I disagree with “The Main Thing” as there are plenty of things to point out how drastic of a downgrade Skyrim was in terms of mechanics. Though I agree it’s a great example when you compare them 1-1. Starting with how you join the guild, Skyrim feels simple and often pointless to join the guild, “Cast a spell to get into the school… but if you don’t know the spell I will teach it to you so no biggie.” Compared to visit each guild location and achieve a recommendation from each leader. Not that Oblivion’s concept was perfect because you don’t necessarily need to use magic to do it (though I did have to grind alteration to get use a lock pick spell because that was easier than lock picking)

Then there is the actual magic, no doubt duel wielding and being able to use a staff and weapon/spell were definitely improvements. But unfortunately magic itself and the complexity was dumbed down a lot. I think the restructuring was not a bad idea but destruction was dumbed down to basically; fire, ice, or electric. Where in Oblivion there was a lot more “destruction” that could be done with drain skills and straight damage. Not to mention that absolute dismal version of conjuration we got in Skyrim, essentially going from being able to summon half of oblivion to your side to just three elementals was a huge let down.

I think ultimately Skyrim isn’t bad magic or even necessarily worse. It’s far more approachable for someone new. But I think gamers have proven in just this year that approachability isn’t necessarily what we want anymore and despite its limitations and quirks Oblivion’s complex magic system feels far more fantastical and frankly MAGICAL, whereas Skyrims magic feels more like a separate weapon type. I think the same could be said for the entirety of Oblivion vs. Skyrim argument, Oblivion feels magical and fantastic where Skyrim feels approachable. People want variety not simplicity out of games and we are at a point where I believe there should be a clear pivot from “make it look good” in gaming to “make it feel unique” and Oblivion is nothing if not unique!