The worst-kept secret in the gaming industry has finally been revealed: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has been officially remastered and is now available across all supported platforms. This exciting announcement comes after years of speculation and leaks that hinted at the game's revival. A livestream featuring developer insights and gameplay footage aired on Twitch and YouTube today, confirming the remaster's launch.
Oblivion holds a significant place in gaming history as the immediate predecessor to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which is often celebrated as one of the greatest games of all time. While Oblivion was not as widely recognized in its time, it was groundbreaking for its era and introduced many features that would shape modern RPGs. Fans may have a soft spot for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, but Oblivion was the first title in the franchise that began to feel modern by today’s standards.
The remaster of Oblivion continues the franchise's tradition of blending story-driven fantasy RPG elements with emergent gameplay. Although it is less structured than Skyrim, Oblivion offers a significantly more robust character customization experience. While the original game was known for its quirky mechanics, many fans found this jankiness endearing. However, those seeking a polished experience may want to explore other titles.
Interestingly, the remaster was not solely developed by Bethesda Game Studios. Instead, a collaboration took place with Virtuos, an established external studio renowned for its extensive history as a support developer. Virtuos has contributed to a variety of acclaimed games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and The Outer Worlds. Their experience in remastering titles such as Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster has set the stage for a promising revamp of Oblivion.
It’s essential to clarify that this is a remaster, not a remake. The project utilizes the Unreal Engine primarily for its enhanced graphics and audio. However, the gameplay mechanics will still operate on Bethesda's proprietary Creation Engine. Among the most significant updates is a completely overhauled leveling system that aims to blend the best features of both Oblivion and Skyrim. This change is likely to be welcomed by players who found the original leveling system controversial due to its grind-oriented nature.
The remaster has made substantial improvements to the visual aspects of Oblivion, introducing a more sophisticated lighting system that enhances the game's aesthetic appeal. NPC facial animations and character models have also been updated, resulting in a more engaging interaction experience—although some quirky character designs remain, much to the delight of long-time fans.
This remaster arrives after a long drought for The Elder Scrolls franchise, especially with The Elder Scrolls VI still in development. While The Elder Scrolls Online has kept fans engaged, the excitement surrounding a remaster of Oblivion is palpable. With a launch price of $50, the game is now available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and it is also included in Game Pass.
In summary, the remastered version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion promises to breathe new life into a classic title, making it an exciting addition for both veterans of the series and newcomers alike.
