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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Review — Hello Again, Sean Bean

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In an unexpected move, Bethesda Entertainment released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, catching everyone off guard (save for a small leak prior). This sudden release strategy paid off as the game attracted 120,000 simultaneous players on Steam within just three hours of its debut, significantly altering the conversation about the company online. Instead of facing criticism over Starfield and the delay of The Elder Scrolls VI, Bethesda is now being lauded for their exceptional remaster. However, it’s important to note that while the praise is abundant, one should temper expectations and avoid getting too swept up in the hype. In my personal experience, Oblivion Remastered is indeed a superb update of an iconic game; nevertheless, it’s crucial to approach it with realistic expectations.

To put it simply, there’s been an increasing trend on social media where people are asserting, “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered isn’t merely a remaster, it’s essentially a complete remake!” However, based on my extensive experience playing and evaluating numerous high-quality remasters and remakes of classic games over the past few years, I must clarify that Oblivion Remaster is indeed a remaster, but it falls significantly short of meeting the criteria for a full-fledged remake.

To clarify, just because it’s not perfect doesn’t mean it’s poor. On the contrary, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has earned its enduring adoration from fans, and the remastered version, Oblivion Remastered, is quite commendable in the realm of remasters. Virtuos Ltd proved an ideal choice for the task, going above and beyond to re-record voice lines, enhance gameplay mechanics, and overhaul visuals and animations. In my opinion, it’s one of the most impressive remasters I’ve encountered in a while, with the Unreal Engine 5 update significantly transforming the once outdated Oblivion world into a stunning spectacle to behold.

In essence, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered retains the original game’s engine, which means while some aspects have been updated to feel more contemporary, the combat and overall gameplay remain quite similar to their earlier versions. This is expected given that it’s a remaster, designed to enhance the classic experience. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a completely new game rebuilt from scratch for modern audiences; having such expectations might result in disappointment. Instead, think of it as a polished version of an old favorite.

Moving forward, let’s discuss The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – as its name suggests, it’s a beautifully updated version of an old Elder Scrolls game. It maintains the essence of the original while incorporating some modern conveniences and significantly enhancing its visual appeal.

In some parts of the game, the updated visuals might seem a bit incongruous. For instance, the revamped versions of Oblivion’s older armor and weapon sets can appear somewhat out of place when given modern textures and details, as they were designed with a quirky look in the past, possibly due to technical constraints. This is particularly noticeable with the new armor included in the Deluxe Edition; I’m not alone in finding it rather conspicuous, am I? There are similar instances in other models, but these seem less prominent against the game’s landscape features.

The remastered version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion showcases a stunning visual appeal. While some might not be fond of the yellow-brown tint that pervades the entire game, it’s hard to argue against the fact that Cyrodiil has been masterfully reimagined with updated models, textures, and the mighty Unreal Engine 5 at its core.

To clarify, it’s important to note that the challenge lies in using Unreal Engine 5. This engine has revolutionized game development, making it more approachable for both studios and individual creators, even enabling solo developers to produce games of triple-A quality. However, UE5 has gained a reputation for performance problems in published games. Whether these issues stem from the engine itself or from the way games are tested and released is unclear. The term “UE5” has unfortunately become associated with dropped frames and strained graphics cards. Indeed, I encountered frame rate troubles in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, particularly (and exclusively) in outdoor settings. This issue persists for me across certain other UE5 games as well.

If I’ve discovered anything from my time playing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, it’s that this game is brimming with character and spirit – something that wasn’t as evident in Skyrim. It’s easy to understand why fans are so excited about the remaster; playing it yourself will give you a chance to fully immerse in the original Oblivion, while enjoying updated graphics and various convenience enhancements.

A complete overhaul wasn’t on the cards, but I wouldn’t have minded one. However, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a game definitely worth experiencing and an impressive remaster of its original version. Do keep in mind that it is a remaster, so the gameplay may feel like it was developed 19 years ago.

The Final Word

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say, revisiting Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered feels like stepping back into an old friend’s house – familiar, yet beautifully renovated. The essence of the original game remains unchanged, but now it sparkles with stunning visual upgrades and subtle gameplay enhancements. However, keep in mind that while the gameplay is refined, it’s still rooted in a world 19 years old at heart. Occasionally, you might encounter some performance hiccups, so be prepared to troubleshoot when needed. But hey, for an improved classic like this, I think we fans could hardly ask for more!

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was reviewed on PC. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles on our Game Reviews page! The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Gamepass.

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2025-04-23 16:09

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