The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Retrospective

Calling it "the best Western RPG made this generation", The Koalition has published what can only be described as a very enthusiastic retrospective for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The game world, plot, quests, and player freedom are each given their own section in the article, with their bit about the game's quests to follow:
Elder Scrolls: Oblivion is damn near unbeatable. Sure the main storyline quest is beatable within a couple hours, but the main quest is nothing. There are literally hundreds of quests in this game, and given the world which Bethesda has created for you, you will definitely attempt to complete as many as you can. The fact that there are two huge expansion packs doesn't make it any easier either. I have had the game for three years now, and I still have quests to finish. What's incredible is that these quests aren't just pitiful side quests you see in your average RPG's or Sandbox titles. In every quest you accept in Elder Scrolls: Oblivion you will face great challenges, and once finished you obtain a great sense of accomplishment.

Many quests will result in something in the world changing, making you feel like you have actually made a difference in the world. Every character you come across in this game has a schedule, their own attachment to the world. The people within the various communities all know and greet each other daily, sometimes meeting at bars or inns for conversation. When the world is so life like, every contribution you make results in some kind of after effect.

To put it simply, these quests aren't just something you do to level up or earn more money. Every quest has a purpose, and an after effect.