The whispers turned to shouts, the rumors solidified into reality: Oblivion, the beloved Elder Scrolls entry, has been remastered. But in a world saturated with remakes and remasters, does this one earn its place in your gaming library? Or is it just another nostalgia-fueled cash grab preying on our love for Cyrodiil? Let’s dive in, explore the details, and uncover the truth behind Oblivion Remastered.
A Tale of Two Oblivions: Remaster vs. Modding Community
The modding community surrounding Bethesda games is legendary. Oblivion is no exception, boasting a vibrant scene that has kept the game fresh for nearly two decades. Skyblivion, a fan-made project recreating Oblivion within Skyrim’s engine, stands as a testament to this dedication. So, why a remaster now? The answer, whispered in hushed tones in corporate boardrooms, is likely… money. But does that automatically make it a bad thing?
The Skyblivion team, with remarkable grace, has stated that both projects can coexist. They see it as an “opportunity for Elder Scrolls fans to have even more ways to enjoy the classic world of Cyrodiil.” A classy move, indeed. But it still begs the question: is this remaster really necessary?
Is It Worth Your Septims? Graphics, Gameplay, and the Return of Horse Armor
The remaster boasts updated visuals, refined gameplay, and, yes, the infamous horse armor. While the original horse armor debacle of 2006 became a symbol of microtransaction greed, its inclusion here feels almost… ironic. Is Bethesda poking fun at us? Perhaps. But in a gaming landscape dominated by microtransactions, it’s hard to get truly riled up about some cosmetic horse armor.
The Deluxe Edition, for a few extra gold coins (or dollars), offers additional armor sets, weapons, a digital art book, and the soundtrack. The soundtrack alone is arguably worth the price of admission. But is the base game, priced at $50, worth the investment? Especially considering the plethora of incredible games released recently, and the ever-present allure of the modding community.
Modding Mania: The Remastered World Gets a Makeover (Again)
It wouldn’t be a Bethesda game without mods, and Oblivion Remastered is no different. While official mod support is absent (for now), the modding community has already sprung into action, resurrecting old favorites and crafting new enhancements. Some mods from the original game, surprisingly, still work! Just a few tweaks here and there, and boom, Daedric armor in your starting cell.
From texture overhauls to quality-of-life improvements, the modding scene is already breathing new life into the remastered world. Need brighter colors? There’s a mod for that. Want to skip the intro? Done. Prefer a less cluttered inventory? Absolutely. The possibilities are, as always, endless.
What’s New in Cyrodiil? A Look at the Changes
The remaster brings several key changes. The user interface has been overhauled, character movement has been tweaked, and the world is bathed in Unreal Engine’s real-time lighting. Most importantly, the controversial level-scaling system from the original has been redesigned. But don’t worry, I’m sure some dedicated modder will find a way to bring it back for the true masochists among us.
The Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?
So, should you journey back to Cyrodiil? It depends. If you’re a die-hard Oblivion fan, craving a visually enhanced experience with some quality-of-life improvements, the remaster might be worth your while. The modding community, as always, adds immense value. However, if you’re on a tight budget, or simply overwhelmed by the current avalanche of new releases, you might consider waiting. Skyblivion is on the horizon, and countless other fantastic games are vying for your attention. The choice, ultimately, is yours.
What are your thoughts on Oblivion Remastered? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Top 5 Open-World RPGs to Play While You Wait for Skyblivion
The wait for Skyblivion might feel like an eternity, especially with all the hype surrounding it. But fear not, fellow RPG enthusiasts! There are plenty of other open-world adventures to keep you occupied. Here are five titles that offer similar experiences to Oblivion and will scratch that exploration itch:
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt of Rivia’s journey through a war-torn world is filled with compelling characters, intricate storylines, and a vast, beautiful open world to explore. The combat is fluid and satisfying, and the choices you make have real consequences, impacting the world around you. A must-play for any RPG fan.
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Experience a historically grounded RPG set in medieval Bohemia. With a focus on realism and immersive gameplay, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a unique take on the open-world genre. From sword fighting and alchemy to lockpicking and hunting, every aspect of the game is meticulously crafted to provide a truly authentic medieval experience.
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Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s latest masterpiece takes the open-world formula and blends it with their signature challenging combat and cryptic storytelling. Explore the Lands Between, a vast and interconnected world filled with formidable foes, hidden secrets, and breathtaking vistas. Prepare to die… a lot. But the sense of accomplishment after overcoming each challenge is unparalleled.
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
While waiting for Oblivion reimagined, why not revisit its successor? Skyrim’s vast, snowy landscapes and dragon-filled world still hold up incredibly well. With countless quests, factions, and a thriving modding community, Skyrim offers hundreds of hours of gameplay.
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Fallout: New Vegas
Venture into the post-apocalyptic Mojave Wasteland in this RPG set in the Fallout universe. New Vegas offers a compelling narrative, player choice-driven gameplay, and a world filled with memorable characters and factions. Explore the remnants of civilization, make alliances, and carve your own path in this desolate yet captivating world.
Oblivion Remastered: Community Reactions and Early Impressions
The initial wave of reactions to Oblivion Remastered is a mixed bag. Some players are thrilled with the visual upgrades and welcome the return to Cyrodiil, while others remain skeptical, citing the price point and the looming shadow of Skyblivion. Many long-time fans are already sharing their experiences and discoveries online. Here’s a quick rundown of what the community is saying:
- Graphics: Generally positive. The updated visuals are a definite improvement, giving Cyrodiil a fresh coat of paint. However, some purists argue that the remaster loses some of the original’s charm.
- Performance: Some reports of minor bugs and performance issues on certain platforms, but nothing game-breaking so far.
- Modding: Excitement is building around the modding potential. While official mod support is still pending, the community’s ingenuity is shining through with early adaptations and new creations.
- Level Scaling: The redesigned level scaling system is receiving praise for addressing one of the original game’s most criticized features.
Stay Tuned for More
We’ll continue to follow the developments surrounding Oblivion Remastered and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Are you diving back into Cyrodiil? Or are you holding out for Skyblivion? Share your experiences and opinions!
Oblivion Remastered: Your Burning Questions Answered
Is Oblivion Remastered worth buying?
It depends on your priorities. If you’re a die-hard fan wanting updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements, it might be worthwhile. Modding adds significant value. However, if budget is a concern or you’re overwhelmed by new releases, consider waiting. Skyblivion is coming, and other great games are available.
What’s new in the remaster?
The remaster features updated visuals powered by Unreal Engine’s real-time lighting, a refined user interface, tweaked character movement, and a redesigned level-scaling system. The infamous horse armor also makes a return.
How does the remaster compare to the modding community’s efforts like Skyblivion?
The Skyblivion team has welcomed the remaster, seeing it as another way for fans to enjoy Cyrodiil. While Skyblivion aims to recreate Oblivion within Skyrim’s engine, the remaster offers a more readily accessible updated version of the original.
Can I still use mods with Oblivion Remastered?
While official mod support isn’t currently confirmed, the community is already adapting existing mods and creating new ones for the remaster. Many original mods still work with some tweaks.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – A Final Verdict
Oblivion Remastered presents a nostalgic journey back to Cyrodiil, offering a visually enhanced and refined experience. While the modding community continues to be a significant factor, the remaster provides a convenient entry point for returning fans and newcomers alike. Whether it’s worth the price depends on individual preferences and priorities, but one thing remains certain: the world of Oblivion, in all its forms, continues to captivate.
