One of the games that really left an impression on me at E3 was Elder Scrolls IV: Obliviion. The game really shows off the power of what the Xbox 360 can do with the amazing environments to explore, new and interesting characters to meet, and cool new monsters for you to find and kill it is shaping up to be one of the system defining games for the next version of the Xbox


GamingNexus: Can you provide some background about the background of the game?

Ashley Cheng: We created Oblivion to be the RPG for the Next Generation, and not just in terms of visuals and platforms. We wanted it to be advanced in the way it’s played and experienced; to give the player incredible entertainment. That’s our big goal – to entertain. As far as the story, the game deals with the demons from Oblivion (essentially “hell” in the world of Tamriel) invading Tamriel. Early on, the Emperor is assassinated, and you’re there to witness it. He hands you the Amulet of Kings, the token of the true emperor, and bids you to “Find him, and close shut the marble jaws of Oblivion.” It’s your task to find the rightful heir to the throne and stop the invasion.


GamingNexus: Will someone who never played any of the first three games still be able to enjoy the game/Are there elements to the game that previous players will pick-up on?

Ashley Cheng: It will definitely be enjoyable for new players; we like each game to stand on its own. While Oblivion takes place in the world of Tamriel, the same as the first three games, it has its own new and unique storyline.


GamingNexus:Are you using your own in-house physics engine or a third party engine?

Ashley Cheng: We are using Havok for our physics.


GamingNexus: Will gamers start off in jail again?

Ashley Cheng: Of course. We’re not sure why, but we love to start you off in prison.


GamingNexus: Patrick Stewart is the voice of the king, what was it like to work with him? Have you signed any other “name” voice talent for the game?

Ashley Cheng: We have, but we aren’t ready to announce the others just yet. Stay tuned.


GamingNexus: Was there ever any thought of developing for the existing Xbox rather than the Xbox 360? What new capabilities of the system are you using?

Ashley Cheng: Honestly, not really. We’re making a next generation game that requires next generation hardware. We’re not particularly keen on taking out much of what makes the game so great to get it to run on previous generation hardware. I just don’t think we could have it be the same game and that’s what’s most important to us: regardless of which platform you choose, the game experience is the same.
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