The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has been shipped

2K Games has finally officially announced that "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion" has been shipped and is now available in North America. The game will be available in Europe on the 24th. The game was really released yesterday but for some reason the announcement was delayed.

"The long-awaited Oblivion represents the quintessential role-playing experience for the next-generation of gaming, inviting gamers into the sprawling environments of Tamriel, the most vibrant game-world ever created. With a powerful combination of freeform gameplay and lush, unprecedented graphics, gamers can choose to unravel Oblivion's epic narrative or simply explore the vast landscape in search of their own unique challenges.

Oblivion's story begins with the mysterious assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII, leaving the kingdom's throne dangerously vacant. With the Empire ready to crumble, the gates of Oblivion are thrust open, scattering demons and other hellish creatures across the countryside. To turn the tide, gamers must journey to find the Emperor's lost heir and defeat the plot that threatens to destroy all of Tamriel.

"Oblivion is an engrossing and unique role-playing experience with incredibly deep gameplay," said Christoph Hartmann, Managing Director of 2K Games. "Gamers will be amazed when they see the revolutionary features that have made Oblivion one of the most anticipated titles of 2006."

Oblivion promises to be the defining RPG for the next generation, combining landmark visuals, a sprawling, sandbox universe with more than 200 hours of gameplay, intense first-person combat and realistic characters driven by the groundbreaking Radiant AI."