The personal note at the end was very touching. I’m glad you at least had a game you loved to give you an escape and some joy in difficult times. Wish you all the best in the future!
All so true, it's actually helping me right now through a difficult time, i decided to pick up the game again after a long time and all the good old memories of getting cracked out on skooma and punching everything to death came back, thanks Todd.
Absolutely. Same for me to be fair. I managed to get this game from a friend of mine that kinda out of pity decided to sell it to me for all the money i had, like 5 euros or something. I think i have never played a game so much as i did with oblivion. It was my only escape from a very miserable existance. I didn't solve my situation as mortismal did. I am financially stable but no friends or family, but nontheless i am very happy for him, and it is nice to leave a chapter of our life "officially behind" :D
The last bit about your relationship with Oblivion was very inspiring although I knew of it from watching your past videos. You are in a way Hero of Kvatch: starting out in rough situation and ending gloriously as a champion.
Thanks for sharing that personal part of your life with us at the end. Playing video games to "escape" or find some sort of joy in an otherwise tumultuous part of life resonates very strongly with me personally, and I think it hits home with a lot of your viewers as well. Glad to hear that you were able to officially say "goodbye" to that part of your life!
Man, those closing statements hit hard.. I'm glad you shared this, as this is something I did with a couple of old games I had played. And the fact that you skipped the "all that youtube jazz" part makes it even more powerful. That's what games are about, and you've driven the message home perfectly, thank you!
Was not ready for that surprising heartfelt and emotional bit and the end. That cut me pretty deep. Love your content brother, keep doing great things!
Man, we all remember the day we emerged from those tutorial sewers. Genuinely been chasing that same high ever since - no game has even come close to giving me that same sensation.
I think exiting the shrine of resurrection at the start of Breath of the Wild got close, but you're right - that first time in Oblivion just had a magic that we'll never get back.
Fantastic review and loved that touching end segment. That's the double-edged sword with games as escapism. They take you to these fantastical alternate realities in the moment, but also take you back to those bad memories and headspaces when you replay them later. The role reverses, basically. That's my struggle with Dark Souls, so I replay it every year to try to form new positive memories to associate with it because I love the game itself so much.
I think I spent well over 200 hrs in the first year this came out. I remember being in year 12 (Final year of high school in Aus) and someone talking about the game. I used the library 'Study Period' time I had to research the game and wagged the rest of of the day (I think this was a Thursday as I wagged Friday too). Put the game in at 1pm - then it was all of a sudden it was 12am. A few years later, a friend was playing through it for the first time and I watched him play for about 50 hours. Game has attached itself to my soul along with STALKER and Fallout NV.
I also just remembered when I did the Dark Brotherhood and got to the cleanse mission. I refused to do it for about 2 weeks because I was so attached to the group. Sad really as retrospectively Emil's writing isn't great and it made no sense, but even now thinking about the Brotherhood, the ambient music that emphasised cold wet stone - leaves me looking at steam with the mouse hovering over the install button.
So glad to see you doing these TES retrospectives! Oblivion was truly a formative game for me. I got it when was a teenager and around the time my family got internet for the first time really. I remember that it was the first game I played to 100% and I was obsessed with it. I spent my free time on the UESP wiki updating information and guides as well as on the Gamespot forums in an Oblivion fan group called Lords And Ladies of Oblivion lol. It's also the game that set me on my IT career path funny enough. I built my first PC to play Oblivion with money I made cutting grass and shoveling driveways. I got super into modding the game and back then there were not fancy mod managers you had to do everything manually. It forced me to learn a ton about how computer hardware and software worked and while it sounds funny now I literally had to troubleshoot my PC on a regular basis to get the game running. I built my analytical skills by trying to get Oblivion working! It's amazing how things work.
I almost cried at that last bit. Thanks for sharing that. It sounds like I didn't have it quite as tough as you did, but I did grow up in an abusive household. I played videogames to escape that. I didn't really have one game to latch onto like you did, although if I had to choose it would be a tie between Civ 5 and COD WAW, specifically the zombies mode. Its awesome to see just how much video games can mean to people. I'm happy you're doing much better now, and happy early birthday to your son. Sounds like he has an awesome dad :)
Ive seen people say this but with Skyrims favorite system that just lets you swap on the fly anyway it never really bothered me + the dual cast in Skyrim is awesome even if the spells on launch sucked
I think the spell system in Skyrim greatly expanded the diversity and just visual flair of using them. I agree having a button to cast a spell with both hands occupied is great, but the appearance of wielding a spell and sword, like a proper spellsword, just feels so badass. The only thing that really sucks is the lack of proper balancing and many spells being samey/copied and many having been removed like touch spells.
@@MortismalGaming I actually preferred hotkeys and a radial over the favorites menu. It pausing the game and having to scroll through a list was a huge headache. I ended up modding back in the radial and hotkeys into skyrim.
Just want to say that your final comments at the end of the video really moved me, and reminded me of my own past. While never homeless, I grew up with a lot of painful moments-divorces, my father’s alcoholism and eventual suicide, etc. It has always been games that were my escape, my rock. I have games I can remember playing at really rough times to distract me and help me cope. Today I am married with two beautiful kids, in a completely different place. I often revisit these old games to put a more positive memory on a great game, and to acknowledge how far I have come. I hear you. I feel you. I wish you all the best. We got this.
Discovering this game as a 12 year old is an experience that I'll never forget. I was shocked that I could just roam around in such a big world after leaving the prison. It really brings all the nostalgia on me, also that ost while roaming around the forests... I was always happy while playing this game.
