The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, a game released in 2006, has resurged in popularity among gamers, sparking nostalgia for its bizarre non-playable characters (NPCs). The game’s surreal open world and unpredictable NPCs have inspired a wave of nostalgia and viral posts on social media platforms, reigniting interest in the game.
Oblivion, the sequel to Morrowind in the Elder Scrolls series, is set in the province of Cyrodiil, embracing a traditional fantasy aesthetic akin to The Lord Of The Rings. The game’s NPCs were powered by ‘Radiant AI,’ which aimed to give them needs and the ability to make decisions based on those needs, creating the illusion of a living, breathing world. However, in practice, the NPCs exhibited hilariously inconsistent behavior, adding to the game’s uniquely uncanny atmosphere.
The resurgence of interest in Oblivion can be attributed to a viral post on social media platform X, which prompted users to share ‘Vinesauce’ clips. Vinesauce is a collective of video game streamers known for creating content around mods, hacks, and glitches. One user shared a clip of an Oblivion NPC murdering another, leading to a comment that no game will ever achieve the unintentional comedy of Oblivion. This post garnered over 18 million views and inspired others to share their favorite Oblivion clips, highlighting the game’s moments of immersion-breaking absurdity.
One commentator pointed out that new players are likely to stumble into something hilarious the moment they begin to traverse the world of Oblivion. The game’s dramatic opening scene, narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart, contrasts with the unpredictable insanity that follows, adding to the game’s appeal.
As gamers reminisce about the quirks and glitches of Oblivion, it’s clear that the game’s enduring charm lies in its unintentional comedy and unpredictable nature, making it a timeless source of entertainment for players.
