Franchises starting with E

Primary full run

Original cartridge

Atari 2600

The 1982 Atari 2600 game is the historical artifact; it has no current official modern remaster route that supersedes original hardware or accurate Atari 2600 emulation. Preservation should document controller, difficulty switches, manual knowledge, and whether playing on hardware or Stella.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Original hardware is the historical ceiling; Stella is the practical preservation route.

Definitive edition

Original Atari 2600 cartridge, with Stella as preservation fallback

Primary full run

PC version / Ultimate Edition where owned

Windows

EA Sports FC 24 launched on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in 2023. Windows, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S receive the current-generation feature set including HyperMotion V, while Switch lacks those features and cross-platform play; Windows is the highest-fidelity and most flexible route.

Definitive edition

Windows PC version / Ultimate Edition where owned

Primary full run

PC version / Ultimate Edition where owned

Windows

EA Sports FC 25 released worldwide in 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Windows is the highest-fidelity and most flexible route for the second EA Sports FC mainline entry.

Definitive edition

Windows PC version / Ultimate Edition where owned

Primary full run

PC version / Ultimate Edition where owned

Windows

EA Sports FC 26 released worldwide in September 2025 for Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Amazon Luna. Windows is the highest-fidelity and most flexible route, with Switch 2 a notable portable current-generation route.

Definitive edition

Windows PC version / Ultimate Edition where owned

Primary full run

Current mobile live-service build

Android

EA Sports FC Mobile succeeded FIFA Mobile in 2023 on iOS and Android as the mobile branch of the EA Sports FC franchise. Android is the most flexible mobile access/preservation route, while iOS is equivalent for normal play where available.

Definitive edition

Current Android/iOS mobile build; Android as primary access route

Primary full run

SNES version through Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Classics SNES

EarthBound is now officially available through Nintendo's SNES Classics service, making it the practical current route for the original SNES game. Original Super NES hardware remains the top historical-fidelity route, while the Japan-only Mother 1+2 GBA port should be treated as a separate variant.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Switch Classics is current access, while original SNES hardware/manual context and GBA compilation variants differ.

Definitive edition

SNES version through Nintendo Switch Online/Nintendo Classics for current official access

Primary full run

EarthBound Beginnings via Nintendo Switch Online / Nintendo Classics

Nintendo Switch

Mother is now officially available in English as EarthBound Beginnings through Nintendo's classic-game service. That route is the practical current legal route, while the Famicom original and Mother 1+2 GBA compilation remain important version-history comparisons.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Famicom original, GBA compilation, Wii U VC, and Switch Online routes differ in language and wrapper features.

Definitive edition

EarthBound Beginnings on Nintendo Switch Online / Nintendo Classics

Primary full run

Japanese GBA release; fan-translation patch only if English is required

Game Boy Advance / owned Japanese copy with translation route documented

Mother 3 is officially a Japan-only Game Boy Advance release, with later Japan-only official digital routes. For an English-language archive playthrough, the practical route is an owned Japanese copy/dump with the fan translation patch clearly labeled; for pure official fidelity, use the Japanese GBA or Japanese Nintendo Classics route.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

The official route is Japanese only; the English route depends on a fan patch and should be labeled clearly rather than treated as an official localization.

Definitive edition

Japanese GBA original; fan translation for English-language capture if using an owned dump

Primary full run

Earthworm Jim: Special Edition

Sega CD via emulation or original hardware

The Sega CD Special Edition contains every Genesis level, extended sections, the exclusive Big Bruty level, roughly 1,000 additional animation frames, Red Book CD audio, and alternate Easy/Difficult endings. It is the most complete classic release and avoids the content cuts of the later HD remake.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Earthworm Jim HD has newer graphics, three new bonus levels, and multiplayer, but removes Big Bruty and Who Turned Out the Lights?. The Sega CD Special Edition is the main run; HD is only an exclusive-content mop-up if already owned.