This was the best modern review of Oblivion I've seen. It wasn't drowned in nostalgia, but that janky 2000s charm is still shining bright. Love the content brother, we appreciate your dedication
Man, I've watched your videos for a while now, so I'm well aware of your tough childhood, but it always sounds almost unreal to hear it again. I'm happy that nowadays, you can make a living doing what you love and I sincerely hope that you'll continue to be as successful with it as you currently are, if not more - you've definitely deserved it.
That note at the end hit home for me. I was only a few years younger than you when I got oblivion the first time, I remember I managed to get a special edition with a coin in it, still have the coin somewhere. Oblivion made me fall in love with RPGs, a love I still have till this day. Fallout 3 was also a huge part of my life in high school as well. I totally understand feeling like these games are friends man. I'm glad you're life's gotten better, your content has helped me with builds, research and much more. thanks for the work you do an for sharing your story so openly!
I really like the personal perspective you included. This game was also a beacon during a very dark time in my childhood too, and it’s so inspiring to see how far you’ve come and how you made this journey through the game a kind of therapy for you. Awesome work as always and I’m happy to be a subscriber and have found your content!
Thank you for sharing the personal moments from your life. It was really touching and heartfelt. I love your channel and your videos man. This is one of my favorites and provided a great escape as well!
Most excited I've ever been for one of your reviews. Thanks for covering this. I said it previously, but Oblivion is among my favourite games of all time and probably THE game of my childhood along with Ocarina of Time. I'm literally flipping my Imperial Septim from my Oblivion Collectors Edition as I watch. Praise be Akatosh and all the Divines, wander with wisdom etc.
Hey, just want say I really enjoy your thorough reviews, they're extremely well written, voiced, and edited. There are so many massive RPGs that I don't have the time to properly play through, so being able to watch your reviews helps give a lot of insight into these games or can even help me figure out which ones I would like to spend the time playing myself.
Oblivion is what really got me into gaming, which years later is still my main hobby! Gaming really helped me through a lot of difficult times in my life. Without it I don’t know where I’d be today, so it is really amazing to see an in depth retrospective from someone who was also impacted greatly by the game as a teen.
Thank you for sharing that personal note at the end Mortym, very poetic way to close that chapter of your life and it's a credit to your character that you've come through all that pain to do amazing things, both in general and on this channel. I was also wondering, do you think you'll play the latest expansion for Underrail? It has a continuation from the original main game ending.
I totally understand. Skyrim has a special place in my heart. I played it modded all through undergrad and grad school. It brought me through a lot of tough times. Great video and great channel!
Loved this video. I played Oblivion during a formative time in my life and I too hold a great deal of nostalgia for it. It was a joy to revisit it here through your eyes and spend an hour amongst some janky, moon-faced old friends. No matter what challenges our past selves went through, it is because of their perseverance and heart that we are here today. And I'm glad you're here.
I think the fact that there are still so many discussions and video about Oblivion after 18 years from it's release really says about how special the game is. There are really somethings you can never get in other games.
I really appreciate the touching ending. Personal chapters don't need to mean much to anyone other than the person who experienced it, but sometimes something doesn't need to be for other people. Even if they do get something out of it too.
I watched this video in shorts bursts throughout the week. Really well done and the end hit like a truck. It came out of nowhere, I am a recent viewer of the channel, and I am glad you are in a better place and got the opportunity to close a very difficult chapter. Very touching video.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Knowing how important games like this and Diablo 2 were to you when growing up is what makes this channel’s updates something I look forward to, even when you are going over a game I have no interest in. I hope you have a fun time with your son for his birthday!
Okay my favorite random npc dialogue was after I went to sleep in an inn after killing the Grey Prince in the Arena I got a visit by Lucian Lachance after he tasked me to a kill a man and walks out of my room an npc approaches him while invisible and told him "Thry say if you kill someone the Dark Brotherhood comes to you in your sleep."
Love this. The shivering isles was also the highlight of oblivion for me. Being able to have fun & laugh in the midst of uncertainty & insanity is a big win. Thank you for sharing 😁
Been watching and listening to your videos for awhile now. Literally playing Pathfinder WOTR right now and listening to some of your videos as my Lich does her thing. Just wanted to say I absolutely appreciate your work, your passion and your overall way of expressing different themes, mechanics, personal thoughts and such for games. The last bit of this video really hit home, and I'm really happy you're in a better physical and mental place. Hope your son had a great birthday!
I applaud you for taking the time to be vulnerable and talk about your personal experiences and why this game matters so much to you, I'm so happy things got better for you and your story is really beautiful Mortym. Wishing happiness and health for both you and your family!
These reviews are getting more and more professional in tone, detail, covering every aspect. More thorough, so to speak. Keep it up, I'd like to see more retrospective reviews besides the new titles as well! :)
That was an excellent review, and you ended it on such a touching note! I really appreciate you being so open sometimes. A couple things that I think deserved a bit more attention in the video: 1) the incredible soundtrack by Jeremy Soule. Personally, I think it's a genuine masterpiece, and a huge part of the game's charm. I know you don't usually focus on stuff like that, but imo if any game ost deserves a special shoutout, it's this one. 2) Just how moddable the game is, and the incredible work the modding community has done over the years. A vanilla playthrough is alaays fun, but at the very least it's good to let people know about all the unofficial patches and the like, which you did mention, but only in passing.
I remember finishing the battle at Kvatch and thinking this was the greatest game ever developed. Still a wonderful experience, glad you went back to it 💙
Awesome review, I really enjoyed watching it. But more importantly, thanks Mortym for sharing your motivations for saying goodbye to Oblivion. In those closing remarks you demonstrated a level of emotional maturity I don't see that often. As a dad myself I couldn't help but crack a smile when you mentioned your son's 5th birthday :) because these are the best of times. I'm glad the worst of time are behind you. All the best. Cheers.
