The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Deluxe part 1

sygnus21

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Deluxe for $18.75 on Steam.

- OK, I've been thinking about getting this game. Worth it?
- Any Windows 7 x64-bit issue with Steam?

BTW I already have Steam so the "Steam bites" comments are unnecessary as I personally have no issue with steam. I just want to know if the game itself has issues.

Thanks

Everlong

If you want a kind of taste of what to expect with Skyrim. Then yea get it. I've played it on and off since release and love it every time. Plenty of mods to improve the experience with it, too, for improving visuals etc. You've played Fallout 3 as well, so you already know what the controls are pretty much.

sygnus21

Yeah I loved Fallout 3, even though Fallout New Vegas bored me. Anyway I think I'll pick it up. And yeah I'm kind of interested in Skyrim as well.

Thanks

Wishmaster

Think Fallout 3 without guns. Instead, Magic and swords.--- Well, in a nut shell.
Skills Improve the more you use them. So you can mix and match your character skills in anyway you choose.
So the more you use a 2 Handed Sword, the better you get at it. Rather than assigning points to a skill at level up.
Same for magic or whatever other skills you wish to work on.

If its $18 for the GOTY that has all the DLCs, yes it is worth it.


However, theres a couple bad points I think would be worth mentioning, just so you are aware.

It does have some engine stutter. Just like the Fallout games do, but slightly more noticeable.
I use Oblivion script Extender with the Anti-Stutter plug, using a Framrate cap of 60 and it works quite well. Still a bit of stutter from time to time, but much better than vanialla.

UI is quite horrible by default. At least IMHO.
I would recommend DarnUI, but this is a personal preference I suppose.

Unlike Fallout, Oblivion does not support AA when HDR is enabled.
However, forcing AA and AF in your GPU control panel will work beautifully. ((It worked well with both my ATI and Nvidia cards from the panels))
And With the GPU you have @1080P you should have no problems with at least x4AA and x16AF, even with some Hi-Res texture packs. Probably a bit more.

Graphics do look somewhat dated. However, theres a ton of Mods out there if you so choose to try them.
If you do, I would just use appearance mods such as:
Better Faces and Qarls Texture pack. This way the game looks much better, yet gameplay itself stays as Bethseda intended it to be.


May sound like Im nitpicking the game, but I do not mean it that way.
I think its a excellent game and well worth buying. Just a few little annoying things I think you should be aware of

Everlong

You'll also notice that the voice overs are quite bad, lol. There's only something like 2 male voices and 2 female voices, and they change between voices during dialogues. Quite comical really.

QuackPot

Yes, it's more than worth it. And I'v not experienced any issues running on Win 7 x64.

sygnus21

@ Wishmaster - your thoughts are exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

@ Everlong - Hmmm, kind of hate bad voice acting.....

@ QuackPot - Yeah I've seen other saying the same - no issues with Windows 7

Since I've heard so much about this game I'll give it a try so that when people continue to say it's such a great game I'll be able to understand what they're talking about.

Thanks guys, purchasing downloading now

Manigue

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Deluxe for $18.75 on Steam.

- OK, I've been thinking about getting this game. Worth it?
- Any Windows 7 x64-bit issue with Steam?

BTW I already have Steam so the "Steam bites" comments are unnecessary as I personally have no issue with steam. I just want to know if the game itself has issues.

Thanks

Played it a year ago. Worth every penny I paid. For $18+ you won't go wrong. You can also Google for many download enhancements that will render better images, armor and goodies. All those available goodies work fine with Steam's version.

Just keep in mind that it is a looooong game.

sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Manigue

You can also Google for many download enhancements that will render better images, armor and goodies. All those available goodies work fine with Steam's version.

Yeah I was just wondering about that. What about the Game of the Year Edition Deluxe - Any issues with mods there?

Thanks

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Manigue

Just keep in mind that it is a looooong game.

Yeah, plus the fact that it has all the DLC could wind up being a pain. We'll see. I remember Dragon Age taking me over 177 hours to complete - Discuss Dragon Age 2 but I rather enjoyed that game.

Everlong

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Manigue

You can also Google for many download enhancements that will render better images, armor and goodies. All those available goodies work fine with Steam's version.

Yeah I was just wondering about that. What about the Game of the Year Edition Deluxe - Any issues with mods there?

Thanks

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Manigue

Just keep in mind that it is a looooong game.

Yeah, plus the fact that it has all the DLC could wind up being a pain. We'll see. I remember Dragon Age taking me over 177 hours to complete - Discuss Dragon Age 2 but I rather enjoyed that game.

You can take as long as you want to play it. I did the main story line when I first played it, but now have a mod that gives me an option at the start to disconnect me from the whole story line and I can go off and do what I want.

Also the bad voice acting is more with the NPCs that are in the cities. Most quest NPCs have decent voice action, but if you go up to some random villager you'll probably see what I mean.

sygnus21

Thanks. Any suggestions on texture mods?

Everlong

I just use Qarls texture pack. And then use Natural Environments mods alongside it.