Definitive edition

Earthworm Jim: Special Edition (Sega CD)

Primary full run

Sega CD / Mega-CD release

Sega CD

The Sega CD version is the best main route for the first Ecco because it adds a CD soundtrack and version-specific level/checkpoint changes over the cartridge original while preserving the core game.

Definitive edition

Sega CD / Mega-CD release

Primary full run

Sega CD / Mega-CD release

Sega CD

The Sega CD version replaces the cartridge soundtrack with Spencer Nilsen's CD audio and adds CG story cutscenes, making it the highest-production classic route for the sequel.

Definitive edition

Sega CD / Mega-CD release

Primary full run

Original Sega Pico release

Sega Pico

The Great Ocean Treasure Hunt is the Pico educational Ecco Jr. title and uses Pico stylus control, with no documented port or modern rerelease.

Definitive edition

Original Sega Pico release

Primary full run

Steam / Sega Classics release

Windows PC

The Genesis Ecco Jr. is available through Sega Classics/Steam and keeps the main Genesis game in a capture-friendly wrapper; it is the easiest route when already owned.

Definitive edition

Owned Steam/Sega Classics release

Primary full run

Original Dreamcast release

Dreamcast

Defender of the Future was designed and first released for Dreamcast, with the PlayStation 2 version arriving later; without a sourced definitive PS2-exclusive content case, the Dreamcast original is the main route and upscales well through Dreamcast emulation.

Definitive edition

Original Dreamcast release

Primary full run

Adventure Player bundled release via PPSSPP

PlayStation Portable

Echo Night: The First Voyage was released inside FromSoftware's Japan-only Adventure Player for PSP, so the PSP package through PPSSPP is the complete sourced route.

Definitive edition

Adventure Player bundled PSP release via PPSSPP

Primary full run

PlayStation port

PlayStation

The PlayStation version is the most complete version because it adds PlayStation-exclusive Final Fantasy VII characters plus Quest Mode and minigames, while still preserving the arcade fighting game.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

The arcade original is historically first, but the PlayStation version is chosen because it adds exclusive Final Fantasy VII characters, Quest Mode, and minigames.

Definitive edition

PlayStation port

Primary full run

Original PlayStation release

PlayStation

Einhander has no sourced modern remaster; the original PlayStation release is the complete version, and high-quality PS1 emulation is the best fidelity/capture route for an owned copy.

Definitive edition

Original PlayStation release

Primary full run

Current Windows PC release

Windows

Windows is the highest-fidelity and most flexible capture route; PS4 and Xbox One have no documented exclusive story content.

Definitive edition

Current Windows PC release

Primary full run

Current Windows PC release

Windows

Windows is the highest-fidelity and most flexible capture route; macOS and console releases add platform availability but no documented exclusive story content.

Definitive edition

Current Windows PC release

Primary full run

GOG Empire Earth Gold Edition

Windows PC

Empire Earth is a Windows RTS, and GOG's Gold Edition is the best current legal route because it packages the game for modern Windows and includes preservation-program compatibility work. The original CD is the historical route.

Definitive edition

GOG Empire Earth Gold Edition

Primary full run

Original PC release with official/unofficial patch state documented

Windows PC

Empire Earth II is a PC RTS whose current preservation depends on patch state, expansion ownership, and unofficial fixes/multiplayer replacement after GameSpy shutdown. The Art of Supremacy expansion is related but should be labeled separately.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Unofficial patches and replacement multiplayer improve current play but alter preservation state.

Definitive edition

Windows PC release with expansion/patch/multiplayer state documented

Primary full run

Original PC release with patch/compatibility state documented

Windows PC

Empire Earth III is a PC RTS entry whose current preservation depends on ownership, patch state, compatibility fixes, and the post-GameSpy multiplayer situation. It should remain separate from Empire Earth and Empire Earth II despite the shared series.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Old PC availability, compatibility fixes, and multiplayer replacement state define the current archive route.

Definitive edition

Owned Windows PC release with exact patch and compatibility state documented

Primary full run

Current PC release

Windows PC

The Windows PC release is the best archival route because it covers the complete game with native PC capture/settings flexibility. Switch, Xbox, and PS4 routes do not add sourced exclusive gameplay content over PC.

