Game News The AG.ru Oblivion preview - the drama continues

[Twinfalls]

Armed with crossbows. NOT

 

[Chefe]

I love the Oblivion.

 

[Naked_Lunch]

This shit just gets better and better.

 

[Santera]

I have been informed that the <a href=http://www.ag.ru/articles/previews/3297>Russian preview of Oblivion, part 1</a> is up again, approved by our buddy Pete, however, all the criticism has been removed. I agree. I'm sick of all that negativity too. If you don't have anything good to say, say nothing at all (Bethesda's new motto, apparently).

What's also interesting is that the second part of the preview that was supposed to cover more specific gameplay features and quests is postponed "closer to the release". Let me guess, the build hasn't been properly optimized to show quests and RAI in action?

Thanks, <b>Alex</b>

The first part of our preview is back in its original form. Pete gave us permission to publish it, but it wasn't censored in any way. He just said that if the first part was about only the "training" dungeon then he saw no reason why we couldn't post it. Please note: we weren't asked to remove anything, he didn't say a word about the contents of the article.

Yes, there was some mess in the beginning when our site was claimed to be not legit, but after I send a message with some explanations, we met only understanding and support from the Bethesda team. We apologize for causing them trouble due to the misunderstanding that cropped up after the publication of our preview.

There was no criticism in a preview originaly, only gameplay description.

Is that a fact? According to the email I received, the criticism has been removed because Bethesda claimed that any issues with the graphics and animations are related to the early build/bad configuration/wrong game/etc. They may have a point there as the horse's eyes were clearly unfinished (well, I hope they were unfinished), but then again, that means that all those screens and "OMG! Teh graphics, it's so AWESOME!!!" comments mean shit at this point. Time will tell.

Yes, this is a fact. May I inquire about who sent you this email? There were discussions at our forums and I believe that people can represent their private opinions in any appropriate form. At the same time, it is not a reason to throw emails all over the world.

Personally, I was close to being shocked after reading posts where people accused Bethesda saying that minor problems with graphics will dig a grave for a game. "Maybe it's better not to show them the screens of the unfinished game at all" - this thought was in my head at that time. Unfortunately, people don't seem to understand what is important and what is not when you play a beta version.

In our opinion, Oblivion's visuals looked quite good for a beta and we were interested mainly not in graphics, but quests, dialogues, NPCs and overall feeling of the gameplay. We were satisfied and the game is obviously of a "must have" caliber.

I cannot tell more, but I hope that we'll be able to see the game once again at a later date and publish the second part of the preview.

 

[DarkUnderlord]

it also shows that you are lying about your screen shots not being doctored

Or it might have to do with the fact that it was an early, unconfigured version of the game with OBVIOUS problems such as the obvious NPC model issues in certain screens, which give a wrong impression of the game. I have a feeling you didn't see the screens.

Eh? This thing's getting released in what, 2 months time? How bad can a build from two or so months ago really be? On the other hand, if there are seven hundred and ninety eight different configuration options just for graphics alone, one wonders how the kids who got lost trying to find that Cassius guy will go just installing the damn thing.

Oblivion: The real role-playing is in getting the configuration settings right.

In our opinion, Oblivion's visuals looked quite good for a beta and we were interested mainly not in graphics, but quests, dialogues, NPCs and overall feeling of the gameplay. We were satisfied and the game is obviously of a "must have" caliber.

Strange then that of those important things, the preview only seems to cover gameplay (in a fairly minor way given it only focuses on combat and a bit of stealth while dialogue and other elements are just as important) and graphics (well, before the screenshots were taken down).

 

[Santera]

In our opinion, Oblivion's visuals looked quite good for a beta and we were interested mainly not in graphics, but quests, dialogues, NPCs and overall feeling of the gameplay. We were satisfied and the game is obviously of a "must have" caliber.

Strange then that of those important things, the preview only seems to cover gameplay (in a fairly minor way given it only focuses on combat and a bit of stealth while dialogue and other elements are just as important) and graphics (well, before the screenshots were taken down).

Our preview was divided in the two parts as you know. The first part (about the beginning of the game and game mechanics) is published. The second part contained our impressions of what we saw when we left the "training" dungeon, it's unpublished. Initially we supposed that the two parts will see the light almost simultaneously. So we didn't see the reason of mentioning everything that is in the game in the first part.

 

[Atrokkus]

So, when is part2 going to be published?

 

[Micmu]

So, when is part2 going to be published?

This part should cover game's questionable features (and not visuals/voice acting), so expect it to be published after the game is released.

 

[Balor]

Yea, I got the same impression.

 

[Chefe]

Is part two going to be run through the Bethesda PR offices first?

 

[Vault Dweller]

Even better! It will be written by Pete himself!