Wow~ Mmm, thank you for sharing your personal note at the end and I am sorry that you experienced being homeless and I would think much turmoil/hurt from those years. I hope you can or have healed from those experiences, sincerely.
hearing your honest & passionate opinions about games old & new and your connection to them is really refreshing to see when so many other reviewers just play the newest game that comes out and rush a review out the door; it just doesn't capture the way games can make someone feel, and i got very emotional when listening to your personal note at the end. i'm super happy that you've been able to build such a fulfilling life & career for yourself. appreciate you and love the content you put out, mortym
Oblivion hold a special place in my heart as well. Different circumstances for me but it was something I can't separate from that time period. Thanks for the review. Fantastic as always.
Thanks for sharing your insights about oblivion. I struggled with it and always seemed to end up hating it towards the high teens-low twenties levels and eventually just gave up on it despite many people around me saying they loved it. You made it make sense. It’s always a challenge to know how much to share with people in the internet, but I think you nailed it. Games were a way for me to escape and rebel against, what I now realize was an awful home life. It sounds like you found your way back a little faster than I did as being in my early 40’s I’m finally finding the time to really enjoy games again. Your commentary and analysis are perfect and have helped me find my way to some pretty fulfilling games that help me escape the pressures of life, albeit in a much healthier living situation. Thanks, Mortim!
You know, I've finally worked out why I enjoy your reviews so much. You love games man. You just love them. It's so clear and obvious and it's why your channel feels so honest when so many others just feel like corporate crap. I really respect that. Keep doing what you love my man
That last part of your review talking about Oblivion's impact on your life was really beautiful. A couple of years back, I played through BOTW during what was really the worst part of my life by far and it really helped me through a lot of rough shit that almost broke me. Never touched TOTK, since it came out right around the time I was going through some bad relationship stuff that I didn't want dragging down my first experience with the sequel to one of my favorite games of all time. But I think you've inspired me to finally pick it up again. Thanks for sharing
Just listening to this as I work in my own personal projects. I think even though very different many of us can relate to your feels on this game. But either way thanks for sharing. This is probably my favorite video of yours and I believe that’s saying a lot since it was your amazing in depth videos on WotR that I first found your channel and came to know of and love that game.
THE game that shaped my childhood and love for videogames, I think I might just say hello to this old friend as well.. thanks for the great review, happy to hear how well your life has turned out now
Was not expecting that ending, but man it was great -- so glad you are doing well! Fantastic review, this really makes me want to go back to Oblivion now
The personal note at the end is NOT silly. In different ways, speaking only for myself, I completely understand on a personal level. Also, one of the most rewarding parts of me being a father is seeing how things can be better. You made it, man.
Shivering Isles is about the only part of Oblivion I've replayed many times, because, like you, it feels like the most in sync with all the weirdness with excellent quests main and side content. Video games were also a big escape for my difficult childhood as well. It was a way safer space than my reality by far. I totally understand the feel of associating a time with the game you played at that time.
Glad you did this, as always. You put such effort into explanation and do it pretty effortlessly. Glad we have Oblivion, Bethesda, the whole works. I have definitely seen a lot of this games escape value and to believe it comforted you during rough times just speaks to us all as gamers. I thank you for being here to give a damn not only about beating games, but giving value to the games. Hope your sons 5th birthday was awesome.
Thanks for the great review. I also had a very tough time at a similar point in my life, though for different reasons. Final Fantasy 7 on the original Playstation was the game that helped me, and it's so nice to hear how Oblivion helped you. Great to hear how things are on the up and up for you, and keep up the great work with the channel
I bought a ps3 when I got clean from opiates back in the day to help occupy some of my time and have a new sober friend. Oblivion was the first game I got and played during that time and I loved it so much even though I screwed over my first build and made it so weak lol. Just reading the instruction manual in wonder over all the adventures to come is a beautiful memory.❤
I'd sincerely like one or more creators who have gone through those experiences to do video essays about whether their struggles ever extend into games, like if some folks deliberately maintain skooma-sober characters, or if someone who has gambling addictions avoids mini-games that are about gambling, or if they go the opposite way, feel they can do anything in games bc it's a contained setting. I know enough folks who've struggled with disordered + addictive behaviours to get that not every gamer would do the same, but I'd be so curious to hear a variety of experiences relayed, in whatever games the creators would want to discuss. EDIT: I forgot to say congratulations bc I was thinking so much about your comment in general, but I def meant to virtually fist bump you.✊
I can relate a lot to delving into Oblivion for hundreds (hell, thousands here) of hours because of wanting to escape reality back when it came out. I wasn’t homeless like you were but I was bullied very heavily and it was a solace from having to deal with that. Thanks for the video. I’m glad it helped you to make it.
Man you are quickly becoming one of my favorite youtubers. Very well made video on an absolutely awesome game ( flaws and all) and I seriously got emotional by that last part, it was so beautilfully put and Im so glad you got say goodbye and that you are in a better place now... I also related because what oblivion was to you, funnily enough Skyrim was to me back in 2011, a true friend that got me through some though times. Thanks for sharing that story and keep the quality content comming.
Mort I have been watching your videos for a while now and it's been great to see your channel grow and seemingly pretty fast over the last 12 months or so especially, it is all well deserved you keep up a standard that is always consistent and every time I hear that opening music it hits a spot in my brain that makes me feel good like I'm in for a quality video with interesting and in-depth info and for some reason that music makes me feel wholesome and nostalgic at the same time, it's hard to put into words and point out exactly what it is, I think it's a mixture of your voice the way you talk the way you explain things and the average guy kind of vide that makes watching your videos a pleasure and I'm always happy to see a new one oh and I don't even play isometric rpg's lol but I do own a few because of you and I will play them eventually
I had a great time with the game in high school as well. Great review and your story and connection with the game was touching. That last look at the lake was a great conclusion
This game will always have a front row seat in my heart. I always remember the random events I ran across over the past decade playing this. While traveling on my horse I ran across the dead body of Countess Alessia Caro on the ground. I even have a picture of it cause I thought it was really funny. There was one time in Chorrol I decided I was gonna kill one of the townsfolk so I can start the Dark Brotherhood quest. With my first swing of my sword, the guy I decided to attack turned out to be a secret Mythic Dawn agent and he immediately nailed my ass to the ground as the rest of the town attempted to stop him. I love this fucking game and no one can convince me otherwise.