Definitive edition

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights on Windows PC

Primary full run

Current PC release

Windows PC

The Windows PC release is the best archival route because it covers the complete sequel with native PC capture/settings flexibility. The console releases and later physical editions add access/collector options, but no sourced exclusive gameplay content over PC.

Definitive edition

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist on Windows PC

Primary full run

Original Sega arcade release, preferably full dirt-bike cabinet

Arcade

Enduro Racer was built for Sega arcade hardware with stand-up handlebar and full-sized dirt-bike cabinet versions. The arcade release is the highest-fidelity and most authentic route, while the Japanese Master System release has extra unique levels that make it a secondary completion route.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Arcade is the cabinet-fidelity route; Japanese Master System has the larger sourced level set among home versions.

Definitive edition

Arcade for main route; Japanese Master System for extra levels

Primary full run

Complete Edition / current PC release

Windows PC

The Windows PC release is the original platform, has the Complete Edition route with all DLC, and gives the best capture/settings path. Console Survivor/Complete routes are valid but do not add exclusive gameplay content over the complete PC route.

Definitive edition

Endzone: A World Apart Complete Edition on Windows PC

Primary full run

Current PC release

Windows PC

The Windows PC release through Steam and GOG is the only sourced public release route found for Endzone 2, so it is both the highest-fidelity and most-complete playable version.

Definitive edition

Endzone 2 on Windows PC

Primary full run

Premium Edition

Windows

Enslaved released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010, then Windows in 2013 as a Premium Edition bundling the base game with Pigsy's Perfect 10 DLC and skins. Windows Premium Edition is both the highest-fidelity and most complete route.

Definitive edition

Windows Premium Edition

Primary full run

Current official live-service build

Web browser

eRepublik is a browser-based massively multiplayer social/political strategy game, so the archive object is the current service, account, country, date, and world-state snapshot rather than a static executable.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Live-service state and player account define completeness.

Definitive edition

Current official browser service

Primary full run

Current 1.0+ live release

Windows PC

Escape from Tarkov moved from long beta into its 1.0 release on November 15, 2025 and continues to receive live patches. The current PC client is the archive route, but server, wipe, edition, PvE/PvP, account, trader, hideout, quest, flea-market, and anti-cheat state all define the version being played.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Completeness depends on patch, wipe cycle, edition/PvE access, account progression, map availability, server state, and live economy.

Definitive edition

Current 1.0+ PC live client with patch, wipe, edition, account, and server state documented

Primary full run

Expanded PlayStation 3 release via RPCS3

PlayStation 3

The PlayStation 3 version adds exclusive playable characters, costumes, story/content changes, and dungeons over the Xbox 360 original; RPCS3 is the highest-fidelity capture route for that more complete version.

Definitive edition

PlayStation 3 release

Primary full run

Etrian Odyssey HD

Windows PC

Etrian Odyssey HD remasters the Nintendo DS original for modern single-screen platforms; the Windows release has the highest capture ceiling and configurable PC output.

Definitive edition

Etrian Odyssey HD

Primary full run

Etrian Odyssey II HD

Windows PC

Etrian Odyssey II HD remasters the DS sequel for Switch and PC; the Windows version is the highest-fidelity and most stream-friendly route for the original game's structure.

Definitive edition

Etrian Odyssey II HD

Primary full run

Etrian Odyssey III HD

Windows PC

Etrian Odyssey III HD brings the DS game to Switch and PC; the Windows release is the highest-fidelity route and preserves the third game's original structure without needing DS capture.

Definitive edition

Etrian Odyssey III HD

Primary full run

Original Nintendo 3DS release via 3DS emulation

Nintendo 3DS

Etrian Odyssey IV only released on Nintendo 3DS, so a legally dumped 3DS copy in a modern emulator is the highest-fidelity capture route.

