Yeah, I never played Dagerfall when it came out. Morrowind was my first TES game. I picked up a copy of it off of eBay once I got hooked on Morrowind. I haven't played it much since I need to use a DOS emulator to make it work on XP. I know that it's the whole world and not just one section like Morrowind and Oblivion.

This was the second time I've read this so I thought I'd share with everyone interested. I think this is the single coolest aspect of the game.

Rather than following pre-scripted paths, every NPC is given a set of general goals they'd like to achieve, but the details of fulfilling that goal is entirely up to them. If a citizen is hungry, they'll look for a way to get food. They might buy food, hunt it, or steal it, then find a place to sit to eat and so on. This means that every one of the game's 1,000 NPCs follows a full 24/7 schedule that continues whether or not the player is there to witness it. It also means that the NPCs react to each other, so a townsperson who decides to steal a loaf of bread in full view of the guards may find himself under arrest.

It also means that everything the player does in the game that's witnessed by NPCs is processed and remembered by them, who will then use that information to decide how to react to you. Interactions are governed by what the player has done to them, what groups or guilds they're both a member of, whether the player has messed with anyone in their family and what their general reputation in the Empire is. Players who just watch the NPCs going about their daily lives will often witness townsfolk in unscripted dynamic conversations gossiping about what's going on in the kingdom and what rumors and news is currently hot.

In fact, one of the interesting problems that the team has had to face came about precisely because the AI is so good. According to Howard, the AI has caused guards to decide to eat and go hunting deer, only to get themselves arrested for attacking something. When they fight back against the arresting guard, the other guards see a fight and try to join in. In not too much time, every guard in the town was involved in the scuffle, which left the rest of the town open to thievery by other NPCs, resulting in empty stores. Much of the team's current effort is going into putting sensible governors on the AI's behavior to avoid situations like empty stores that would result in situations that wouldn't be fun for the player.

I've been looking through the game guide and there are few things that I'm bit disappointed with. I knew that some of the skill sets were merged together, but they got rid of many different weapon types along with levitation. Now, I'm still looking forward to this game more than anyone but I would have like to have seen everything Morrowind had plus more. Also there's not nearly as many armor types. No big deal I guess. This game will still rule my life all of next week.

I noticed that too but there's always mods and expansions to add that in later.

I was kinda hoping you'd get to dual-wield in the game but apparently not. Oh well, still looking forward to Tuesday. Think I might even call in sick.

With this, Godfather, KH II, and WoW, I officially will have no free time whatsoever.

Actually, I'm going to hold off on buying it because I'm expecting them to do at least two expansions and then re-release it in some bundled edition at a cheaper price.

Just a heads up. If you look inthe flyer for CompUSA tomorrow, they list Oblivion on sale.

The ad has a picture that looks like it might be for the PC vesion.
But it lists 3 items

Elder Scrolls Oblivion $59.99 - $15 instant rebate = $44.99
Elder Scrolls Oblivion CE box 360 - $69.99
Elder Scrolls Oblivion PC - $39.99

Might be worth a shot to see if the $44.99 price is the regular 360 version, which I think it would be.

yeah I still don't know what I should get the 360 version for 45 bugs or PC for 38. Both have pros and cons.

I'm going with the 360 version so I don't have to upgrade my PC... tho I do plan on doing that.

That said, My 360 broke yesterday so maybe I will just go w/ the PC version.

Here is the link on there website for the sale, but what are the chance they will have it on tuesday.

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...&ref=cj&pfp=cj

Yeah, they don't list the standard Xbox360 version, the $44.99 game is listed as the CE edition, and since the Xbox 360 CE edition is listed separately, I'm assuming it's for the PC CE.

the link is to the regular 360 version: 44.99

ah my bad, nice. I'll be there on Tuesday and, if necessary, Wednesday.

Just got my call that I should pickup my copy tomorrow afternoon from gamestop.

Thanks for the heads up on the CompUSA price. I will be there at open tomorrow.

So is Gamestop supposed to have it today?? I preordered there.

It would be sooo sweet to get a call from my EB today.

Just go by there anyways...I think thats what I am going to do.

Does gamestop price match weekly ads?

I just called my local Gamestop and they won't be getting it till tomorrow even though I have it preordered. Guess I'll have to wait another day.

Yeah, I think the official date is actually 3/21....not for sure though.

Does Gamestop refund the $5 preorder fee?? Im thinking about just buying this at Best Buy with the compusa ad pricematch.

I was under the assumption that it's shipping today (Mon), in stores tomorrow (Tues).

Not sure if they will refund, but they WILL allow you to roll it over to some other pre-order or current game (think of it as $5 store credit)

Their site and gamespot says release on 3/20....but I doubt most stores will have it today.

If you're on the East coast, you may get it today. Just depends on how long it takes to ship to your city.

true, very true. Although I think it may be a technicality, sure it's shipping today, but you sure as hell ain't getting it until tomorrow even if you choose the fastest shipping!