55:17 Agreed, the shortness of Skyrim's guild questlines is a major problem. But more than that, Oblivion's questlines had a clear "guild" section (learning the ropes, regular activities) and "plot" section (solving their main problem for that game, e.g. the Blackwood Company or the Dark Brotherhood traitor). The "guild" section was >half the questline and was essential for making you invested in the guild before their main plot kicks off. Skyrim dumps this bit completely so you never feel like a guild member, just an outsider wiping their arses for them (the same as every miscellaneous quest in the game).
I appreciate your personal note at the end. I remember diving into this game around the time I was dropping out of college. I ended up becoming a fantastic man wife, so mission accomplished. I'm raising three kids now, and they'll never know what it feels like to not have the support of their parents.
Oh thank Talos! I really needed a new Oblivion deep dive and it’s come at a perfect time for me - thank you for this wonderful effort for my most favourite game 🙂
The ending few minutes of this video where you talk about this game being a beacon in your life hit home. In a way, revisiting the dock and saying goodbye is how I often feel playing these games. They can be remarkably fun to replay… but often hard to finish. Maybe it’s the desire to not let it go… but in a way, that’s the beauty of these pieces of art. Something that meant so much for so long that it’s comparable to having a friend or mentor at that point in life. Something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
This game gave me a treasured memory that is indelibly burned into my brain: During one of the fighter's guild quests, you accompany your quest giver into a ruin to investigate something. In the ruin, you find nothing but vermin, which is weird, and once you clear the dungeon the quest giver tells you to meet him back in town and the quest ends. Well, I triggered this dialog in a big room on the far side of a trap where the floor rises up and smashes you into ceiling spikes. I had avoided it earlier, and after the quest ended, I watched the quest giver pathfind straight across the trap and get smashed up against the ceiling. He got knocked unconscious, but the trap just kept cycling over and over again. It took him several minutes to get through it. That cracked me up so bad I actually had to put the game aside for a whole week because every time I'd fire it up, I'd just start laughing all over again. Oblivion is a beautiful, glorious, ridiculous mess, and it will always be one of my favorite games.
Excellent video. I've seen this game get a lot of hate in recent years, which, in my opinion, is largely unfounded. I can recognize its shortcomings, most if not all of which were outlined in this video. Regardless, it is still a wonderful experience that I think many people should get to have. Skyrim brought me into this series. Now I play Morrowind the most and Oblivion second most. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your insights.
Was not expecting all the feels at the end 😢 You survived those struggles, and have the opportunity to give your kid the love and support you never had, and you should feel proud.
Appreciate your personal commentary at the end as so many folks have gone a certain number of struggles and video games can serve as a constructive emotional escape to get thrown tough times in life ❤.
I related to saying goodbye to something like this man! I am bit older for me those games are streets of rage and final fantasy 7. They are special they where my company for long time through rough teen years. Glad your doing well.
This is an amazing video. It is amazing how profoundly video games can impact you when you are young and going through some stuff. Thanks for sharing this with us.
The personal note at the end was very touching. I’m glad you at least had a game you loved to give you an escape and some joy in difficult times. Wish you all the best in the future!
I came here to say exactly this, but you did it for me. Hope is so good.
Same here actually. So glad that life is so much better now. Again, my 'go to' reviewer!
All so true, it's actually helping me right now through a difficult time, i decided to pick up the game again after a long time and all the good old memories of getting cracked out on skooma and punching everything to death came back, thanks Todd.
Absolutely. Same for me to be fair. I managed to get this game from a friend of mine that kinda out of pity decided to sell it to me for all the money i had, like 5 euros or something. I think i have never played a game so much as i did with oblivion. It was my only escape from a very miserable existance.
I didn't solve my situation as mortismal did. I am financially stable but no friends or family, but nontheless i am very happy for him, and it is nice to leave a chapter of our life "officially behind" :D
@@Krakkokayne hope it's getting better for you!
This game is equal parts masterpiece and equal parts insane fever dream.
I like to imagine that it's so insane and wierd because that's how this bizarre tiny world of tamriel actually is. In a wierd way it makes sense.
@@milosstojanovic4623 What's up dude?
Exactly why I love it so much
It’s funny when people think Oblivion is an old game. It’s came out in 2006 not 1986 😂
@@thewise3551 Mate people born in the 2000s are in their 20s now
The last bit about your relationship with Oblivion was very inspiring although I knew of it from watching your past videos. You are in a way Hero of Kvatch: starting out in rough situation and ending gloriously as a champion.
Thanks for sharing that personal part of your life with us at the end. Playing video games to "escape" or find some sort of joy in an otherwise tumultuous part of life resonates very strongly with me personally, and I think it hits home with a lot of your viewers as well. Glad to hear that you were able to officially say "goodbye" to that part of your life!
Man, those closing statements hit hard.. I'm glad you shared this, as this is something I did with a couple of old games I had played. And the fact that you skipped the "all that youtube jazz" part makes it even more powerful. That's what games are about, and you've driven the message home perfectly, thank you!
Was not ready for that surprising heartfelt and emotional bit and the end. That cut me pretty deep. Love your content brother, keep doing great things!
Man, we all remember the day we emerged from those tutorial sewers. Genuinely been chasing that same high ever since - no game has even come close to giving me that same sensation.