Natural Environments at The Elder Scrolls Nexus - Oblivion mods and community
Planet Elder Scrolls - Maps, News, Oblivion, Cheats, Downloads

sygnus21

Thanks. I downloaded Qarls texture pack last night. Hadn't installed it yet though. Will download Natural Environments then install them both. Any particuliar order?

BTW have you seen this? - Oblivion Modding FAQ - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

Wishmaster

Youll probably wat to Install Qarls after other texture mods.



My list of prefered mods, for what its worth:

Unofficial Oblivion , Shimmering Isle, & Unofficial Mods Patch.
(These 3 do not change any gameplay mechanics but fix a few bugs. I would use them.)

Natural Enviroments
Alive Waters
Unique Landscapes
Improved Trees and Flora
Illumination Within
Qarls Texture Pack
Natural faces
Dark UI Mod ((This is DarnUI only with a Dark colored theme))



I have several others, but these are the main ones. They will make the game look much better, without changing gamplay mechanics.

Others I would suggest, if you do not know already, is BOSS. Its a Mod sorter that does very well.
And obviously Oblivion Mod Manager. You can create your invaladtion text file with it.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, OBSE (Oblivion script extender) with these plug ins:
1) Anti-Stutter PlugIn 2) Fast Exit PlugIn.

The list I have suggested, is in the order you should install them as well, overwriting as needed. Obviously, if you add other mods, you may need to modify the order.
Just run BOSS after every Mod install.
Then, use OBMM to create a invalidation file and your good to go.



BTW, I have the GOTY Deluxe Edition which has a few extra DLCs like Vile Lair, Fighters Stronghold etc and have had no issues under Win7 x64, with the mentioned mods, plus a few others.
And mine is the Steam version as well ... actually all of my games are now except maybe 2.


If you get just the GOTY edition though, you will not need the Unofficial Mods patch. Just the Shivering Isle one.



The voice acting itself isnt so bad as much as it just uses the same voice actors alot. TBH, I never really noticed it too much except with Orcs.

sygnus21

Well this is what I have thus far...... (Using Oblivian Mod Manager)



And I have Shivering Isle, so what's Shimmering Isle?

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Wishmaster

Unofficial Oblivion , Shimmering Isle, & Unofficial Mods Patch.
(These 3 do not change any gameplay mechanics but fix a few bugs. I would use them.)

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Wishmaster

If you get just the GOTY edition though, you will not need the Unofficial Mods patch. Just the Shivering Isle one.

And yes, I have the Game of the Year Edition Deluxe

BTW I did run into my first voice acting wierdness - I spoke to an NPC who had two different voices depending on what I asked her. Quite funny though.

Thanks

Wishmaster

I meant Shivering Isle .. sorry.

sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Wishmaster

I meant Shivering Isle .. sorry.

So then I'm good? I don't need anything else other than a few mods?

Wishmaster

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Wishmaster

I meant Shivering Isle .. sorry.

So then I'm good? I don't need anything else other than a few mods?

I think so yea

The only thing is, if you decide to try the unofficial patches, it may require starting a new game. But TBH, Im not entirely sure.
This of course is optional, but I would use them.

Heres more info and some of these issues it fixes: http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Tes4Mod:Uno...Oblivion_Patch
may be worth reading, so you can decide if its worth it to you to play with or without the patch.



However, you should be OK even without them, if you so choose.

sygnus21

Thanks for the info. For now I'll just stick with the two texture mods. BTW I'm not feeling the dialogue system right now. Kind of hate that wheel/wedge thing

BugMeister

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Deluxe for $18.75 on Steam.

- OK, I've been thinking about getting this game. Worth it?
- Any Windows 7 x64-bit issue with Steam?

BTW I already have Steam so the "Steam bites" comments are unnecessary as I personally have no issue with steam. I just want to know if the game itself has issues.

Thanks

absolutely..!!

a brilliant game..

even more special if you've played Morrowind..
dense plot - great story.. lovely graphics..

no probs on 64-bit Win7

sygnus21

Already got the game, playing it now.

And I've never played, nor do I have any of the other Morrowind/Oblivion games. I'm just playing this because everyone swears by it, and I plan on getting Skyrim

Devux

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

Already got the game, playing it now.

And I've never played, nor do I have any of the other Morrowind/Oblivion games. I'm just playing this because everyone swears by it, and I plan on getting Skyrim

Just out of curiosity, what kind of character did you make?

sygnus21

Well my character is a Dark Elf who's class is a Bard. I was torn between being a Bard or Mage but decided on the Bard based on my stye of play in Dragon Age. I'm sure I'd choose diffrently once I finish my first playthrough though.

Anyway I'm sure everyone will have an opinion of a character to best play the game.

Devux

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

Anyway I'm sure everyone will have an opinion of a character to best play the game.

Very true, I was just curious as to which route you had chosen. I am currently a Khajiit, assassin class named By-Tor. Kudos to whomever gets the reference from which By-Tor came.

sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Devux

Kudos to whomever gets the reference from which By-Tor came.

