Oblivion vs. Skyrim

Attribute	Oblivion	Skyrim
Release Date	2006	2011
Main Storyline	Save Tamriel from Oblivion crisis	Defeat Alduin, the World-Eater
Setting	Cyrodiil	Skyrim
Dragons	No	Yes
Leveling System	Class-based	Skills-based

Graphics

Oblivion, released in 2006, was a groundbreaking game in terms of graphics at the time. The lush landscapes, detailed character models, and vibrant colors were impressive for its era. However, compared to Skyrim, released in 2011, Oblivion's graphics can seem dated. Skyrim's graphics are more realistic, with improved textures, lighting effects, and character animations. The snowy mountains, dense forests, and sprawling cities of Skyrim are visually stunning and immersive.

Gameplay

Oblivion and Skyrim both belong to the open-world RPG genre, allowing players to explore vast worlds, complete quests, and interact with NPCs. However, there are some differences in gameplay between the two games. Oblivion has a more traditional RPG feel, with a class system, attributes like Strength and Intelligence, and a focus on skill leveling. Skyrim, on the other hand, introduced a more streamlined approach to gameplay, with a perk system, skill trees, and a greater emphasis on player choice and freedom.

Combat

In terms of combat, Oblivion and Skyrim also have distinct differences. Oblivion's combat system is more simplistic, with basic melee, ranged, and magic attacks. Players can block, dodge, and use special abilities, but combat can feel clunky and repetitive at times. Skyrim, on the other hand, revamped the combat system, introducing dual-wielding, shouts, and a more dynamic melee and ranged combat experience. Players can use a variety of weapons and spells, making combat more engaging and strategic.

Quests and Story

Both Oblivion and Skyrim offer a plethora of quests for players to complete, ranging from main story quests to side quests and faction quests. Oblivion's quests are known for their depth and complexity, with branching storylines and moral choices that impact the game world. Skyrim, on the other hand, focuses more on exploration and discovery, with quests that often lead players to interesting locations and unique encounters. The main storylines of both games are epic in scale, with dragons playing a central role in Skyrim's narrative.

World Design

The world design of Oblivion and Skyrim also sets them apart. Oblivion's world of Cyrodiil is diverse, with lush forests, rolling hills, and ancient ruins to explore. The cities are bustling with NPCs, each with their own schedules and routines. Skyrim, on the other hand, features a more rugged and harsh landscape, with snow-covered mountains, icy tundras, and dense forests. The cities of Skyrim are more spread out and distinct, reflecting the culture and history of the region.

Modding Community

Both Oblivion and Skyrim have active modding communities that have created thousands of mods to enhance and expand the games. Oblivion's modding scene is older and more established, with mods that add new quests, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Skyrim, on the other hand, has a more robust modding community, with mods that improve graphics, add new weapons and armor, and even create entirely new lands to explore. The modding community for both games continues to thrive, keeping the games fresh and exciting for years to come.