Definitive edition

Original Nintendo 3DS release

Primary full run

Original Nintendo 3DS release via 3DS emulation

Nintendo 3DS

The Millennium Girl is a remake/reimagining of the first Etrian Odyssey with Story and Classic modes; it only released on Nintendo 3DS.

Definitive edition

Original Nintendo 3DS release

Primary full run

Original Nintendo 3DS release via 3DS emulation

Nintendo 3DS

The Fafnir Knight remakes Etrian Odyssey II with a new Story mode and only released on Nintendo 3DS; 3DS emulation is the best capture path.

Definitive edition

Original Nintendo 3DS release

Primary full run

Original Nintendo 3DS release via 3DS emulation

Nintendo 3DS

Etrian Mystery Dungeon is a 3DS-only crossover with Mystery Dungeon; 3DS emulation is the highest-fidelity capture route for the complete base game.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Some launch-window DLC existed on Nintendo 3DS; with the 3DS eShop era over, a new playthrough may depend on already-owned/preserved DLC for absolute completeness.

Definitive edition

Original Nintendo 3DS release

Primary full run

Original Nintendo 3DS release via 3DS emulation

Nintendo 3DS

Etrian Odyssey V only released on Nintendo 3DS, so a legally dumped 3DS copy in a modern emulator is the highest-fidelity capture route.

Definitive edition

Original Nintendo 3DS release

Primary full run

Original Japanese Nintendo 3DS release via 3DS emulation

Nintendo 3DS

Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 only released for Nintendo 3DS in Japan, so a legal Japanese copy in 3DS emulation is the only practical high-fidelity route.

Definitive edition

Original Japanese Nintendo 3DS release

Primary full run

Original Nintendo 3DS release via 3DS emulation

Nintendo 3DS

Etrian Odyssey Nexus is a 3DS-only series-crossover/finale for the handheld era, so a legally dumped 3DS copy in emulation is the best capture path.

Definitive edition

Original Nintendo 3DS release

Primary full run

Steam collection release

Windows PC

Origins Collection bundles the HD remasters of Etrian Odyssey, Etrian Odyssey II, and Etrian Odyssey III; the PC release is the cleanest way to own and capture all three together.

Definitive edition

Steam collection release

Primary full run

Current Steam build with owned map/cargo DLC installed as needed

Windows PC

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is actively maintained on PC platforms, and Windows has the strongest graphics, mod, input, and capture ceiling. SCS's download page points buyers to Steam for the auto-updated full version, while Linux and macOS are useful alternates without unique content.

Definitive edition

Current Windows Steam build with required DLC installed

Primary full run

Current Steam PC release

Windows PC

The original Euro Truck Simulator is a separate 2008 SCS Software game, not a duplicate of Euro Truck Simulator 2. The current Steam PC release is the cleanest legal route, while the sequel remains a separate long-running simulator entry.

Definitive edition

Current Steam Windows PC release

Primary full run

Current PC release

Windows PC

The original Europa Universalis is a Windows PC release, so Windows PC is both the complete and highest-fidelity sourced route.

Definitive edition

Europa Universalis on Windows PC

Primary full run

Current PC release

Windows PC

Windows PC is the original and most accessible route for Europa Universalis II, with the clearest current compatibility and storefront trail. The Mac OS port is valid historically, but it is not the best current play route.

Definitive edition

Europa Universalis II on Windows PC

Primary full run

Europa Universalis III Chronicles

Windows PC

Europa Universalis III Chronicles on Windows PC bundles the base game and the major expansions, making it the cleanest complete route. The Mac port is valid, but Windows PC has the clearest current compatibility, capture, and storefront support.

Definitive edition

Europa Universalis III Chronicles on Windows PC

Primary full run

Europa Universalis: Rome Gold

Windows PC

The Windows PC Gold route includes the Vae Victis expansion and is the clearest complete way to play Europa Universalis: Rome. The Mac port is valid historically, but Windows PC remains the stronger current compatibility and capture route.

