Oblivion: Shivering Isles details

Bethesda has confirmed that Oblivion expansion The Shivering Isles is in development for PC and Xbox 360, due for a spring 2007 release.

As previously reported, action takes place in the weird and wonderful Oblivion plane of Daedra Prince Sheogorath. He looks to you to become his champion, to defend his realm from impending destruction.

There's about 30 hours of new content here, as you undertake psychotic trials in either the Mania or Dementia side of the land. You've also got new creatures to contend with, from Flesh Atronachs and hideous insects, to skeletal Shambles and amphibious Grummites: presumably some of which will be part of the levelled-enemy clientèle.

New items, ingredients, and spells are available, plus talented craftsmen of Crucible and Bliss will be able to forge armour and weapons just for you.

"The enthusiastic response we've received to our downloadable content has been overwhelming, and we're excited to bring Oblivion fans a full expansion," said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks. "The world we've created for Shivering Isles is unlike anything you've seen or played in Oblivion and we can't wait for folks to play it."

The 360 version will be available to download from Xbox Live, whilst PC gamers amongst you will be able to pop to your local retail outlet for a boxed copy, much like recent expansion Knights of The Nine. There's no word on price, or a PS3 version, though we expect both to appear in time.

Satiate your beardy lust with these new screenshots, and don't panic, you'll be able to use your previously saved power-house characters.