Greetings. Longtime BG, BG2, NWN2 player . . .

I'm running:

Vista Home Premium 32 bit SP2
Intel Core2duo 2.26GHz processor
Nvidia GEforce 9600 MGS
4.0 GB RAM

Should I be able to run Obsidian (either Direct2Drive version and/or CD) without any issues?

Thanks, and any thoughts on how this game compares to other classic PC RPGs?

I've played bg, BG2, NWN2, Knights of the Old Republic 2 . . .

Much appreciated.

Hi! I'm not too knowledgeable about computer specs, but just wanted to say welcome to the forums. Oblivion is a great game. The whole Elder Scrolls series is great, for that matter. I think the game has a lot of versatility. You can follow a very structured path if you're into that or play in a pretty open-ended kind of way. The scenery is amazing and beautiful, there's always something to do. I've played hours before just roaming through the landscape with no particular purpose in mind and loved it. Hope you enjoy!

Oblivion differs from those Bioware RPGs in several ways. First, it's a sandbox RPG. You can do what you want when you want in terms of quests and story lines. The main story is a small part of the game and doesn't have to be completed. Second, it's played from a first and/or third-person perspective, like a shooter. Third, the leveling system is ... unusual. As you level, the world levels with you. Fourth, combat is more visceral, because you as a player have to swing and block. Finally, Oblivion has the Adoring Fan.

sigged

You laptop should be able to pull some high settings...the 9600M GS at a modest resolution (1368x768 or similar)

Thanks for feedback folks. A few gameplay questions . . .

So if I understand, in a sandbox RPG, your character is free to wander at will, rather than limited to path set out by storyline? There must be pre-set quests, tasks, challenges etc seeded throughout the world then (unconnected to the main plotline)?

Do you solo the whole game, or form parties?

I like the fact the world levels with you. With BG2/NWN2 etc the temptation was always to use a character editor to make a truly bad-ass dude from the outset. Now, if I understand, the world would be as bad-ass as me, so no real point trying to start the game at a higher level than the designers anticipated?


Thanks again.

Do NOT get the Direct2Drive version. You will be unable to use OBSE, and thus a lot of good mods will be out of your grasp.
And for your 3 questions:
1. Yes, you have no need to even do the Main Quest(Some Alternate start mods even allow you to postpone starting it) and there are other factions you can join, such as Mages Guild, Dark Brotherhood(Assassins), Fighters guild, and Thieves Guild. And then the side quests, that you will find while wandering through the cities and whatnot.
2.You will be soloing at the start, but you can find some companions for a quest, or after completing certain quest lines. And since you are going ot eb on PC, there are a multitude of Companion mods, that will allow you to form parties, and command them.
3.No need to start out higher than what your created character will be.

Sold.

You guys are great. Thanks for speedy replies and I look forward to joining the Oblivion universe!