Senior game designer Bruce Nesmith, a key figure behind the original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has expressed his admiration for the newly released Oblivion Remastered by Bethesda and Virtuos. In a conversation with VideoGamer, Nesmith emphasized that the term "remaster" might not fully capture the extensive changes made to the game. He highlighted the immense effort involved in the original creation of Cyrodiil and was astounded by the comprehensive reimagining of the game.
"I was expecting just a texture update," Nesmith remarked. "But they've gone far beyond that with a complete overhaul, including new animations, a new animation system, integration with the Unreal Engine, a revamped leveling system, and an updated user interface. It's a transformation that touches every part of the game."
Although Bethesda kept the remaster under wraps until its surprise release, the community has been overwhelmingly positive about the myriad of changes, which span from subtle visual enhancements to significant gameplay modifications. New features like a sprint mechanic and alterations to the leveling system have led many, including Nesmith, to view Oblivion Remastered as closer to a remake than a mere remaster.
"The closest thing to categorize it would be Oblivion 2.0," Nesmith stated, adding, "It's a staggering amount of remastering. It almost needs its own word; 'remaster' doesn't do it justice."
In his discussion, Nesmith also attempted to define the scope of what he's seen: "The closest that could come [to categorising it] is Oblivion 2.0."
As fans celebrate the revitalization of Oblivion, Bethesda shared its reasoning behind the project's name in a statement on social media. The studio clarified that their intention was not to remake Oblivion but to enhance the beloved experience for both returning players and newcomers, preserving the essence of the game, 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 unveiled and released yesterday as a surprise drop from Bethesda. It's now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, and is included at no additional cost for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. The modding community has been actively engaging with the new release, reinvigorating the Elder Scrolls community.
For a deeper dive into Oblivion Remastered, we offer a comprehensive guide covering an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, and much more.