Definitive edition

Europa Universalis: Rome Gold on Windows PC

Primary full run

Current PC release / 1.3 update path

Windows PC

For the Glory is a Windows PC Europa Universalis II-derived standalone, and PC is the only sourced release route. The later 1.3 update adds new systems, scenarios, UI improvements, and expanded timeline support to the same PC game.

Definitive edition

For the Glory: A Europa Universalis Game on Windows PC, updated to 1.3

Primary full run

Current PC release with DLC library

Windows PC

The Windows PC version is the original and strongest Europa Universalis IV route, with the full DLC library, mod support, keyboard-and-mouse controls, and the best capture/settings flexibility. macOS and Linux are valid native routes, but Windows PC is the safest complete recommendation.

Definitive edition

Europa Universalis IV on Windows PC with current DLC

Primary full run

Current Steam PC release

Windows PC

Europa Universalis V is currently sourced as a Windows PC release, making Windows PC the only and best public play route. It is also the newest mainline game in the series, but Europa Universalis IV remains a separate legacy entry.

Definitive edition

Europa Universalis V on Windows PC

Primary full run

Current EVE Online live service client

Windows PC

EVE Online is a long-running live MMO. The current PC client is the content authority, and Windows provides the most reliable settings, launcher, and capture path for the live universe.

Definitive edition

Current EVE Online Windows PC live client

Primary full run

Current official Daybreak/Darkpaw live client

Windows PC

EverQuest is a live MMORPG with decades of expansions, server rulesets, and account states. The current official client is the playable authority, while progression/legacy servers and historical 1999-era states should be logged separately.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Live, progression, and historical-era server states differ significantly.

Definitive edition

Current official EverQuest PC client, with server/ruleset/account state documented

Primary full run

Current Steam/GOG-style PC rerelease

Windows PC

Evil Genius is a Windows-only lair-building strategy/simulation classic from Elixir Studios, now published digitally by Rebellion. The release date is September 28, 2004, with a current Windows PC storefront route. No console, Mac, Linux, or mobile release was found in this pass, so Windows PC is the archive route.

Definitive edition

Evil Genius on Windows PC

Primary full run

Deluxe Edition or current PC release with DLC

Windows PC

Evil Genius 2 launched first on Windows PC in March 2021 and later came to PlayStation and Xbox in November 2021. Steam exposes the clearest current content route, including Deluxe Edition/DLC content and the best settings/capture control. No sourced console-exclusive gameplay content was found in this pass, so Windows PC is the preferred archive route.

Definitive edition

Evil Genius 2: World Domination Deluxe Edition on Windows PC

Primary full run

3D Classics: Excitebike

Nintendo 3DS (3D Classics)

The original Excitebike has been re-released many times, but 3D Classics: Excitebike adds stereoscopic 3D, analog support, and expanded custom-track saving while preserving the NES game design. It is the most feature-complete official route for the original.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Nintendo Switch Online is the easiest current official route, but 3D Classics has the richer official feature set for the original.

Definitive edition

3D Classics: Excitebike

Primary full run

Arcade Archives: VS. Excitebike

Nintendo Switch (Arcade Archives)

Vs. Excitebike is the arcade/Famicom Disk System variant of Excitebike. The Nintendo Switch Arcade Archives release is the current official route for the arcade version, while the Famicom Disk System release remains a historical home variant.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

The Switch Arcade Archives release is best for the arcade route; the Famicom Disk System version is a distinct home variant rather than a simple lower-fidelity port.

Definitive edition

Arcade Archives: VS. Excitebike

Primary full run

Original broadcast release

Satellaview

BS Excitebike: Bun Bun Mario Battle Stadium is a Satellaview-only Excitebike variant. No modern official port is sourced, so the original Satellaview broadcast/preservation route is the only complete path.

Definitive edition

Original Satellaview broadcast

Primary full run

Nintendo Classics release

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack / Nintendo Classics

Excitebike 64 was released for Nintendo 64 and iQue Player, later on Wii U Virtual Console and Nintendo Classics. The Nintendo Classics route is the current official high-accessibility version, though it removes Fox Racing logos, so original N64/iQue hardware remains the branding-complete authenticity route.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Nintendo Classics is the best current official play route, but the original N64/iQue releases retain licensed Fox Racing logos removed from the modern version.