 

[Chefe]

Pete: "We're here talking with Pete, the PR guy for the upcoming Oblivion."
Pete: "So tell us Pete, just how great is Oblivion?"
Pete: "Oh, it's great, as you've seen. It's really great."
Pete: "Any other amazing stuff you want to mention?"
Pete: "We're not ready to talk about the other stuff yet. But trust us, it'll be cool."
Pete: "When's the release date?"
Pete: "Holidays, definitley!"
Pete: "Thanks for the interview, Pete!"
Pete: "You're welcome Pete!"

Elder Scrolls Forum: "New Topic: New Interview with Pete Hines!"
ES Fanboy 1: "Pete said it! The release date is this holiday season!"
ES Fanboy 2: "All release dates are subject to change."
ES Fanboy 3: "Woo hoo! Can't wait! I'm preordering now!"
ES Fanboy 2: "Go ahead, but you might not get it until next year. [Smiley]"
ES Fanboy 4: "ITS NOT ON TEH WEBSITE SO ITS NOT TRUE!"
ES Fanboy 5: "Good information. Thanks for the heads up.
ES Fanboy 6: "Old news."
ES Fanboy 5: "Well, some people just heard about it today. [Wink]"
ES Fanboy 6: "We all should know by now it'll be out by the holidays. This review isn't anything new."
Daniel Kay: "Does this review talk about adding any lizard pr0n?"
ES Fanboy 7: "Dude, this isn't for us, it's for people who only check the website once in a while."
ES Fanboy 7: "Daniel Kay, no, it doesn't."
Daniel Kay: "[Sad]"
ES Fanboy 6: "I don't care. I want to hear some real information."
ES Fanboy 8: "Holy [censored]! A dev! Please dev can you tell us anything about the release date??"
ES Fanboy 7: "Yes, please dev, anything on a release date?"
ES Fanboy 6: "Yes, please inform the less intelligent of us how the release date will be these holidays."
Mod 1: "No personal attacks please. [Smile]"
ES Fanboy 9: "Great, new information. Thanks!"
ES Fanboy 10: "Nice to hear about that release date again. Now I know I'll be getting this for christmas!"
ES Fanboy 7: "Dude, THERE IS NO RELEASE DATE!"
ES Fanboy 11: "But he said holidays."
Frankie: "Listen, number 7 is right. There IS NO RELEASE DATE! He said "most likely" not "definitely". Games get delayed. They're just SHOOTING for a holiday release date. You don't know ANYTHING about game development. I do. I know what's going on with Bethesda, and it's not finished and it could be released any time from this christmas to mid next year. I repeat: THERE IS NO RELEASE DATE!"
ES Fanboy 7: "Thanks, Frankie. [Wink]"
ES Fanboy 11: "I thought he said definitley"
Frankie: "No, he didn't."
ES Fanboy 11: "I really thought he did. Can anyone check?"
ES Fanboy 12: "I would, but I don't know how to click on links and find stuff."
ES Fanboy 6: "The game is pretty much done by now. With the Xbox360 coming out it should arrive near launch. Or on launch. I think I remember reading somewhere where they said it would be a launch title."
Frankie: "NO ONE said it would be a launch title. And how do you know it's done by now? It's not, so quit trying to argue over this. Bethesda even said it themselves: IT'S FINISHED WHEN IT'S FINISHED. Case closed."
ES Fanboy 13: "I just read it, and tons of cool new stuff! I think he said definitley, but I'm not sure."
ES Fanboy 7: "He said "aiming for". He's not certain. Don't confuse these things, that's what leads to alot of the mess around here. [Wink]"
ES Fanboy 13: "Oh okay. Can't wait either way!"
ES Fanboy 14: "Everyone knows it's coming out July 2006. [Wink]"
ES Fanboy 15: "What??"
ES Fanboy 16: "2006?? I can't wait that long!"
ES Fanboy 17: "You've gotta be kidding me! No way, 2006??"
ES Fanboy 6: "He's joking. Sheesh."
ES Fanboy 18: "lol u guys are gulable."
ES Fanboy 19: "Hey! The dev came back! Hey dev, any word on a release date?"
ES Fanboy 16: "YES! Pleeezze tell me it's not going to be 2006! [Worried]"
Frankie: "THERE IS NO RELEASE DATE!"
ES Fanboy 6: "Any word on this, dev?"
Dev: "Believe in me and ye shall find peace."
ES Fanboy 20: "Agreed."
ES Fanboy 18: "Thanks dev!"
ES Fanboy 5: "I totally agree dev! Thanks for posting!"
ES Fanboy 21: "Agreed, fully."
ES Fanboy 22: "Sounds good to me."
ES Fanboy 23: "Yes, thank you. Agreed."
ES Fanboy 24: "I also agree."
ES Fanboy 17: "I feel the same way."
Daniel Kay: "Any word on lizard pr0n, dev?"
Frankie: "Thanks, dev, perhaps now people will listen. [Wink]"
ES Fanboy 11: "Great! Cool! Thanks dev!"
ES Fanboy 13: "Agreed!"
ES Fanboy 1: "A dev posted in my thread! Thanks dev!!"
ES Fanboy 5: "I always love when a dev posts. It's so great."
ES Fanboy 21: "That's what really seperates us from other communites. The devs post here and help us out. [Smile] They really care about their fanbase."
Mod 1: "Thanks for the head's up, dev!"
ES Fanboy 6: "They're aiming for holidays."
OverrideB1: "YOU DON'T LOVE US, DEV!"
ES Fanboy 7: "The release date hasn't been determined yet, man! The dev said for himself!"
Newbie: "Will my computer run oblion? pentium 3, 64 mb ram, geforce2. PLEZE HELP!!"
ES Fanboy 21: "Welcome! Have a fishy stick! Please post computer questions in this [LINK] topic!"
ES Fanboy 6: "Look, why wouldn't they release it during the holidays? Having a launch title would be a great business strategy! Bethesda needs to captitalize on this market."
ES Fanboy 23: "Because it's not done yet.
ES Fanboy 7: "They're going to sell great even if they don't reach the launch date. It's already selling like crazy on preorders. And look at all the new members we're getting here."
ES Fanboy 25: "Please direct computer questions to the right thread! Edit: Beaten to the post."
ES Fanboy 26: "Yay! New interview! Great information, thanks!"
ES Fanboy 6: "They said they've been aiming from day one for a release date. I don't think they're going to miss it."
ES Fanboy 7: "Day 1? Let me see your source."
ES Fanboy 6: "Hold on, I'll look for it, but some dev said it."
ES Fanboy 26: "I think I read somewhere about day 1. But maybe my mind fails me."
ES Fanboy 27: "Yes! A holiday release date! Can't wait for it!"
Mod 2: "Okay, this thread has gone on way too long and has had hints of flaming."

