Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
The worst-kept secret in gaming this year, Bethesda’s current-generation remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, unexpectedly launched yesterday. This Xbox 360-era open-world RPG is swiftly reminding enthusiasts why it achieved such popularity nearly two decades ago. Boasting revitalized graphics, modernized gameplay, and the preservation of beloved memes, Oblivion Remastered is rapidly ascending Steam charts, offering players a nostalgic journey crafted with Unreal Engine 5. Experience the allure of Cyrodiil anew with this meticulously updated classic.
Oblivion Remastered: A Triumphant Return
Virtuos Games’ re-release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC appeared on digital storefronts and Game Pass this week, complete with a $10 DLC upgrade that includes, notably, 4K horse armor. Oblivion Remastered has since become the top-selling game on Steam, boasting over 120,000 simultaneous players—a remarkable feat for a single-player RPG, particularly one initially released in 2006.
Initial Reception and Reviews
The excitement has generated over 10,000 Steam reviews within the first 24 hours, predominantly positive, despite some optimization concerns for less powerful PCs. One user lauded it as the “golden standard” for remasters, elaborating that it was “more or less rebuilt from the ground up as if its a new game based off the standards we expect today, not just slapping some new textures on old assets and shipping it.” Social media sentiment reflects both admiration for the game’s enhanced visuals and delight at the enduring, quirky elements of the original.
Behind the Remaster: A Labor of Love
“[It’s] a staggering amount of remastering,” Bruce Nesmith, the original lead gameplay designer, observed “It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice.” The team improved textures, models and the graphic fidelity of the landscapes.
Gameplay Enhancements and Nostalgia
While much of Oblivion Remastered appears to be a visual upgrade using Unreal Engine 5, preserving the core game mechanics, several critical systems have undergone significant revisions. This includes the original RPG’s notoriously tedious leveling system, where skills improved through repetitive actions. Previously, this led players to resort to unconventional methods, like using rubber bands on their controllers to grind abilities while away from the game.
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A Star-Studded Cast and Timeless Score
New players may also appreciate Oblivion‘s impressive voice acting, which features notable talents such as Patrick Stewart, Lynda Carter, Sean Bean, Terence Stamp, and Alfred Molina.
- Patrick Stewart
- Lynda Carter
- Sean Bean
- Terence Stamp
- Alfred Molina
The game’s soundtrack remains exceptional as well.
Oblivion’s Enduring Legacy
Considering Skyrim’s immense success and many staunch advocates regarding Morrowind as the “best” Elder Scrolls installment, Oblivion has often been comparatively overlooked within Bethesda’s RPG catalog. This remaster marks a welcome revival, presenting the game in a format that adeptly balances respect for its original form with contemporary playability. Experience the world of Cyrodiil like never before.