Exiting Elden Ring tutorial area and entering Lands Between gave me similar vibes.
@@MegaBezveze It did - not as deep as Oblivion, being a jaded 35 year old, but it was dam close
I think exiting the shrine of resurrection at the start of Breath of the Wild got close, but you're right - that first time in Oblivion just had a magic that we'll never get back.
For me, it was Morrowind that gave me the feeling. But regardless of the game, im glad we all got to experience the feeling one way or another.
My man! How I miss those feels! I was just in awe when I exited the sewers!
Fantastic review and loved that touching end segment.
That's the double-edged sword with games as escapism. They take you to these fantastical alternate realities in the moment, but also take you back to those bad memories and headspaces when you replay them later. The role reverses, basically.
That's my struggle with Dark Souls, so I replay it every year to try to form new positive memories to associate with it because I love the game itself so much.
Man, I have cried a bit on that last part - even your voice cracked a bit. Very emotional. And happy for you, really!
We can easily say that we all got a little bit emotional with you at the end. Beautifuly done.
I think I spent well over 200 hrs in the first year this came out. I remember being in year 12 (Final year of high school in Aus) and someone talking about the game. I used the library 'Study Period' time I had to research the game and wagged the rest of of the day (I think this was a Thursday as I wagged Friday too). Put the game in at 1pm - then it was all of a sudden it was 12am. A few years later, a friend was playing through it for the first time and I watched him play for about 50 hours. Game has attached itself to my soul along with STALKER and Fallout NV.
I also just remembered when I did the Dark Brotherhood and got to the cleanse mission. I refused to do it for about 2 weeks because I was so attached to the group. Sad really as retrospectively Emil's writing isn't great and it made no sense, but even now thinking about the Brotherhood, the ambient music that emphasised cold wet stone - leaves me looking at steam with the mouse hovering over the install button.
Bro your game taste is supreme! I love Fallout (especially 2), STALKER and Elder Scrolls LOL
200 hours in a year...Rookie numbers
Wagged?
@@MoonFanatic its Australian slang for skipping class
So glad to see you doing these TES retrospectives! Oblivion was truly a formative game for me. I got it when was a teenager and around the time my family got internet for the first time really. I remember that it was the first game I played to 100% and I was obsessed with it. I spent my free time on the UESP wiki updating information and guides as well as on the Gamespot forums in an Oblivion fan group called Lords And Ladies of Oblivion lol.
It's also the game that set me on my IT career path funny enough. I built my first PC to play Oblivion with money I made cutting grass and shoveling driveways. I got super into modding the game and back then there were not fancy mod managers you had to do everything manually. It forced me to learn a ton about how computer hardware and software worked and while it sounds funny now I literally had to troubleshoot my PC on a regular basis to get the game running. I built my analytical skills by trying to get Oblivion working! It's amazing how things work.
I almost cried at that last bit. Thanks for sharing that. It sounds like I didn't have it quite as tough as you did, but I did grow up in an abusive household. I played videogames to escape that. I didn't really have one game to latch onto like you did, although if I had to choose it would be a tie between Civ 5 and COD WAW, specifically the zombies mode. Its awesome to see just how much video games can mean to people. I'm happy you're doing much better now, and happy early birthday to your son. Sounds like he has an awesome dad :)
A beautiful sentiment at the end. Happy you found catharsis and closure!
My favorite thing about Oblivion is that the magic isn't tied to "hands". I loved using a greatsword and casting at the same time
Ive seen people say this but with Skyrims favorite system that just lets you swap on the fly anyway it never really bothered me + the dual cast in Skyrim is awesome even if the spells on launch sucked
I think the spell system in Skyrim greatly expanded the diversity and just visual flair of using them.
I agree having a button to cast a spell with both hands occupied is great, but the appearance of wielding a spell and sword, like a proper spellsword, just feels so badass.
The only thing that really sucks is the lack of proper balancing and many spells being samey/copied and many having been removed like touch spells.
@@Verchiel_ Totally agree
@@MortismalGaming I actually preferred hotkeys and a radial over the favorites menu. It pausing the game and having to scroll through a list was a huge headache. I ended up modding back in the radial and hotkeys into skyrim.
@@dylanhendley5003 You can hotkey stuff from the favourites menu. But I'm on PC (unmodded).
Just want to say that your final comments at the end of the video really moved me, and reminded me of my own past. While never homeless, I grew up with a lot of painful moments-divorces, my father’s alcoholism and eventual suicide, etc. It has always been games that were my escape, my rock. I have games I can remember playing at really rough times to distract me and help me cope. Today I am married with two beautiful kids, in a completely different place. I often revisit these old games to put a more positive memory on a great game, and to acknowledge how far I have come. I hear you. I feel you. I wish you all the best. We got this.
The art style of the classes and signs etc is so good. I can never get over how much I enjoy that style. Really goes well with the game
Discovering this game as a 12 year old is an experience that I'll never forget. I was shocked that I could just roam around in such a big world after leaving the prison. It really brings all the nostalgia on me, also that ost while roaming around the forests... I was always happy while playing this game.
This was the best modern review of Oblivion I've seen. It wasn't drowned in nostalgia, but that janky 2000s charm is still shining bright. Love the content brother, we appreciate your dedication
Thank you!
Man, I've watched your videos for a while now, so I'm well aware of your tough childhood, but it always sounds almost unreal to hear it again. I'm happy that nowadays, you can make a living doing what you love and I sincerely hope that you'll continue to be as successful with it as you currently are, if not more - you've definitely deserved it.
