The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Fans React to All the Biggest Changes, Say It’s Good Enough to Be Called a Remake

by

The remastered version of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, developed by Bethesda Game Studios in collaboration with Virtuos, has just been released! This new edition offers numerous enhancements and refinements to the 19-year-old role-playing game, breathing new life into the classic.

As a dedicated gamer, I tuned in today for a special broadcast that unveiled a massive overhaul of my beloved game set in Cyrodiil. This livestream served as a stunning showcase of drastically changed visuals and several tweaks to the gameplay, making it feel more exotic than ever before. Some players might be apprehensive about all these changes, but overall, the community seems thrilled to have another reason to immerse themselves once again in one of Bethesda’s iconic titles.

Oblivion in Unreal Engine 5

As Oblivion turns 20, it’s recognized for its somewhat pixelated character designs and rigid movements. These quirks have been a part of its enduring appeal as a beloved RPG for years, but they were aspects that Bethesda and Virtuos aimed to refine in the Oblivion remaster.

From scratch, models and settings have been recreated, a fresh lighting system aims to make shadows appear more authentic, and advanced lip-syncing technology will enhance some of the earlier dialogue that seemed unnatural. In essence, Oblivion Remastered seems closer to a remake, an aspect that excites many as they revisit Cyrodiil or explore it for the first time.

“Oblivion Remastered is essentially a new version,” asserted X / Twitter user SynthPotato. “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion seems more like a re-creation than an enhancement, stated HazzadorGamin. “Bravo to team Virtuos.” “The Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered? Wouldn’t it be fair to say Re-creation instead?” added GamesLover.

Among my favorite characters in the Oblivion Remaster are the Argonians and the Khajiit. These two species truly captivate me! #Oblivion #OblivionRemastered #TES4 #ElderScrolls

— Xylluk The Dragon (@Xylluk) April 22, 2025

YEPP THEY COOKED

OBLIVION REMASTERED LOOKS AMAZING

— Michael (@LegacyKillaHD) April 22, 2025

Sprinting Through Cyrodiil

On PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms, Oblivion has been confined due to its visuals, but there’s definitely scope for enhancing its gameplay as well. Virtuos seized this chance to update the original concept with numerous modifications, ranging from minor improvements like a more streamlined lock-picking mechanism, to significant alterations such as the inclusion of sprinting, which significantly alters the gameplay dynamics.

The level-up system in the game now seems like a blend of what players are familiar with from Oblivion and the one used in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. Also, Virtuos has tweaked both third and first-person perspectives to make use of advancements in gaming over the past two decades. Many fans are intrigued to compare this 2025 version of Oblivion with the original, whether it’s a minor or major update.

One Reddit user praised the reveal, saying it was fantastic and full of wise choices in reimagining Oblivion. They appreciated aspects like the user interface, sticking with the original lock picking method, blending leveling systems, and more. However, they noted a minor spoiler about the thieves guild quest line could have been avoided for new players’ sake.

For numerous individuals like us, this feels like opening a fresh, never-before-experienced Elder Scrolls game today! #OblivionRemastered

— Robin (@SpectreRobin) April 22, 2025

Consider the process of creating characters. It appears that even in conversation, the close-up effect from Oblivion is still present to some degree.

— UESP (@UESP_net) April 22, 2025

Some Things Never Change

Although Oblivion Remastered appears to be a significant overhaul that some are labeling as a remake, Bethesda aims to provide a revamped experience while preserving the unique elements that made the initial game memorable.

During the recent livestream, Todd Howard from Bethesda expressed that when remastering a game, the goal is to recapture the original feelings it evoked while still acknowledging its historical context. In other words, he wants to preserve the authentic essence of the game and maintain some of its classic appeal.

In the remaster, Virtuos skillfully incorporated these concepts, maintaining the charmingly awkward animations that fans adore. Additionally, many of the original, stiff dialogues remain, and a significant portion of the original cast’s lines have been preserved, ensuring you’ll still catch yourself quoting familiar phrases, just like in 2006. These decisions are resonating well with fans.

Another Reddit user expressed agreement with all their decisions: they chose to retain original voice actors while also introducing new ones for variety, modernize gameplay while preserving the foundation of Oblivion, upgrade the UI but maintaining a parchment-like appearance. They can’t wait for the project to be completed.

Despite being two decades older and significantly more realistic, the characters in Oblivion often appear comical with their goofy facial expressions. Additionally, the dialogue can be downright amusing. On a positive note, the detail on the clothing and armor sets is simply astounding.

Though it’s 20 years ahead and boasts impressive realism, Oblivion’s character faces are still quite comical and their dialogue can be laughable at times. However, the craftsmanship of the clothing and armor sets is nothing short of amazing.

— Synth Potato🥔 (@SynthPotato) April 22, 2025

16-year-old version of myself played Oblivion, which allows my current 34-year-old self to enjoy Oblivion after nearly 20 years have passed. #OblivionRemastered

or

I was a 16-year-old who experienced Oblivion, making it possible for me (now 34) to revisit the game almost two decades later. #OblivionRemastered

or

As a 16-year-old, I played Oblivion, enabling my current self, age 34, to enjoy the game again after nearly 20 years have passed. #OblivionRemastered

All three sentences convey the same meaning and are easy to read while maintaining a natural tone. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the context in which they will be used.

— Kevin G. (@Darktagger) April 22, 2025

Back in 2006, I first ventured into the magical world of Oblivion on my PC and Xbox 360. Fast forward to 2007 for the PlayStation 3 release, and ever since, this RPG gem has kept me captivated for close to two decades. With whispers of a remake or upgrade surfacing recently, anticipation among us gamers grew like wildfire. And now, the official unveiling is finally here, though it’s no shocker given the buzz. But hey, at least we get a detailed rundown of some of the major transformations this timeless masterpiece has undergone in its reimagining.

The refreshed version of “The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion” is now available across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and S platforms at a price of $49.99, and also on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Here’s an all-encompassing guide covering everything you can expect from “Oblivion Remastered”, such as a detailed Interactive Map, in-depth walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips for crafting your ideal character, suggestions on what to do first, and many other useful insights.

Read More

2025-04-22 21:28