On April 23, 2025, Bethesda Softworks officially announced and began distributing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, a remastered version of the beloved open-world RPG originally released between 2006 and 2007. The game is now available on multiple platforms including PC (Steam/Microsoft Store), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, and it supports Japanese language display. This remaster has already gained significant attention, with a peak concurrent player count exceeding 180,000 on Steam, according to SteamDB.
Oblivion is the fourth installment in The Elder Scrolls series, set in the province of Cyrodiil, located at the heart of Tamriel. The storyline kicks off with the death of the Emperor, leading to the opening of the Oblivion Gates that threaten to unleash chaos upon the world. Players are tasked with finding the hidden heir to the throne and preventing a catastrophic plot that could lead to destruction.
The remaster, developed by Virtuos, known for titles like Resident Evil 4, utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to deliver modern graphics while retaining the original game's core elements. According to Alex Murphy, the executive producer at Virtuos, the remaster maintains "Oblivion's game engine as the brain, and UE5 as the body," ensuring that the original game logic and systems remain intact while enhancing the visual experience.
The remaster features several notable improvements, including updated graphics with 4K resolution, 60 frames per second performance, and new textures that enhance the visual fidelity of the game. Additionally, players can expect improved lighting effects, dynamic environments influenced by time and weather, and a revamped user interface that enhances playability.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, the remaster introduces quality-of-life features such as auto-save functionality and the ability to dash, allowing for a more fluid gaming experience. The standard edition includes not only the base game but also the expansion stories Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine, providing players with a wealth of content to explore.
As of the article's writing, over 2,400 reviews have been posted on Steam, with approximately 82% of players rating the remaster positively, granting it a "Very Positive" status. Bethesda aims to evoke nostalgia while introducing modern enhancements, hoping that players will feel as if they are experiencing the game anew. "We hope everyone can feel that sense of stepping out of the Imperial City sewers for the first time, no matter how they play," a representative from Bethesda stated.
Despite the major visual upgrades, Bethesda has emphasized that Oblivion Remastered is not a remake but a careful remaster, ensuring that the charm and feel of the original game are preserved. The development team has been cautious to upgrade the game systems and balance without altering the core gameplay experience that fans cherish.
Originally, Oblivion was groundbreaking for its time, introducing various innovative features in the realm of open-world RPGs, including a complex AI system and a vast world filled with quests. Players could customize their characters by choosing races and appearances, and once the tutorial was complete, they could freely decide their goals and paths within the game.
The remaster has sparked discussions among players, with many praising the graphical enhancements and gameplay improvements while others appreciate the retention of the game's quirky systems that made the original a cult classic. The decision to base the remaster on the original game engine, the Creation Engine, has proven to be a successful strategy, allowing players to enjoy both the nostalgia of the original and the benefits of modern technology.
In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bethesda's flagship series. With its combination of updated visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and the preservation of the original's charm, the remaster is set to attract both veteran players and newcomers alike.
As the gaming community continues to engage with this remaster, it remains to be seen how it will influence the future of the Elder Scrolls series and the broader RPG genre. For now, players can dive back into the world of Cyrodiil and relive the adventures that defined a generation of gamers.