That note at the end hit home for me. I was only a few years younger than you when I got oblivion the first time, I remember I managed to get a special edition with a coin in it, still have the coin somewhere. Oblivion made me fall in love with RPGs, a love I still have till this day. Fallout 3 was also a huge part of my life in high school as well. I totally understand feeling like these games are friends man. I'm glad you're life's gotten better, your content has helped me with builds, research and much more.
thanks for the work you do an for sharing your story so openly!
I really like the personal perspective you included. This game was also a beacon during a very dark time in my childhood too, and it’s so inspiring to see how far you’ve come and how you made this journey through the game a kind of therapy for you. Awesome work as always and I’m happy to be a subscriber and have found your content!
Thank you for sharing the personal moments from your life. It was really touching and heartfelt. I love your channel and your videos man. This is one of my favorites and provided a great escape as well!
Most excited I've ever been for one of your reviews. Thanks for covering this. I said it previously, but Oblivion is among my favourite games of all time and probably THE game of my childhood along with Ocarina of Time. I'm literally flipping my Imperial Septim from my Oblivion Collectors Edition as I watch. Praise be Akatosh and all the Divines, wander with wisdom etc.
More deep dive retrospectives, please! Incredibly touching note at the end. Thank you for it.
Hey, just want say I really enjoy your thorough reviews, they're extremely well written, voiced, and edited. There are so many massive RPGs that I don't have the time to properly play through, so being able to watch your reviews helps give a lot of insight into these games or can even help me figure out which ones I would like to spend the time playing myself.
The ending of the video alone deserves a double like 🎉. Great stuff
Hearing your voice crack a bit in the end had me tearing up. Nothing but love brother. We are beyond fortunate to have you here with us. Thank you.
Oblivion is what really got me into gaming, which years later is still my main hobby! Gaming really helped me through a lot of difficult times in my life. Without it I don’t know where I’d be today, so it is really amazing to see an in depth retrospective from someone who was also impacted greatly by the game as a teen.
Thank you for sharing that personal note at the end Mortym, very poetic way to close that chapter of your life and it's a credit to your character that you've come through all that pain to do amazing things, both in general and on this channel.
I was also wondering, do you think you'll play the latest expansion for Underrail? It has a continuation from the original main game ending.
Thank you! Are you referring to Infusion? I plan on covering it when its released if so. No plans for the small Heavy Duty DLC they dropped
I totally understand. Skyrim has a special place in my heart. I played it modded all through undergrad and grad school. It brought me through a lot of tough times. Great video and great channel!
Loved this video. I played Oblivion during a formative time in my life and I too hold a great deal of nostalgia for it. It was a joy to revisit it here through your eyes and spend an hour amongst some janky, moon-faced old friends. No matter what challenges our past selves went through, it is because of their perseverance and heart that we are here today. And I'm glad you're here.
I think the fact that there are still so many discussions and video about Oblivion after 18 years from it's release really says about how special the game is. There are really somethings you can never get in other games.
I really appreciate the touching ending. Personal chapters don't need to mean much to anyone other than the person who experienced it, but sometimes something doesn't need to be for other people. Even if they do get something out of it too.
I watched this video in shorts bursts throughout the week. Really well done and the end hit like a truck. It came out of nowhere, I am a recent viewer of the channel, and I am glad you are in a better place and got the opportunity to close a very difficult chapter. Very touching video.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Knowing how important games like this and Diablo 2 were to you when growing up is what makes this channel’s updates something I look forward to, even when you are going over a game I have no interest in. I hope you have a fun time with your son for his birthday!
Okay my favorite random npc dialogue was after I went to sleep in an inn after killing the Grey Prince in the Arena I got a visit by Lucian Lachance after he tasked me to a kill a man and walks out of my room an npc approaches him while invisible and told him "Thry say if you kill someone the Dark Brotherhood comes to you in your sleep."
Love this. The shivering isles was also the highlight of oblivion for me. Being able to have fun & laugh in the midst of uncertainty & insanity is a big win. Thank you for sharing 😁
I still think it's landscapes are beautiful, like a painting.
Damn bro that ending note really touched me. You’re on your way to become the goat of this style of game reviews imo.
Been watching and listening to your videos for awhile now. Literally playing Pathfinder WOTR right now and listening to some of your videos as my Lich does her thing. Just wanted to say I absolutely appreciate your work, your passion and your overall way of expressing different themes, mechanics, personal thoughts and such for games. The last bit of this video really hit home, and I'm really happy you're in a better physical and mental place. Hope your son had a great birthday!
Thank you for opening up at the end, it was very touching.
I applaud you for taking the time to be vulnerable and talk about your personal experiences and why this game matters so much to you, I'm so happy things got better for you and your story is really beautiful Mortym. Wishing happiness and health for both you and your family!
These reviews are getting more and more professional in tone, detail, covering every aspect. More thorough, so to speak.
Keep it up, I'd like to see more retrospective reviews besides the new titles as well! :)
A new year, a new hour+ long Oblivion retrospective. It’s beautiful
That was an excellent review, and you ended it on such a touching note! I really appreciate you being so open sometimes.
A couple things that I think deserved a bit more attention in the video:
1) the incredible soundtrack by Jeremy Soule. Personally, I think it's a genuine masterpiece, and a huge part of the game's charm. I know you don't usually focus on stuff like that, but imo if any game ost deserves a special shoutout, it's this one.
2) Just how moddable the game is, and the incredible work the modding community has done over the years. A vanilla playthrough is alaays fun, but at the very least it's good to let people know about all the unofficial patches and the like, which you did mention, but only in passing.
I remember finishing the battle at Kvatch and thinking this was the greatest game ever developed. Still a wonderful experience, glad you went back to it 💙
Awesome review, I really enjoyed watching it. But more importantly, thanks Mortym for sharing your motivations for saying goodbye to Oblivion. In those closing remarks you demonstrated a level of emotional maturity I don't see that often.
