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When speaking aboutThe Elder Scrollsfranchise, two games that can’t be left out of the conversation areOblivionandMorrowind. Both have set the standard for a goodElder Scrollsgame and are counted among some of the best RPGs ever.
The two may have a dedicated fanbase that can wax poetic about everything great in the games and how one built off the other, but there are some clear distinctions between the titles. One of these is the formula they use, and why Todd Howard felt it could be used only once till now.
Oblivion’s Narrative Formula Is Unlike Any Other Elder Scrolls Installment
A lot of fantasy RPG titles follow the ‘Chosen One’ narrative. The player is a special individual blessed with unique powers or limitless potential to transcend everyone else within the game world. The story then results in the world changing to the player’s decisions as they gain more strength and better abilities.
Morrowindfollowed this formula, allowing the player to be the focal point of the journey and the story. Content-wise, it is one of if not the best entries in Bethesda’s franchise. The team managed to create an engaging world that felt alive and a perfectly paced story.Howard has admitted there were things they could have done better, but the game is still widely praised.
Todd Howard Had the Option for a “Less rushed” Skyrim Spinoff Inspired by Call of Duty Before Elder Scrolls 6
On the other hand,Obliviontook a different approach. Here, the player was not the main character but rather a support character to help decide who would take the throne. As Todd Howard stated in his interview withTIME, “You’re almost playing Lancelot to Arthur.” The goal is to put the right man on the throne while accepting that the right man is not you.
It is also the only time Bethesda has attempted such an inverted story angle. Regarding this approach, Howard believes “We weren’t completely successful,” which may be whyThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimonce again made the player the titular character of the story.
Lessons from Morrowind and Oblivion Helped Shape Skyrim
The fanbase can argue which game in the franchise is the best, but there is little argument thatSkyrimis the most expansiveElder Scrollsgame to date. Howard is so happy with the game thathe believes people will be playing the 2011 release for the next ten years!Considering the modding community is still strong, his prediction might come true.
“There were a lot of changes going on”: Skyrim’s Legendary Lead Designer on Why He Left Bethesda Before Elder Scrolls 6 May Not be Good News for Fellow Dragonborn
The director and executive producer at Bethesda does have some regrets. One of the biggest ones is the development timeline ofElder Scrolls 6. In a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, he revealed he wished the team had started working on the next game in the franchise much sooner so fans would not have to wait as long as they have.
Another regret he had with Skyrim was the final portrayal of the Civil War between the Stormcloaks and Imperials. Howard had a much larger narrative in mind with far more intense battles, but most of it ended up on the chopping block, resulting in players getting the most simplified version.
BetweenMorrowindandOblivion, which would you say is the superior game? Let us know in the comments below!
Sagar Nerala
Articles Published :565
Gaming was one of my earliest passions then along came writing, and here we are. I’ve been in the content creation space for several years now and as gamer for even longer. From understanding the complexities of a multilayer narrative to the simply joy of “big gun go boom”, my goal is to capture all the emotions in between and put them down in an engaging manner.
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BethesdaOblivionSkyrimThe Elder ScrollsTodd Howard
