Hey there, fellow Tamriel wanderers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a soft spot for the classic quirks of Oblivion—even if that means embracing some truly odd character designs. The latest remaster injects a bit of unexpected grit (literally, with facial hair) into our beloved world of Cyrodiil, and boy, is it a trip down memory lane with a modern twist.
Inspired by the original’s “no-scruff” rule, Oblivion Remastered now boasts a smattering of beards and mustaches popped onto a few lucky NPCs throughout the immense province. Sure, it might seem like a minor aesthetic tweak, but for longtime fans, these little details are a refreshing nod to evolution without losing the game’s infamous character design quirks. I mean, let’s be honest—Oblivion isn’t truly Oblivion if some of its inhabitants still have that delightfully unsettling vibe.
Graphics and Visuals – A Modern Update with a Dash of Nostalgia The remaster has been completely overhauled with Unreal Engine 5, giving us a jaw-dropping world that’s a sight for sore eyes. Lush environments and vastly improved textures make wandering through Cyrodiil feel like exploring a living painting. But—and it’s a big but—even with these impressive visuals, the character models still shout “classic Bethesda” with all their endearing imperfections. If you adore a game that balances contemporary graphics with a healthy dose of old-school charm, this is definitely your cup of tea (or perhaps a flagon of mead).
Gameplay and Mechanics – Familiar Yet Fresh The development team over at Virtuos clearly knew what they were doing. They left intact much of the beloved “jank” that fans have come to expect—even if it means some head-scratching moments along the way. The attack animations have been redone to feel smoother, though the combat itself remains as “characterful” as ever (read: somewhat clunky). The streamlined leveling system still honors the classic class mechanics and, thanks to some thoughtful tweaks, it’s a lot harder to get soft-locked than in the original. For veteran players, this makes it a comfortable blend of nostalgia and quality-of-life improvements, while newbies might have to navigate some of the quirks left over from yesteryear.
User Interface and Maps – A Nod to the Past For those of us who cherish the original feel of navigating Tamriel, you’ll be happy (and maybe a bit amused) to know that Oblivion’s iconic map screen remains unchanged. The UI and menus have been consolidated and given a slick, modern update, melding seamlessly with the remastered aesthetic. It’s a delicate balance—offering a fresh user experience without stripping away the elements that made the original game so memorable.
Overall Experience and Who Should Jump In Oblivion Remastered walks a fine line between honoring the past and embracing the future. It’s perfect for longtime fans who appreciate every quirky, off-putting detail that makes the game so uniquely endearing. That said, newcomers might find themselves scratching their heads at some of the inherited “jank” that even a tech upgrade couldn’t entirely fix. But if you’re up for an adventure that’s as much about the journey as it is the cozy familiarity of an aged classic, this remaster is your ticket back to Cyrodiil.
For a deeper dive and to catch the original review’s full context, check out GameSpot’s review here: Continue Reading at GameSpot.
Source: This article was inspired by content from Gamespot . All images belong to their respective owners.