From the article, "Leaving aside the fact that when you kill things in Oblivion, it leaves a big blood splatter, the wolves just look different. Wolves in Skyrim are dark colored, mangey looking creatures. I have no problem killing them, because they look ugly. Not that ugly things deserve to die more, just that when they’re ugly and attacking me, it’s easier on my conscience."
IGN : How does the new The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, released in 2025 for Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, and PS5, compare to the original 2006 Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion released on Xbox 360, played via Xbox Series X/S Backwards Compatibility?
That judicious lack of oversight permeated everything in Bethesda's RPGs, in a positive fashion.
I much prefer a left alone Obsidian and Larian Studios. Bethesda's formula has grown old for me.
Skyrim blew my mind when it released. That game took me to the gaming, promisedland. Going back to it when it was updated for the PS5, it felt slightly rough around the edges, but great for its time
We should leave Obsidian alone. Bethesda on the other hand should be kept under constant psychiatric observation.
Big Bethesda Nintendo Switch eShop sale now live with lowest prices ever for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Doom (2016), and more.
Then don't kill them.
This reminds of playing GTA V. I break into the airport and kill dozens of guards, steal a plane and hit a bird mid flight (burst out laughing IRL), land the plane randomly before sitting on a billboard where I shoot random drivers through their windscreens while also cackling out loud as they crash their cars. I steal one of the cars and drive away like a maniac, hitting three people as I do so.
But when I run over a dog after swerving desperately to avoid it? Then I feel like a total monster even though every rational part of my brain is telling me it doesn't fucking matter and it's really really stupid that killing a virtual human makes me laugh but a virtual dog makes me feel like crap.
Although in regards to oblivion, it helps that unlike skyrim wolves will follow you to the ends of the God Damned map. They have quite the 'annoying' factor like that and seeing the damn text read "you can't fast travel because enemies are nearby" remains one of the most annoying aspects of oblivion for me.