Find the Emperor's son
Like any good RPG, the game begins by choosing your character, quite possibly the most important part of the game. With 10 characters to choose from, including an Orc, Wood Elf, Breton and Redguard, the decision is not to be taken lightheartedly.
Each character brings different attributes and skills to the table, and will determine the way your character evolves, interacts with characters, and fights throughout your journey. The normal character choices are made, including sex, hair style, head shape, and other options which I didn’t go into, thus was my eagerness to play the game.
After choosing your customisable character the game’s tutorial level begins. As far as tutorial levels go – this isn’t the most gripping introduction to a game. It begins well enough, you’re imprisoned in the Emperor’s dungeons and yells from a fellow inmate immediately introduces you to the darker aspect of the Oblivion World.
Click for larger image“Pretty soon you’ll go mad, you’re going to die, they’re coming for you!” a prisoner yells, as you hear footsteps approaching the cell doors. Emperor Uriel Septim and a couple of Blades, the Elite Knights of the Empire, enter your cell. The Emperor tells you that assassins have attacked his sons and he is next on the hit list.
The Emperor reveals a secret entrance in the cell wall that leads into the underbelly of the castle. Septim and his guards disappear down the gloomy tunnel in an attempt to find an escape route out of the castle. It would be rude not to follow them, so the first action you’ll experience is navigating the dark, gloomy tunnels of the Castle’s bowels, picking up handy objects and disposing of rats and Goblins. You’ll bump into the Emperor later on.
Click for larger imageUnarmed combat is simple, press the left and right mouse buttons, or triggers on the 360 version, to unleash your fists into the oncoming creatures. The damp chambers are full of rats that are relentless in their pursuit, but easy to dispose of, three or four well aimed shots should do the trick. They’re more of a nuisance than a challenge, but this is the tutorial after all. You’ll find numerous chests and objects scattered around, containing armoury, weapons, potions and a wide variety of objects to aid your adventure. Your inventory holds 175 items, so instead of picking up 12 lock picks, or armour that is inferior to your existing armour, you’ll need to keep an eye out for the essentials.
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