As a dad myself I couldn't help but crack a smile when you mentioned your son's 5th birthday :) because these are the best of times. I'm glad the worst of time are behind you.
All the best. Cheers.
Thats a very nice way to end the video man. I took a lot for granted when i was younger. Glad to hear your happy
You should also add a video about the best mods for immersion
That ending. Glad your life is back on track. Well done ❤
Wow~ Mmm, thank you for sharing your personal note at the end and I am sorry that you experienced being homeless and I would think much turmoil/hurt from those years. I hope you can or have healed from those experiences, sincerely.
hearing your honest & passionate opinions about games old & new and your connection to them is really refreshing to see when so many other reviewers just play the newest game that comes out and rush a review out the door; it just doesn't capture the way games can make someone feel, and i got very emotional when listening to your personal note at the end. i'm super happy that you've been able to build such a fulfilling life & career for yourself. appreciate you and love the content you put out, mortym
Oblivion hold a special place in my heart as well. Different circumstances for me but it was something I can't separate from that time period.
Thanks for the review. Fantastic as always.
Seems like we went through alot of the same stuff man, glad to see you made it out the other end. This game holds the same place in my life too
Wow I just stumbled upon this video and did *not* come prepared for that outro. Massive kudos! I am inspired to do my own goodbye playthrough now.
Thanks for sharing your insights about oblivion. I struggled with it and always seemed to end up hating it towards the high teens-low twenties levels and eventually just gave up on it despite many people around me saying they loved it. You made it make sense.
It’s always a challenge to know how much to share with people in the internet, but I think you nailed it. Games were a way for me to escape and rebel against, what I now realize was an awful home life. It sounds like you found your way back a little faster than I did as being in my early 40’s I’m finally finding the time to really enjoy games again. Your commentary and analysis are perfect and have helped me find my way to some pretty fulfilling games that help me escape the pressures of life, albeit in a much healthier living situation. Thanks, Mortim!
You know, I've finally worked out why I enjoy your reviews so much.
You love games man. You just love them. It's so clear and obvious and it's why your channel feels so honest when so many others just feel like corporate crap.
I really respect that. Keep doing what you love my man
That last part of your review talking about Oblivion's impact on your life was really beautiful. A couple of years back, I played through BOTW during what was really the worst part of my life by far and it really helped me through a lot of rough shit that almost broke me. Never touched TOTK, since it came out right around the time I was going through some bad relationship stuff that I didn't want dragging down my first experience with the sequel to one of my favorite games of all time. But I think you've inspired me to finally pick it up again. Thanks for sharing
Man. I've heard you talk about your past in many previous videos but the story at the end here still hit me so hard. I'm glad you're doing well.
thank you for sharing the personal note at the end. It's great that you're in a better spot now. Every upload on this channel is a pleasure!
That was a lovely personal note at the end, thanks for sharing Mortym ❤
Just listening to this as I work in my own personal projects. I think even though very different many of us can relate to your feels on this game. But either way thanks for sharing. This is probably my favorite video of yours and I believe that’s saying a lot since it was your amazing in depth videos on WotR that I first found your channel and came to know of and love that game.
THE game that shaped my childhood and love for videogames, I think I might just say hello to this old friend as well.. thanks for the great review, happy to hear how well your life has turned out now
Was not expecting that ending, but man it was great -- so glad you are doing well! Fantastic review, this really makes me want to go back to Oblivion now
Just want to wish your son a happy birthday, and you and your family a blessed future. You deserve it brother, thanks for all the excellent work.
The personal note at the end is NOT silly. In different ways, speaking only for myself, I completely understand on a personal level. Also, one of the most rewarding parts of me being a father is seeing how things can be better.
You made it, man.
Shivering Isles is about the only part of Oblivion I've replayed many times, because, like you, it feels like the most in sync with all the weirdness with excellent quests main and side content.
Video games were also a big escape for my difficult childhood as well. It was a way safer space than my reality by far. I totally understand the feel of associating a time with the game you played at that time.
Glad you did this, as always. You put such effort into explanation and do it pretty effortlessly. Glad we have Oblivion, Bethesda, the whole works. I have definitely seen a lot of this games escape value and to believe it comforted you during rough times just speaks to us all as gamers. I thank you for being here to give a damn not only about beating games, but giving value to the games. Hope your sons 5th birthday was awesome.
Thanks for sharing your story, Mort.
It was very touching.
Glad life is going well for you now.
Keep up the good work
Thanks for the great review. I also had a very tough time at a similar point in my life, though for different reasons. Final Fantasy 7 on the original Playstation was the game that helped me, and it's so nice to hear how Oblivion helped you. Great to hear how things are on the up and up for you, and keep up the great work with the channel
I bought a ps3 when I got clean from opiates back in the day to help occupy some of my time and have a new sober friend. Oblivion was the first game I got and played during that time and I loved it so much even though I screwed over my first build and made it so weak lol. Just reading the instruction manual in wonder over all the adventures to come is a beautiful memory.❤
I'd sincerely like one or more creators who have gone through those experiences to do video essays about whether their struggles ever extend into games, like if some folks deliberately maintain skooma-sober characters, or if someone who has gambling addictions avoids mini-games that are about gambling, or if they go the opposite way, feel they can do anything in games bc it's a contained setting. I know enough folks who've struggled with disordered + addictive behaviours to get that not every gamer would do the same, but I'd be so curious to hear a variety of experiences relayed, in whatever games the creators would want to discuss.
EDIT: I forgot to say congratulations bc I was thinking so much about your comment in general, but I def meant to virtually fist bump you.✊
I can relate a lot to delving into Oblivion for hundreds (hell, thousands here) of hours because of wanting to escape reality back when it came out. I wasn’t homeless like you were but I was bullied very heavily and it was a solace from having to deal with that.
