Put simply, Oblivion has one of the best combat systems ever devised. You don't stand there swapping blows ad nauseum with your opponent or swinging like a madman and waiting for them to die. No, in Oblivion, each fight is a unique experience.

Sure, blocking works like one would expect it to - raise shield, take blow, damage mitigated - except it doesn't always work. Depending on your Block skill, you'll either block the hit entirely or take a reduced amount of damage. Blocking also serves to protect you from stunning attacks, which occur with surprising frequency. You don't even need a shield to block. Although inferior, you can deflect blows with a sword hilt or the broad side of an axe.