Definitive edition

Nintendo Classics release for play; original N64/iQue for branding-complete preservation

Primary full run

Original Wii release

Wii

Excite Truck was released for Wii only and is the third main Excite game, moving the series from motorbikes to off-road trucks. Wii is the only sourced platform.

Definitive edition

Wii release

Primary full run

Original Wii release

Wii (North America retail)

Excitebots: Trick Racing was released for Wii in North America and later Japan via Club Nintendo, with no broader PAL/Australian release sourced. The North American Wii retail disc is the easiest complete route.

Definitive edition

North American Wii retail release

Primary full run

Original WiiWare release

WiiWare

Excitebike: World Rally was released only as a WiiWare title for Wii and is the final sourced Excite series entry. It modernizes the classic 2D Excitebike design with 3D graphics, online multiplayer, and a track editor.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

The game is complete on WiiWare, but online multiplayer/track sharing depended on Wii-era network services and preservation.

Definitive edition

WiiWare release

Primary full run

Current Windows PC release

Windows

The Windows PC release is the complete tactical RPG route with the best capture/display flexibility; Linux, OS X, and Windows Phone have no documented content advantage.

Definitive edition

Current Windows PC release

Primary full run

Current Windows PC release

Windows

Expeditions: Viking is documented as a Windows PC release, so native Windows is both the full content and highest-fidelity capture route.

Definitive edition

Current Windows PC release

Primary full run

Current Windows PC release

Windows

Expeditions: Rome is documented as a Windows PC release, making native Windows the full content and highest-fidelity capture route.

Definitive edition

Current Windows PC release

Primary full run

North American release

PlayStation 2

The North American PS2 release is the best practical English-language pick for a US audience; Extermination has no sourced higher-fidelity port, remaster, or remake.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

The European and North American versions differ in protagonist design and rerecorded dialogue; the North American version is chosen for the US-facing English route, while the European version remains a preservation-relevant variant.

Definitive edition

North American PlayStation 2 release

Primary full run

Nintendo Classics rerelease

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack / Nintendo Classics

The original Extreme-G was a Nintendo 64 release and was re-released through the Nintendo Classics service in 2024. The Nintendo Classics version is the current official route with modern access, while N64 emulation remains the fallback for offline preservation.

Definitive edition

Nintendo Classics release

Primary full run

Original PC release

Windows

Extreme-G 2 was released on Nintendo 64 and Microsoft Windows. The Windows version has the highest output ceiling and no sourced content loss compared with Nintendo 64.

Definitive edition

Windows release

Primary full run

Original GameCube release

GameCube

XGIII: Extreme G Racing was released for PlayStation 2 and GameCube. With no sourced content differences, GameCube via Dolphin is the preferred high-fidelity emulation route.

Definitive edition

GameCube release via Dolphin

Primary full run

Original Xbox release

Xbox

XGRA was released on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. No sourced platform-exclusive content is listed, so the Xbox version is the primary console route for strongest original hardware output, with emulation available through xemu as compatibility permits.

Definitive edition

Xbox release

Primary full run

Original DOS release

MS-DOS

Arena shipped for MS-DOS only; DOSBox is the practical preservation route.

Definitive edition

Original MS-DOS release

Primary full run

Daggerfall Unity / GOG Cut

Windows (Daggerfall Unity)

The original release is MS-DOS, but Daggerfall Unity/GOG Cut is the best modern archive route with higher-fidelity rendering and extensive fixes.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

DOS is the original, but Unity/GOG Cut is the best modern play route; document any mod differences.

Definitive edition

Daggerfall Unity / GOG Cut

Primary full run

Original DOS release

MS-DOS

Battlespire shipped for MS-DOS and is preserved through DOSBox/current PC storefront releases.

