Oblivion ‘sacrificed some of the wonder of discovery’ says Bethesda

Bethesda’s Todd Howard has admitted that the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion “sacrificed” some of the magic Morrowind in order to create a “refined and welcoming” world.

Howard commented in a recent interview about the alien and unfamiliar nature of Morrowind’s game world. “It should feel alien, kind of ‘stranger in a strange’ land, with familiar looking elements only rooting you early in the game. The whole tone ends up being one of ‘I’m an outsider, I’m uncomfortable'” said Howard.

“With Oblivion, we’re dealing with the capital province, and we wanted to get back to the more classic Arena and Daggerfall feel of a fantasy world that felt more refined and welcoming…a place that you instantly understood. But in that, we sacrificed some of what made Morrowind special; the wonder of discovery,” he admitted.

Howard was positive about the future of the series saying that “with Skyrim, we’re trying to bring some of that back and walk the line between Morrowind and Oblivion. Where it’s at first familiar looking, but has its own unique culture and spin on it.”

Thanks to OXM for the info.