Remember the days when you roamed Cyrodiil and noticed not a single beard in sight? Well, prepare to chuckle at the subtle yet quirky update of Oblivion Remastered—facial hair is finally here! That’s right, Bethesda’s once-beardless world now has scruffy NPCs and a few mustaches that add a bit of flavor. Sure, slapping on some beards doesn’t overhaul the core gameplay, but it’s a fun nod to a game that’s as much about its oddities as its epic adventure.
A Nod to the Original Charm For longtime fans, Oblivion has always been a mixed bag of both dazzling visuals and unintentionally unsettling character models. Even with the slick facelift courtesy of Unreal Engine 5, many of the characters still retain that quirky, “something’s not quite right” vibe—an aspect that game director Todd Howard famously embraced. The remaster doesn’t shy away from the jank that gives Oblivion its distinctive personality; instead, it preserves that same offbeat charm. It’s like your favorite vintage band getting a modern remix—better sound quality but still that genuine, raw spirit.
Visuals and Gameplay Tweaks Let’s talk tech. The remaster’s visuals have been entirely redone to take advantage of the powerhouse Unreal Engine 5, giving the province of Cyrodiil an upgrade that’s impossible to ignore. However, even with all that graphical wizardry, some things aren’t quite perfect. The characters, while sporting fresh facial hair and reworked attack animations, still feel a bit off in the looks department. Combat remains as sticky as ever—not exactly the adrenaline-pumping brawl one might hope for, but relatable in a weird way if you’re used to classic Bethesda combat mechanics.
The developers at Virtuos have taken a nuanced approach. They’ve updated several outdated mechanics with a gentle touch: streamlined leveling that still honors the traditional class system (but now makes soft-locking less of a headache) and consolidated UI and menus that feel more modern. Despite these improvements, if you’re scanning the screen for a complete overhaul, the classic Oblivion map still looks just like the original—proof that some things are too iconic to change.
Who’s This Game For? If you’re a purist who loves spotting the minute oddities in a well-worn game or a newcomer curious about a storied franchise with a hearty dose of nostalgia and unexpected twists, Oblivion Remastered strikes that fine balance between familiarity and new life. The remaster isn’t about perfecting every flaw; it’s about celebrating what made the original a beloved classic—even if that means a few janky quirks remain.
In a nutshell, Oblivion Remastered is a love letter to fans of the original game. It offers improved graphics and modern tweaks, yet boldly retains the idiosyncrasies that made you fall in love with it in the first place. Whether you’re roaming around a recently bearded NPC or chuckling at an awkward animation, this remaster is sure to evoke both nostalgia and a few good laughs.
For the full story and more detailed insights, check out the original piece over at GameSpot.
Source: This article was inspired by content from Gamespot . All images belong to their respective owners.