14 DAY TRIAL // Oblivion's launch earlier this year scored a wonderful commercial hit for Bethesda, as developers soon realized the hidden potential of micro transactions with their already successful franchise. With competitive moding tools available, it was a matter of time until small content packs became available to the open audiences. We've received word about another official plug-in, Spell Tomes, available for download on Xbox Live and at OblivionDownloads.com this Thursday, August 31st. While right now there are no new adventures to take on, at least it's not horse armor, with purely cosmetic value.
Spell Tomes deal with the introduction of caster archetype items throughout the game world as droppable loot. Seeing that a grand variety of weapons could have been acquired by killing monsters in the game, giving mages some attention seems to be a needed addition. Hundreds of books grant the user powerful magic spells just by reading them, covering all the most useful ones, be they low of high level, along with multiple effect spells. Since Oblivion had customizable, player made spells available, the add-on wouldn't be worth much if it weren't for a little bend in the rules. Bethesda implemented some extremely powerful new spells that are balanced with slightly detrimental effects to lower the cost in Magicka.
The world of Cyrodiil allows players to access to spells like Pride of the Hirstaang (Fortify Strength, Resist Frost, and Summon a Bear), Orum's Aquatic Escape (Invisibility, Night-Eye, and Water-breathing), and Magicka Vortex (Absorb Magicka, Weakness to Magic 25% and Stunted Magicka). Many more are available within the plug-in, content listed at only $0.99 on the official website, available to both 360 and PC owners.