive modding community. You can add new weapons, improve graphics, fix bugs, and even add new quests.
This gives Oblivion a big edge over modern console RPGs, which don’t support mods as freely. You can almost make the game feel new again with the right mods.
Some popular mods include:
Oblivion Graphics Extender (OBGE)
Unofficial Oblivion Patch (fixes bugs)
Better Cities Mod (makes towns look bigger and better)
Performance: Runs Smoothly on Today’s Machines
Modern RPGs are huge and need powerful PCs or consoles. Oblivion? It runs smoothly even on basic laptops. You don’t need a gaming PC. This makes it great for people who want a good RPG without spending on new gear.
Even on Steam Deck or other handhelds, Oblivion plays well.
Final Thoughts: Still a Gem in 2025
So, how does Oblivion compare to modern RPGs?
Graphics: Outdated, but charming
Story: Side quests are still some of the best
Freedom: Top-notch, even now
Combat: Feels old, but manageable
Mods: Huge advantage
Performance: Easy to run anywhere
If you want a game that gives you a big world, fun stories, and lets you do your own thing, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is still a great pick in 2025. Yes, it feels old. But in a good way. Like going back to a simple time when games were about fun and freedom.