The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Why recommended

• Offers unparalleled player agency in its narrative, allowing you to align with various factions and drastically alter the fate of the Mojave Wasteland, akin to Oblivion's guild quests and main story choices.
• Criteria — Strong Story driven by player decisions and excellent writing, with robust RPG Elements including skills, perks, and reputation systems that influence interactions and combat.
• The open-world design encourages extensive exploration and discovery, with a multitude of side quests and hidden areas that reward players who venture off the beaten path.

Why recommended

• Features a vast, open world filled with countless locations to explore, from irradiated cities to hidden vaults, mirroring Oblivion's expansive Cyrodiil.
• Criteria — Strong Story with branching quests and impactful choices, and deep RPG Elements through character leveling, skill points, and perk selection that shape your survivor.
• The first-person perspective, combined with a deep sense of environmental storytelling and emergent gameplay, provides a similar immersive adventure experience.

Why recommended

• Features an incredibly rich and detailed world with profound lore and philosophical themes, providing a deep narrative experience comparable to Oblivion's extensive background.
• Criteria — Strong Story is paramount, driven by dialogue and player choices that shape the protagonist's identity and destiny, combined with deep RPG Elements in character customization and skill progression.
• The game emphasizes exploration of ideas and consequences over pure combat, offering a unique adventure where discovery often comes through conversation and introspection.

Why recommended

• Offers significant player freedom in mission approach, allowing for stealthy, non-lethal runs or aggressive combat, reminiscent of Oblivion's diverse playstyles (assassin, warrior, mage).
• Criteria — Strong Story with well-developed characters and a compelling narrative of betrayal and revenge, and light RPG Elements through upgradeable powers and gear that enhance gameplay.
• The detailed level design encourages exploration to find alternate paths, hidden secrets, and environmental advantages, fostering a strong sense of adventure within its contained areas.