Action RPG

Oblivion Remastered looks so good that I can’t believe I’m saying this: I kinda hope Bethesda remasters Skyrim (again) too

BBG News

As someone long accustomed to championing Oblivion, I initially held little appeal for Oblivion Remastered. With whispers and anticipation escalating, I just couldn’t fathom the necessity of a fresh take on Bethesda’s 2006 RPG. “The original Oblivion remains fantastic!” was my battle cry from the porch to anyone passing by. Truth be told, it’s clearly showing its age after almost two decades, but I found immense enjoyment revisiting it until the remastered version dropped this week.

Initially, I planned to voice my disapproval regarding the alterations in Oblivion Remastered and argue that the classic RPG didn’t require an update. However, upon giving it a try, I found myself appreciating it more than expected. In spite of the modifications, it retains the same charming “janky” feel as the original game. Amazingly, many of the old glitches still function too!

The place is truly enchanting, with only a few residents falling short. It’s not an entirely different realm, but rather a more charming and alluring rendition of its former self, retaining its essence yet presenting an improved version.

It doesn’t feel like the old game has been replaced: the sensation is more like re-watching a classic movie I’d only seen in standard definition on TV, but now it’s been restored in widescreen and the image is nice and crisp. I’m a bit shocked, but I’m really enjoying my time with Oblivion Remastered. (And I appreciate that Bethesda is keeping the old version available, rather than overwriting it George-Lucas style).

2025 finds Oblivion more visually appealing than Skyrim to me, which is surprising. The graphics in Oblivion are really stunning, and it’s hard for me to believe I’m saying this, but if Skyrim could receive the same upgrade, that would be great. Let’s hope for a Skyrim remaster… or perhaps even a re-remaster.

It’s quite audacious for Bethesda to potentially release another version of Skyrim, given the 2016 remastered Special Edition and the less-than-favorable Anniversary Edition of 2021. However, if there’s a company capable of repackaging Skyrim and tempting us to buy it again, it’s Bethesda—and I must confess, if it looked as good as Oblivion Remastered, I might even entertain the thought of purchasing it.

It’s not that Skyrim necessarily requires another remaster. While it still holds up visually, with many aspects looking quite charming, there are abundant visual mods available that can enhance its appearance without cost for those willing to invest a bit of time and enthusiasm. Our guide to the best Skyrim mods even has an entire section dedicated to these improvements. However, the same applies to Oblivion, yet I find myself exploring a world I’ve already invested countless hours into, marveling at everything as if it were brand new.

It appears we won’t be seeing The Elder Scrolls 6 anytime soon, possibly not until 2028 or even 2030. The exact release date remains uncertain. In the interim, once I’ve finished with Oblivion Remastered, I might revisit Skyrim at some point. Admittedly, it’s a shallow desire, but I’ll likely spend my time in the original Skyrim longing for it to have the visual appeal of the remastered Oblivion.

Read More

2025-04-26 00:02

Previous post Lar Park Lincoln, ‘Knots Landing’ actor who became audition coach, dies at 63
Next post James Gandolfini’s Dark Secrets on ‘The Sopranos’: Co-Stars Reveal All