Thanks for the video. I’m glad it helped you to make it.
That personal note at the end was such a great touch to an otherwise fantastic video!
Man you are quickly becoming one of my favorite youtubers. Very well made video on an absolutely awesome game ( flaws and all) and I seriously got emotional by that last part, it was so beautilfully put and Im so glad you got say goodbye and that you are in a better place now...
I also related because what oblivion was to you, funnily enough Skyrim was to me back in 2011, a true friend that got me through some though times.
Thanks for sharing that story and keep the quality content comming.
Thank you for sharing that personal story at the end, buddy! Loved the video!
Mort I have been watching your videos for a while now and it's been great to see your channel grow and seemingly pretty fast over the last 12 months or so especially, it is all well deserved you keep up a standard that is always consistent and every time I hear that opening music it hits a spot in my brain that makes me feel good like I'm in for a quality video with interesting and in-depth info and for some reason that music makes me feel wholesome and nostalgic at the same time, it's hard to put into words and point out exactly what it is, I think it's a mixture of your voice the way you talk the way you explain things and the average guy kind of vide that makes watching your videos a pleasure and I'm always happy to see a new one oh and I don't even play isometric rpg's lol but I do own a few because of you and I will play them eventually
Thank you for this video, your thoughts, the longform analysis, and your comments in the end.
You’re a great creator. This is my favorite piece of your work. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I had a great time with the game in high school as well. Great review and your story and connection with the game was touching. That last look at the lake was a great conclusion
This game will always have a front row seat in my heart. I always remember the random events I ran across over the past decade playing this. While traveling on my horse I ran across the dead body of Countess Alessia Caro on the ground. I even have a picture of it cause I thought it was really funny.
There was one time in Chorrol I decided I was gonna kill one of the townsfolk so I can start the Dark Brotherhood quest. With my first swing of my sword, the guy I decided to attack turned out to be a secret Mythic Dawn agent and he immediately nailed my ass to the ground as the rest of the town attempted to stop him.
I love this fucking game and no one can convince me otherwise.
What a powerful ending. You’re a friend I haven’t met yet. On to bigger and better things and glad you were able to cut some anchors loose.
55:17 Agreed, the shortness of Skyrim's guild questlines is a major problem. But more than that, Oblivion's questlines had a clear "guild" section (learning the ropes, regular activities) and "plot" section (solving their main problem for that game, e.g. the Blackwood Company or the Dark Brotherhood traitor). The "guild" section was >half the questline and was essential for making you invested in the guild before their main plot kicks off. Skyrim dumps this bit completely so you never feel like a guild member, just an outsider wiping their arses for them (the same as every miscellaneous quest in the game).
I appreciate your personal note at the end. I remember diving into this game around the time I was dropping out of college. I ended up becoming a fantastic man wife, so mission accomplished. I'm raising three kids now, and they'll never know what it feels like to not have the support of their parents.
thank you for sharing your personal note, it was touching and admirable. cheers
Oh thank Talos! I really needed a new Oblivion deep dive and it’s come at a perfect time for me - thank you for this wonderful effort for my most favourite game 🙂
The ending few minutes of this video where you talk about this game being a beacon in your life hit home. In a way, revisiting the dock and saying goodbye is how I often feel playing these games.
They can be remarkably fun to replay… but often hard to finish. Maybe it’s the desire to not let it go… but in a way, that’s the beauty of these pieces of art. Something that meant so much for so long that it’s comparable to having a friend or mentor at that point in life. Something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Exactly.. ❤
This game gave me a treasured memory that is indelibly burned into my brain:
During one of the fighter's guild quests, you accompany your quest giver into a ruin to investigate something. In the ruin, you find nothing but vermin, which is weird, and once you clear the dungeon the quest giver tells you to meet him back in town and the quest ends. Well, I triggered this dialog in a big room on the far side of a trap where the floor rises up and smashes you into ceiling spikes. I had avoided it earlier, and after the quest ended, I watched the quest giver pathfind straight across the trap and get smashed up against the ceiling. He got knocked unconscious, but the trap just kept cycling over and over again. It took him several minutes to get through it.
That cracked me up so bad I actually had to put the game aside for a whole week because every time I'd fire it up, I'd just start laughing all over again.
Oblivion is a beautiful, glorious, ridiculous mess, and it will always be one of my favorite games.
Excellent video. I've seen this game get a lot of hate in recent years, which, in my opinion, is largely unfounded. I can recognize its shortcomings, most if not all of which were outlined in this video. Regardless, it is still a wonderful experience that I think many people should get to have. Skyrim brought me into this series. Now I play Morrowind the most and Oblivion second most. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your insights.
Was not expecting all the feels at the end 😢 You survived those struggles, and have the opportunity to give your kid the love and support you never had, and you should feel proud.
Your appreciation of life really inspires me. Thank you for sharing that ending.
Great review, I appreciate the personal context you used to explain it
For your son’s birthday. Thanks for all the hard work and content.
Thank you!
You're a great guy Morts, all the best to you and your family.
You brought me to tears man. Wonderful video. Keep it up
Fantastic review, that was a really touching ending.
Thanks for all the terrific videos!!
❤❤❤
Appreciate your personal commentary at the end as so many folks have gone a certain number of struggles and video games can serve as a constructive emotional escape to get thrown tough times in life ❤.
I made it 47 minutes into the video, but I couldn't resist any more, and booted up Oblivion. Phenomenal video, thank you
I'm really glad you've found a good place in your life, happy birthday to your little lad too!
I related to saying goodbye to something like this man! I am bit older for me those games are streets of rage and final fantasy 7. They are special they where my company for long time through rough teen years. Glad your doing well.
This is an amazing video. It is amazing how profoundly video games can impact you when you are young and going through some stuff. Thanks for sharing this with us.