Recreating Oblivion in The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls series holds a special place in the hearts of RPG fans worldwide. Among its many iconic titles, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006) stands as one of the most beloved entries. The world of Tamriel in Oblivion was vast, filled with lore, memorable quests, and an engaging open-world experience. Its release marked a pivotal moment in RPG history, and fans of the series have spent years reminiscing about the adventures they had in the game.
Enter The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), the massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the same universe. Over the years, ESO has explored a multitude of regions, characters, and plots, but one area that remains particularly poignant for many players is the return to Oblivion — specifically, the Shadows of Oblivion expansion and its representation of the iconic Daedric realm.
This article explores how ESO has managed to recreate the chaos, beauty, and deep lore of Oblivion, bringing back the very essence of Tamriel's darkest and most dangerous corner.
1. Revisiting Oblivion's Daedric Realms in ESO
One of the most compelling features of Oblivion was its exploration of the Shivering Isles and the Oblivion planes, home to the Daedric Princes and their followers. The presence of Mehrunes Dagon, Sheogorath, and the likes of Molag Bal established a dynamic and colorful balance between chaos and order, where every corner of the realms held secrets and dangers.
In ESO, the developers have given players a chance to experience these planes in a more expansive manner. While the game has touched upon the Daedric Princes in various expansions, one of the most notable recreations of Oblivion was in the Shadows of Oblivion chapter, which brings the chaotic landscape of Oblivion into the online world. With its focus on Mehrunes Dagon, the Dark Lord of Destruction, players once again find themselves facing invasions from the Daedric realm — but this time, it's on a larger, more immersive scale.
Mehrunes Dagon's Return
In Oblivion, the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon was the central antagonist, leading his forces to invade Tamriel. His invasion wreaked havoc and brought the Oblivion Gates into the heart of Cyrodiil, forcing players to close these dangerous portals. In ESO's Shadows of Oblivion, Dagon's power resurfaces as his invasion once again threatens the world of Tamriel. The chaos and destruction reminiscent of Oblivion return, albeit with even greater consequences for the realms of men and elves.
2. The Oblivion Gates: A Familiar Threat
One of the most iconic aspects of Oblivion was the Oblivion Gates. These gates, scattered across Cyrodiil, opened up pathways into the twisted, fiery landscape of Oblivion itself, where players faced off against Dagon's forces. The gates were both a major gameplay feature and a storytelling device, allowing players to enter the chaos of the Daedric planes and close them to prevent the spread of destruction.
In ESO, the Oblivion Gates make a grand return in the form of world events and dynamic content. While the gates do not function exactly as they did in Oblivion, they present an ongoing narrative where players work together to fend off the Daedric forces trying to break through into Tamriel. In this regard, ESO takes the idea of the gates and adapts them to the MMO format, where multiple players can band together to close these gates or engage in PvE battles within the Daedric realms.
The integration of Oblivion Gates in ESO allows players to relive the thrilling moments of Oblivion, but now with the added element of collaboration. The gates are no longer just personal quests; they're community challenges where players from all walks of life can come together to push back against the forces of Oblivion.
3. The Aesthetic and Environment: A Return to the Dark Chaos of Oblivion
One of the most memorable elements of Oblivion was its distinct visuals. The gates to Oblivion were portals to a world filled with red skies, jagged mountains, and a sense of utter foreboding. It was a hostile and alien landscape, dominated by fire and lava, where nothing was familiar or safe.
ESO's ability to recreate these environments is one of its standout achievements. The areas connected to Mehrunes Dagon's invasion, such as the Deadlands, showcase the same ominous, red skies and towering, spire-like structures. The fiery rivers, corrupted landscapes, and ominous architecture evoke the same feelings of unease and mystery that players experienced in Oblivion.
This detailed design breathes life into the once-static world of Oblivion, offering players the opportunity to explore the Daedric planes at a much larger scale. The Deadlands, a central area tied to Dagon's influence, is a beautifully destructive space, filled with lava flows, floating rocks, and familiar Daedric architecture, making it feel like a true descent into the heart of Oblivion.
An Expanded Lore:
While Oblivion focused primarily on Mehrunes Dagon's plans to conquer Tamriel, ESO expands on this by giving players a deeper understanding of the various factions and entities in Oblivion. ESO explores not just the politics of Mehrunes Dagon but also the cultural history and ideologies of Oblivion's residents. Players now have the chance to engage in quests that illuminate more of the Daedric Princes' influence and how their plans intersect with the mortal world.
4. Exploring the Shivering Isles and the Madness of Sheogorath
Another major aspect of Oblivion was the Shivering Isles, the chaotic, mad realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. The expansion added a new world full of eccentric characters, bizarre environments, and a sense of unpredictable madness. Sheogorath's domain, with its two distinct realms—Mania and Dementia—presented a fascinating, surreal landscape that contrasted with the fiery destruction of Mehrunes Dagon's realm.
In ESO, the Shivering Isles was reimagined in the Madness Awaits chapter, where players return to Sheogorath's chaotic home. Players can explore both Mania (a bright, vibrant, and colorful land of whimsy) and Dementia (a dark, twisted, and melancholic environment). Sheogorath's presence in ESO ties back to the Madgod's eccentric nature, where players engage in weird and unpredictable quests that mirror his madness.
The aesthetics and level design are faithful to Oblivion, but ESO offers a more expanded and interactive version of Sheogorath's domain. Players can now engage with the realm in a way that wasn't possible in Oblivion, participating in various events, dungeons, and world bosses.
5. The Daedric Princes and Their Influence
In Oblivion, the Daedric Princes were a fascinating part of the world-building, with each one having their own realm, objectives, and often an unpredictable relationship with mortals. ESO continues this tradition, with each Daedric Prince—whether it's Molag Bal, Meridia, or Boethiah—having distinct, lore-rich influences on the game world.
The introduction of Mehrunes Dagon and the return of his forces in Shadows of Oblivion give players an in-depth exploration of the prince's personality, motivations, and destructive goals. ESO has done an excellent job of bringing the chaos and intrigue of the Daedric Princes into the MMO world, giving players the chance to interact with these powerful beings in ways Oblivion could only hint at.
6. Final Thoughts: A Living Homage to Oblivion
Recreating Oblivion's iconic elements in The Elder Scrolls Online is no easy feat, but ESO has succeeded in bringing the heart of Tamriel's chaotic planes back to life. The game's take on the Oblivion Gates, Mehrunes Dagon, Sheogorath's Shivering Isles, and other notable features not only evokes nostalgia for long-time fans but also introduces a new generation to the wild, strange world of the Daedric planes.
For fans of Oblivion, ESO offers a chance to revisit the lands of chaos, delve deeper into the lore, and experience the madness and destruction that once threatened Tamriel. Whether you're facing Dagon's invasion, exploring the Shivering Isles, or engaging in Daedric-fueled battles, ESO allows the legacy of Oblivion to live on in a truly grand and expansive way.
In the ever-changing world of Tamriel, the influence of Oblivion's planes will always remain, an integral part of the Elder Scrolls universe — and now, it's more alive than ever.
MMOexp Elder Scrolls Online Team