The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has recently made waves in the gaming community, receiving overwhelming praise from players across various platforms. Within days of its release, the remaster attracted over 4 million players, a testament to the enduring popularity of The Elder Scrolls series. Veteran players are rediscovering the rich landscapes of Cyrodiil, while newcomers are experiencing what made the original game a classic when it first launched in 2006.
One of the standout features of Oblivion Remastered is its attention to detail, particularly in the form of Easter eggs that enrich the gameplay experience. Among these is a darkly humorous nod to the Star Wars franchise, featuring the charred body of Anakin Skywalker on the shore of a lava lake inside the first Oblivion gate encountered in the game. This Easter egg, a reference to a pivotal moment in Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, has resonated with fans who appreciate the subtle world-building it offers. Players familiar with the franchise recognize the pose of the body, which mirrors Anakin's after his defeat on the lava planet Mustafar.
For those looking to find this particular Easter egg, it can be located by heading towards the west shore of the lava pool within the Kvatch Oblivion gate. Players who venture there will see the body half-submerged, a clever homage that showcases the developers' love for pop culture and their intent to keep the spirit of the original game alive. This reference has sparked excitement among players, both old and new, as it highlights the game's charm and the creativity behind its design.
In addition to these Easter eggs, Oblivion Remastered offers players the opportunity to purchase a variety of homes throughout the game. There are twelve different properties available, including four free homes from the DLC. The cheapest option is the Imperial Shack, located in the Waterfront District of the Imperial City, which costs 2000 Gold. This small starter home provides a waterfront view, making it an accessible choice for new players.
As players progress, they can consider upgrading to larger homes, such as the Bravil House for 4000 Gold or the haunted Benirus Manor in Anvil for 5000 Gold, which requires players to complete a quest to exorcise the ghosts haunting the property. The Leyawiin House, priced at 7000 Gold, offers a larger space but is not considered a great investment compared to other options. Players who seek a more luxurious abode can aim for Rosethorn Hall in Skingrad, the most expensive house available at 25000 Gold, which features opportunities for hiring help and additional quests.
Oblivion Remastered also retains the charm of the original game while improving upon its graphics and gameplay mechanics. The graphical overhaul, powered by a switch to the Unreal Engine, brings the game into the modern era, enhancing the visual experience with stunning landscapes and character designs. Players have noted that the new visuals breathe fresh life into the familiar world, allowing for both nostalgia and new discoveries.
Moreover, the audio experience has been revamped, retaining classic sound effects while introducing new ones that enhance the overall atmosphere. The leveling system has also been improved, blending elements from both the original game and Skyrim to create a more fluid experience. However, despite these advancements, some players have expressed concerns about lingering bugs and optimization issues that can detract from the overall experience.
In a review by PC Gamer, the game was described as a beautiful remaster that captures the essence of the original while leaving some older issues untouched. The reviewer highlighted the game's gorgeous environments and the nostalgia it evokes, but also pointed out the simplistic animations and expressions of character models that clash with the enhanced graphics. Bugs, including issues with subtitles and quest-related glitches, have also been reported, reminding players that while the remaster is a significant improvement, it still carries some of the quirks from its predecessor.
Another review by Travis Northup on Xbox Series X praised the remaster for recapturing the essence of the original game, while also noting that some design choices, such as enemy scaling, were not adequately addressed. Despite the bugs, the reviewer found the game to be an enjoyable nostalgic adventure that allows for plentiful freedom in gameplay.
As players dive back into the world of Oblivion, they are greeted with a mix of familiar and new experiences. From exploring the vibrant landscapes and engaging in quests to discovering hidden Easter eggs, Oblivion Remastered offers a rich and immersive experience for both returning fans and newcomers alike. The blend of nostalgia, improved mechanics, and a vibrant world ensures that this remaster stands out as a significant entry in the series.
Ultimately, the remaster serves as a love letter to fans, inviting them to relive their adventures in Cyrodiil while also providing new players with a chance to experience the magic of Oblivion for the first time. With its engaging storylines, expansive world, and the charm that made the original a classic, Oblivion Remastered is sure to captivate players for years to come.