Well I have no clue

BTW are you just starting the game or have you played it before. Just curious?

Wishmaster

I focused mainly on a Warrior class, 1Handed Sword + Shield.
Also, some magic. Shields, Healing, and a bit of Destruction Magic (pretty much just the touch type damage spells)
And have the daily "Full Heal" ability.

I also done a lot of Alchemy.

I have been meaning to play through a again as maybe a mage ...



As far as whats best .. There are so many options in how you can build and play your character, Im not sure there is one.

sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Wishmaster

As far as whats best .. There are so many options in how you can build and play your character, Im not sure there is one.

Yeah, It�s the same in Dragon Age. It's just comes down to play style and what you're comfortable with. For me it's a Rogue in Dragon Age as I kind of like close combat.

Devux

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Devux

Kudos to whomever gets the reference from which By-Tor came.

Well I have no clue

BTW are you just starting the game or have you played it before. Just curious?

I've played it for about the last year or so. I play on the PS3 though, so the experience is a little different, mainly no mods. Killer game nonetheless.

BugMeister

I'm playing as a Wood-Elf, who's also a Knight Of The Nine....
- he's a real stealthy little fellow - excellent marksman..

- he hasn't ventured into Shivering isles yet, though I've been there with other CHRs
- weird place..

- post us a piccie of your Bard, sygnus..

sygnus21

Will do when I get a chance

sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by BugMeister

Attachment 164581

I'm playing as a Wood-Elf, who's also a Knight Of The Nine....
- he's a real stealthy little fellow - excellent marksman..

- he hasn't ventured into Shivering isles yet, though I've been there with other CHRs
- weird place..

- post us a piccie of your Bard, sygnus..

Here's my character.....

BugMeister

- cool..
- haven't played the Bard character yet..

- must give it a go..

sygnus21

Man I hate that freakin dialogue system with the "personality" wheel

How the frak does that thing work? And how do I know if I'm successful?

Thanks

Devux

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

Man I hate that freakin dialogue system with the "personality" wheel

How the frak does that thing work? And how do I know if I'm successful?

Thanks

The more filled in the wedge is, the more 'weight' that section carries. You look at the expression that the character makes as you choose each section. They will either Smile, smirk, frown, or scowl. Then just make sure you put the biggest wedges in the two most positive reaction areas. Don't know if that helps you or confuses you more.

sygnus21

Thanks, yeah I got that part of it down. What I don't understand is how do I know if I'm successful in my attempts?

I ask because there were a few instances where I tried to persuade someone, got a positive verbal response from them, but the dialogue that needed to be unlocked remained locked (gold instead of gray).

Perhaps it's because I'm still at level 1?

Thanks.

Anyway I have to go out now so it wiil be a couple of hour before I get back here.

Wishmaster

I must admit I wasnt a huge fan of the dialog part myself.

It took me a while to get this down as well.
But it does get easier. Looking at the facial expressions helps as well.

The more your skills improve the easier it gets. For example, you can get a skill that allows you to rotate the wheel one time, without choosing a option.

Devux

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

Thanks, yeah I got that part of it down. What I don't understand is how do I know if I'm successful in my attempts?

I ask because there were a few instances where I tried to persuade someone, got a positive verbal response from them, but the dialogue that needed to be unlocked remained locked (gold instead of gray).

Perhaps it's because I'm still at level 1?

Thanks.

Anyway I have to go out now so it wiil be a couple of hour before I get back here.

Yeah if you have a low speechcraft skill it is hard to get their disposition up. For future reference a disposition of 70 is the magic number for unlocking information from people. At a low level sometimes you have to hand over fistfuls of gold to get there.

sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by Devux

Yeah if you have a low speechcraft skill it is hard to get their disposition up. For future reference a disposition of 70 is the magic number for unlocking information from people. At a low level sometimes you have to hand over fistfuls of gold to get there.

Thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for and it explains a lot!


Thanks

LiquidSnak

I'm not bothering to read four pages about a game I already love, but I use it on pro x64 with no stuttering, no other issues just fine. I've been playing it since it came out, and it's still one of my favorite games. I haven't completed one of the expansions yet, it's just waiting for me lol.

Everlong

�� Quote: Originally Posted by sygnus21

�� Quote: Originally Posted by BugMeister

Attachment 164581

I'm playing as a Wood-Elf, who's also a Knight Of The Nine....
- he's a real stealthy little fellow - excellent marksman..

- he hasn't ventured into Shivering isles yet, though I've been there with other CHRs
- weird place..

- post us a piccie of your Bard, sygnus..

Here's my character.....

Attachment 164613

Attachment 164614

Looking good

If you're wanting a nice set of robes then join the Dark Brotherhood. It's probably also my favourite faction to join as I personally find it has the best quests, as well as one of the best "entrance" quests to do. I'll let you find out how you go about getting in to the Brotherhood

Devux

You may have already found this, but just in case you haven't:
Oblivion:Oblivion - UESPWiki

sygnus21

Yeah I actually have that link.

Thanks