Definitive edition

Original MS-DOS release

Primary full run

Original DOS release

MS-DOS

Redguard shipped for MS-DOS and remains a DOSBox/current PC storefront preservation title.

Definitive edition

Original MS-DOS release

Primary full run

Game of the Year Edition

Windows

Windows GOTY includes Tribunal and Bloodmoon and gives the best mod/fix route; Xbox is preserved only as the original console route.

Definitive edition

Morrowind Game of the Year Edition on Windows/OpenMW

Primary full run

Original mobile release

Java ME / BREW

Stormhold was a mobile Elder Scrolls Travels game for J2ME/BREW devices.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Mobile preservation depends on device/profile availability.

Definitive edition

Original mobile release

Primary full run

Original mobile release

Java ME / BREW

Dawnstar was a mobile Elder Scrolls Travels game for J2ME/BREW devices.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Mobile preservation depends on device/profile availability.

Definitive edition

Original mobile release

Primary full run

Original N-Gage release

N-Gage

Shadowkey was released exclusively for Nokia N-Gage.

Definitive edition

Original N-Gage release

Primary full run

Oblivion Mobile

Java ME

Oblivion Mobile was released for Java-enabled phones as an isometric mobile adaptation.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Mobile preservation depends on device/profile availability; cancelled PSP Oblivion is not a shipped game.

Definitive edition

Oblivion Mobile Java release

Primary full run

Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition

Windows

Oblivion Remastered includes the original DLC, Knights of the Nine, and Shivering Isles with a modern visual overhaul; Windows is the most flexible high-fidelity route.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Remastered is best for fidelity/completeness, while the original PC release remains important for legacy mod/tool compatibility; Switch 2 version was scheduled but not counted as shipped here.

Definitive edition

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Primary full run

Anniversary Edition

Windows

Windows Anniversary Edition includes Special Edition, the three expansions, and Creation Club/Anniversary content while preserving the broadest mod/fix route.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Windows Anniversary Edition is complete and moddable; VR/Switch routes offer unique form factors but not unique story content.

Definitive edition

Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Windows

Primary full run

Current live client

Windows

ESO is a live MMO across PC/Mac and consoles; Windows is the best archive/capture route with the current chapter/update state.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Live-service state, chapter ownership, server, and account state determine completeness.

Definitive edition

Current Windows live client

Primary full run

Historical PC client

Windows

Legends launched on Windows before mobile/Mac and shut down on January 30, 2025, so Windows is only a historical preservation target.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Servers shut down on January 30, 2025; only historical documentation remains.

Definitive edition

Historical Windows client

Primary full run

Current mobile client until shutdown

Android

Blades launched on Android/iOS and later Switch; it is scheduled to shut down June 30, 2026, so Android is only a short-term/mobile preservation target.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

The game is scheduled to shut down June 30, 2026; archive before then if possible.

Definitive edition

Current mobile client before shutdown

Primary full run

Current mobile release

Android

Castles is a mobile management spin-off on Android and iOS; Android is selected as the practical archive/mobile route.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Mobile/account state and updates can change; document build/account state.

Definitive edition

Current Android release

Primary full run

Pre-release listing

Unreleased - Windows / Xbox listed

The Elder Scrolls VI is announced and in development, but it has no release date or final platform/version behavior as of 2026-06-15.

Fidelity vs completeness conflict

Future unreleased title; no best-version analysis is possible yet.

Definitive edition

Unreleased

Primary full run

PC release plus Season Pass

Windows PC

The Windows PC route is the best complete route because it can run the base game with the Season Pass DLC on one platform, covering The Assignment, The Consequence, and The Executioner while retaining PC capture/settings flexibility.

Definitive edition

The Evil Within plus Season Pass on Windows PC

Primary full run

Steam/GOG release with first-person mode update

Windows PC

The Windows PC release is the best route because it is the full game with PC capture/settings flexibility, and the later free update added an official first-person mode. The PS4 and Xbox One releases have no sourced exclusive content over PC.

Definitive edition

The Evil Within 2 on Windows PC