Senior game designer Bruce Nesmith, known for his pivotal role in crafting the original 2006 RPG The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has expressed his awe at the newly released Oblivion Remastered by Bethesda and Virtuos. In a conversation with VideoGamer, Nesmith highlighted the extensive effort poured into the original game, emphasizing the "blood, sweat, and tears" that went into creating the world of Cyrodiil. He was particularly struck by the comprehensive overhaul of the remastered version, which he felt went beyond a mere texture update.
“I was assuming this was going to be a texture update,” Nesmith remarked. “I didn’t really think it was going to be the complete overhaul that they’ve announced it to be... I would not have batted an eye at that. But to completely redo the animations, the animation system, put in the Unreal Engine, change the leveling system, change the user interface. I mean, that’s, you’re touching every part of the game.”
Despite the lack of an official announcement prior to its launch, Oblivion Remastered has garnered widespread acclaim from fans for its extensive changes, ranging from visual enhancements to significant gameplay modifications. New features like a sprint mechanic and an altered leveling system have led many, including Nesmith, to consider it more of a remake than a remaster. Nesmith suggested it might even warrant a new term, musing, “The closest that could come [to categorising it] is Oblivion 2.0. That’s a staggering amount of remastering. It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice.”
As the gaming community continues to celebrate the efforts behind Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda has shed light on their approach to the project. In a statement shared on social media, the studio clarified that their intention was not to remake Oblivion but to modernize the beloved experience for both returning players and newcomers, embracing the original game's charm, "warts and all."
“We know many of our longtime fans will be thrilled to revisit Oblivion and the land of Cyrodiil,” Bethesda’s statement read. “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 unexpectedly released as a shadow drop and is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access it at no additional cost. The surprise launch has sparked excitement within the Elder Scrolls modding community, eager to explore and enhance the reimagined Cyrodiil.
For those diving into the remastered experience, a comprehensive guide awaits, featuring an expansive Interactive Map, detailed Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and Guild Quests, tips on building the perfect character, and a list of essential first steps to take in the game.