 

[kingcomrade]

omg oblivon sownds awsum

unless you copied and pasted that form somewhere, I'm afraid all your effort is really wasted. Because Oblivion has PATRICK STEWART!!!111!!11!1!

 

[Mech]

[snip] "

Whats so hilarious is that, that is EXACTLY what the forums are like. Good job. :D

 

[HardCode]

Pete: "We're here talking with Pete, the PR guy for the upcoming Oblivion."

*snip*

Too much time on your hands, loser. Nah, that was great.

 

[Jinxed]

Just to clarify, AG.ru didn't have in their possession a copy of an early build -- they were invited by 1C to 1C's offices, where they were given the opportunity to play the game for about 4 hours. I'm glad the preview's back up, and I look forward to reading part 2.

Wait a sec - Then how did AG.ru get those new screenshots? Smuggle them out? Or am I missing something?

 

[MrSmileyFaceDude]

Removable media, I'd imagine.

 

[kingcomrade]

Trebeck: How did this man get a magic marker? We searched you when you came in!

Connery: Well, I wasn't hiding it in my pocket!

 

[franc kaos]

For all his whining, Truekaiser is probably going to get the game and be one of the first ones to download some nude mods for it.

No, that'll be me

And a mod for a staff
and mounted combat
and the textures that effectively double the games speed
and the skills/leveling system that Beth couldn't be bothered implementing (check out GCD for MW)
and the NPC populating mod
and the mod that adds panniers to horses
and the companion mods that Beth seem incapable of creating
and the nine divines mod that make them joinable
and a compass without intrusive markers
Horse racing mod / a fixed economy that actually works / varying body shapes / decent clothing (inc capes) / etc etc etc.

[jk] I never used spears / crossbows / throwing stars or became a werewolf so I'm glad Bethsoft got rid of them, and I won't be dl'ing those mods[/jk]

 

[franc kaos]

@ Chefe:
Abso fucking lutely priceless

(and just because I can say it here without being censored)...
Frankie = Bethsot Bitch Boy No.1 (I wanna be a moderator so I can ban anybody who dares to diss the great and bountiful Bethesda).

The biggest joke about the ES forum: Developers ask people to not bring attention to them when they're surfing the boards, then ensure their names show up in red; way to stay anonymous guys.

 

[Anoik]

@ Chefe:
Abso fucking lutely priceless

(and just because I can say it here without being censored)...
Frankie = Bethsot Bitch Boy No.1 (I wanna be a moderator so I can ban anybody who dares to diss the great and bountiful Bethesda).

The biggest joke about the ES forum: Developers ask people to not bring attention to them when they're surfing the boards, then ensure their names show up in red; way to stay anonymous guys.

If a dev says something about the game, and nobody knows that they are devs.. how will they trust their words?.

 

[franc kaos]

If a dev says something about the game... how will they trust their words?.

Fixed.

and in answer to your question, they still have the Bethesda logo in their name panel.

 

[Doppelganger]

Elder Scrolls Forum: "New Topic: New Interview with Pete Hines!"
<snip>

This is hilarious! More, please. Spears?