Oblivion’s Legacy: 7 RPGs Inspired by its Design

by

Summary

  • Oblivion influenced Fallout 3’s open-world approaches, quests, and interactions with NPCs, setting it apart with the VATS combat system.
  • Two Worlds 2 was marketed as a rival to Oblivion due to similar quest designs, branching missions, and dynamic world features.
  • Elden Ring shares with Oblivion the sense of exploring the unknown, environmental storytelling, and vast open-world escapism.

It was the release of “Oblivion” that truly cemented the success of “The Elder Scrolls” series across all platforms. Its innovative take on freedom, open-world gameplay mechanics, lifelike NPCs, and quest design have left a lasting impact on numerous open-world RPGs. Despite “Skyrim” selling more and “Morrowind” paving the way for the series on home consoles with its Xbox release, it’s “Oblivion” that stands out as the game that truly made the series popular.

Following its triumph, I noticed a multitude of games adopting the design philosophy of Oblivion, particularly its open-ended gameplay that allows for self-directed adventures reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls series. Here are some RPGs that have been shaped by the design and mechanics of Oblivion.

7. Fallout 3

Post-Apocalyptic RPG From The Developers Of Oblivion

Following Bethesda acquiring the rights to produce more of the cherished post-apocalyptic Fallout games, the series transitioned from the traditional isometric style of the initial two Fallout games by Interplay Productions to incorporating the first and third-person perspectives, similar to those used in Oblivion’s open world design.

As a gamer, I can tell you that the world of Fallout 3 felt eerily familiar to me, having come from the realm of Oblivion. The map design, quest structure, and NPC interactions all seemed reminiscent, but it was the VATS combat system that really set it apart. It wasn’t just another Elder Scrolls game with guns; it was a whole new level of immersion, thanks to that tactical targeting system.

6. Two Worlds 2

Marketed As A Rival To Oblivion

As a gamer, I’ve often found myself drawing parallels between my adventures in the “Two Worlds” series and those in Bethesda’s “Oblivion.” Publisher Zuxxez’s Dirk Hassinger even boasted that the first game was “more substantial than Oblivion,” a claim that, while debatable, certainly fueled discussions about their RPG titles. However, it was the second game that truly earned its place among the giants, offering an experience far more reminiscent of my escapades in “Oblivion.

In terms of its humor and character design, there’s a distinct variation compared to the original. However, the structure and quest designs, as well as the interconnected nature of missions, resemble that of ‘Oblivion: Two Worlds 2’. This game also offers a vibrant world that appears inhabited. What sets it apart from ‘Oblivion’, though, are several key elements – an online cooperative mode, more action-oriented combat, and a richer, intricate magic system.

5. Elden Ring

Oblivion Was Cited As One Of The Influences

In terms of combat and narrative structure, Elden Ring and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion differ quite a bit. Yet, they both offer an immersive experience of venturing into the uncharted, with their environmental storytelling being a common thread. A standout moment in Oblivion is stumbling upon a hidden cave brimming with adversaries, loot, secrets, and beasts, which epitomizes the game’s appeal. Similarly, Elden Ring delivers the thrill of plunging into the unknown.

Experiencing Elden Ring seems tailored to each player’s personal journey through its world, reflecting their own choices and actions. Hidetaka Miyazaki from FromSoftware acknowledged influences from games like The Elder Scrolls , as well as The Legend of Zelda and The Witcher 3. Similar to Oblivion, Elden Ring is a vast game that offers limitless opportunities for immersion and repeated play.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

A Game Designed To Surpass The Elder Scrolls

As a dedicated fan, I can say that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt broke away from the BioWare-esque mechanics of its predecessors and instead opted for an immersive open-world experience, making the world feel tangible to players. In an interview with IGN, CD Projekt Red acknowledged Skyrim as the benchmark they aimed to surpass. And let’s not forget that Oblivion paved the way for its immediate successor, laying the foundation for an unforgettable journey in The Witcher 3.

In the same vein as Oblivion, The Witcher 3 has earned its place among the great games of all time, often serving as a model for future immersive open-world RPGs. The Witcher 3 builds upon and enhances the aspects that made Oblivion an adored RPG: it boasts a responsive world, captivating non-player characters, narrative through environmental storytelling, repercussions from player choices, and questlines with multiple outcomes based on player decisions.

3. Divinity 2: The Dragon Knight Saga

Uses The Same Engine As Oblivion

Larian Studios is primarily recognized for the huge triumph of Baldur’s Gate 3, but they also developed their own fantasy realm called Rivellon through the Divinity series. Although Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin 2 share a similar CRPG format with Baldur’s Gate 3, games like Divine Divinity and Divinity 2 are more akin to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in terms of gameplay style. Divinity 2: The Dragon Knight Saga is essentially a combined version of Divinity 2: Ego Draconis and Flames of Vengeance.

Divinity 2 shares the same engine as Oblivion, called GameBryo. But unlike Oblivion, it has a more structured storyline and offers smaller, semi-open environments, much like those in Dragon Age. Despite its linear structure, Divinity 2 maintains an element of freedom and exploration through its environmental storytelling and wealth of lore to discover. Unlike the Elder Scrolls series, it features enhanced combat, a pre-set character known as the Dragon Slayer, and the unique ability to transform into a dragon and fly.

2. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Created By A Former Lead Developer Of Oblivion

While it shares some resemblance with the God of War series in its enchanting fairy tale-like atmosphere and hack-and-slash gameplay, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning was carefully crafted under the mentorship of Ken Rolston, the mastermind behind Oblivion. His talent for building captivating worlds is clearly reflected in the structure of the world within Kingdoms of Amalur.

In contrast to the expansive, uninterrupted expanse of Oblivion, Kingdoms of Amalur offers a more compact yet intricately crafted semi-open world for players to roam at will. This world invites exploration beyond the main path, allowing players to embark on side quests, engage in battles with monsters, and make moral decisions that can impact the outcome of branching quests. Moreover, it caters to various playstyles, offering multiple approaches such as magic, stealth, or straightforward combat.

1. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

A Realistic Approach To Oblivion’s Freedom

One of the finest instances demonstrating the modernization of the structure and perspective on freedom is evident in a game that excludes magic, dragons, and elves. The upcoming historical medieval RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 , boasts authentic and challenging simulation mechanics, much like Oblivion. Both games share similarities in terms of freedom, eccentric characters, expansive lore, and exploration. In an interview with GamesRadar, senior designer Ondrej Bittner acknowledged that Oblivion significantly influenced the designers at Warhorse Studio.

In “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2,” players will find a captivating world to explore, with the opportunity to customize their character as they see fit – much like fans of “Oblivion” might appreciate. Though the game initially centers around Henry, a blacksmith’s son, the gameplay mechanics are reminiscent of “Oblivion.” Repetitive tasks help develop specific skills and enhance Henry’s abilities through a progression system. Notably, “KCD2” refines the experience and builds upon the foundations established by “Oblivion” and “Skyrim.

Read More

2025-04-27 05:14