David Copperfield just can't compete with Oblivion

It has been my habit to be about 8-10 years behind popular culture. I'm usually discovering a "new" band years after its lead singer has already committed suicide. This is the case with Oblivion.

Oblivion was named Game of the Year...in 2004. I'm not really a video game person. Compared to most people, especially boys, I've spent relatively few hours playing. I am however slightly fanatical when I find something I like, and so my video game relationships have been brief but very passionate affairs. Tetris has claimed full days of my life, as has Penguin Land, Super Mario Bros. 3, Pitfall, X-Files, Sims, Shrek 2 and, last year, Fable 2. Fable 2 is the precursor to Oblivion. I won't bore you with the details, but it's pretty much video game crack. I thought it was the best video game ever made until I saw Oblivion.

I am AMAZED at how complex this game is. You could play it for a year and never do everything you had to do and discover everything there is to discover. The people who write these things are geniuses...though probably without any lives to speak of.

I am Marinda the Imperial Battlemage. I am an Apprentice in the Thieves Guild, Mages Guild and Fighters Guild. I have contracted and recovered from vampirism. I have made over 100 potions, most of them extremely weak and ineffectual. I am VERY proud to say that I have closed three Oblivion Gates and eaten too many Daedra Hearts to count. I suck at shooting with a bow and arrow, but can wield an electric shock spell that few imps or trolls can walk away from. I have discovered nearly every city in the world. I own a horse, but because I have not mastered the art of riding, he spends most of his time in a stable outside of Kvatch. I was recently admitted entrance into the Arcane University -- which is the greatest honor an Apprentice Mage can receive. I am currently in the process of having a staff made for myself, but need to wait 24 hours before I can retrieve it from Raminus Polus...

...In short, I've spent very little time reading David Copperfield.

I am about halfway through and don't get me wrong -- it's pretty good. But the droll humor of 19th century England really can't compare to hunting for Nirnroot or vying for the right to wear a ring that will reduce the effectiveness of a fire shock by 30 points.

I expect I will burn out on Oblivion -- and soon. But until then, it's baby steps with Mr. Copperfield.

May the Blessings of the Nine be with you.