The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – Review
OUR RATING: 9/10
The surprise release of Oblivion Remastered was news to many, and yet for some it was a long time coming, as there had been rumours for months. Sprinkle a few leaks, and needless to say, the days leading up to the shadow drop of one of biggest classics of all time were exciting for both fans and new players alike. But were Virtuous Games able to breathe new life into a 20-year old title, and does it still hold the same charm as it did back then? I’m happy to report that the answer in both cases is a solid yes.
At its core, Oblivion Remastered retains the same captivating narrative that drew players in nearly two decades ago. You start as a prisoner in the Imperial City, thrust into a world on the brink of chaos. The Emperor, Uriel Septim VII, entrusts you with a vital mission: to find his last living heir and prevent the Daedric forces from overrunning Tamriel. And thus begins a grand adventure that takes you all over Cyrodiil, which Virtuous has captured in all its majesty.
The standout feature of the original Oblivion had always been its open-world design. Players can choose to follow the main quest or wander off to engage in countless side quests, guilds, and adventures. The remaster enhances this freedom, making exploration even more immersive with improved graphics and quality-of-life updates. Whether you’re battling Mudcrabs or dungeon-diving into ancient ruins, the world feels alive, dangerous and enticing all at the same time, thanks to the visual upgrades. Making full use of Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts stunning graphics that elevate the experience to new heights. The lighting effects are dynamic, the environments are richly detailed, and character models have received significant improvements.
While the character models look fantastic, some players may find the facial animations a bit quirky. The remaster has introduced better lip-syncing, but the expressions can still come off as somewhat exaggerated. This oddity adds to the game’s charm, reminding us of the original’s eccentricities. The NPCs still have that unique, sometimes goofy personality that fans have come to love. Virtuous has made sure to maintain a careful balance that brings the remaster to current-gen tech without taking away what made the original so memorable.
The landscapes of Cyrodiil are more breathtaking than ever. From lush forests to sprawling cities, every corner of the map is a visual treat. The addition of environmental effects, such as dynamic weather and improved water physics, makes the world feel immersive. Exploring the vast wilderness or wandering through the bustling streets of the Imperial City is a feast for the eyes.
Beyond the visual upgrades, Oblivion Remastered introduces several quality-of-life enhancements that streamline gameplay. These changes make the experience smoother and more enjoyable, especially for newcomers to the series.
Combat has seen notable improvements. The remaster introduces new animations and mechanics that make battles feel more fluid and responsive. Enemies now react more realistically to hits, adding a satisfying layer to the combat experience. Whether you prefer melee weapons, archery, or magic, the revamped combat system allows for a more engaging experience.
One of the most significant changes is the leveling system. In the original game, players had to focus on specific skills to level up effectively, which could lead to frustrating situations. The remaster simplifies this process, allowing all skills to contribute to leveling. This change makes character progression more intuitive and less punishing, enabling players to explore different playstyles without fear of creating an ineffective character.
The music and sound design in Oblivion Remastered remains as enchanting as ever. The iconic soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule, continues to evoke a sense of adventure and wonder. The orchestral pieces enhance the atmosphere, whether you’re exploring a serene forest or engaging in a fierce battle.
While many of the original voice lines return, the remaster introduces new voice actors to add variety to the NPCs. This change helps to create a more immersive experience, as each race and gender combination now has its unique voice. Additionally, the sound design has been improved, with ambient sounds that make the world feel more alive. From the rustling of leaves to the distant sounds of wildlife, every detail contributes to the overall immersion.
Despite the impressive upgrades, Oblivion Remastered is not without its technical issues. Sadly, a lot of these issues have become a bit too familiar to UE5 games. Framerate drops and stutters are common, particularly in busy areas or during intense combat sequences. While these issues are not game-breaking, they can detract from the overall experience. The remaster also retains some of the quirks and bugs that were there in the game 20 years ago. While it addresses many of the original’s issues, players may still encounter minor glitches. These can range from visual oddities to quest-related bugs. However, for many fans, these quirks are part of the charm that makes Oblivion feel like home.
One of the most exciting aspects of Oblivion Remastered is the inclusion of all the original DLCs. Players can now access expansions like Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine without additional purchases. The remaster seamlessly weaves these expansions into the main game, allowing players to discover new quests organically. Instead of being bombarded with quest notifications, players will hear rumors and encounter characters that lead them to these additional adventures, encouraging exploration and making the world feel more cohesive.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a love letter to fans of the original game. It successfully captures the essence of what made Oblivion a classic while enhancing the experience with modern graphics and quality-of-life improvements. Whether you’re a veteran returning to Cyrodiil or a newcomer experiencing the game for the first time, there’s something special in this game for you. In my opinion, this remaster is a must-play for anyone who enjoys RPGs, especially if you like Bethesda games.
