The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion senior game designer Bruce Nesmith has praised Bethesda and Virtuos' work on the Oblivion Remastered, suggesting that the term "remaster" might not fully encapsulate the extent of the changes made. During a recent interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith, who played a crucial role in the original 2006 RPG, expressed his astonishment at the level of detail and transformation applied to the world of Cyrodiil. He emphasized the immense effort, or "blood, sweat, and tears," that went into the original game, making the comprehensive update to nearly every aspect of Oblivion even more impressive.
Nesmith initially expected a simple texture update, but was taken aback by the announced overhaul, which includes revamped animations, a new animation system, integration with the Unreal Engine, and modifications to the leveling system and user interface. "I mean, that's, you're touching every part of the game," he remarked, highlighting the depth of the changes.
Despite no official word from Bethesda prior to its surprise release yesterday, fans have been overwhelmingly positive about the numerous updates, which range from cosmetic enhancements to significant gameplay adjustments. New features like a sprint mechanic and alterations to the leveling system have led many, including Nesmith, to consider Oblivion Remastered more of a remake than a mere remaster. Nesmith went as far as to suggest it could be labeled "Oblivion 2.0," stating, "That’s a staggering amount of remastering. It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice."
In an attempt to categorize the extensive changes, Nesmith proposed the term "Oblivion 2.0" as the closest descriptor for what he's seen so far. As the gaming community continues to explore and appreciate the remastered version, Bethesda has shared its reasoning behind the project's name. In a social media statement, the studio clarified that their goal was not to remake Oblivion but to modernize the beloved experience for both returning players and newcomers, keeping the game's essence intact, "warts and all."
"We know many of our longtime fans will be thrilled to revisit Oblivion and the land of Cyrodiil," Bethesda's statement continued. "But there are also so many who have never played it. We can’t thank you enough for all the support you have given us and our games over the years. Our hope with this remaster is, that no matter who you are, when you step out of the Imperial sewer – you feel like you’re experiencing it for the first time."
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was unveiled and released simultaneously as a shadow drop, available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy it at no additional cost. The modding community has also responded enthusiastically to the unexpected launch, further reinvigorating the Elder Scrolls fanbase.
For those eager to dive into the remastered world, we offer a comprehensive guide covering everything from an expansive Interactive Map to complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, and a list of Things to Do First, ensuring you make the most of your journey through the revamped Cyrodiil.
