On Tuesday, Bethesda unveiled and launched The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered after numerous leaks hinted at an unannounced release for April. This upgraded version enhances the visuals and gameplay of the esteemed 2006 title and is now available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X. Game Pass subscribers can also access it at no extra charge.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Now Available
The Standard Edition of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered includes the main game along with the Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine expansions, alongside additional downloadable content, which notably features the infamous Horse Armor Pack.
Additionally, a Deluxe Edition is available that offers new quests, a digital art book, and a soundtrack, in addition to all the benefits of the Standard Edition.
Bethesda revealed that the remaster initiative commenced in 2021, focusing on preserving the spirit of the original title. Although speculations suggested a full remake, the newly released version is a remaster crafted by Virtuos and Bethesda Game Studios, enhancing both visuals and gameplay elements from the initial game.
In a blog post, Bethesda emphasized its commitment to maintaining the core essence of Oblivion, stating, “We never wanted to remake it — but remaster it — where the original game was there as you remember playing it, but seen through today’s technology.”
The company further explained, “Every piece of art, animation, special effects, and segment of the world would be remastered. Some new voices would be recorded while preserving the originals. Game systems were updated to improve the user experience, with leveling systems adjusted for better progression and balance.”
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered features visual enhancements
Photo Credit: Bethesda
Choosing not to undertake a complete overhaul, Bethesda and Virtuos opted for substantial graphical improvements alongside some gameplay refinements. The remaster employs Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5 to elevate visuals and performance, resulting in clearer environments, intricate character models, enhanced atmospheric effects, and improved lip-syncing during dialogues.
Despite being labeled a remaster, Bethesda indicated that several in-game elements such as characters, weapons, and items have been recreated entirely from the ground up, as detailed in a separate blog post on the improvements.
Furthermore, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered introduces an advanced real-time lighting system that accurately reflects light’s interaction with the surroundings.
While the familiar gameplay has largely been preserved, modern refinements and quality-of-life enhancements are now included. The remaster features a sprint mechanic that was lacking in the original game. Bethesda revealed that character locomotion and models have been entirely reworked.
Combat animations have been redone
Photo Credit: Bethesda
Combat animations have been significantly enhanced, introducing more dynamism and realism. The redesign brings a separation between upper and lower body movements. Updated visual and auditory effects, along with new hit reactions, make combat more engaging. The third-person view has also been improved and now features a crosshair, with Bethesda claiming that it offers playability on par with Starfield.
The quality-of-life improvements extend to a revamped leveling system, user interface updates, new voice recordings, and unique voices for each character race within the game.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is currently available for purchase on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X. On Steam, the Standard Edition is priced at Rs. 4162, while the Deluxe Edition retails for Rs. 4,995. Originally released on PC and Xbox 360 in 2006, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion garnered widespread critical acclaim and won numerous Game of the Year awards, solidifying its status as one of the greatest games of all time.
