Review in Progress: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Like a member of the Mythic Dawn emerging from the shadows with ill intent, the remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has arrived quite unexpectedly. Yet, unlike its sinister counterpart, this is a surprise I’ll eagerly embrace. As an ardent fan of this RPG classic, I’ve already dedicated over 24 hours immersing myself in its world once more. From sealing Oblivion gates as Kvatch’s hero to striking bargains with Daedric deities and fighting for glory in the Imperial City arena, this remastered version has surpassed my expectations with its impressive enhancements. Fresh from revisiting the original, the improvements in user interface, voice lines, and particularly the graphical advancements have breathed new life into the nearly two-decade-old gem. Nonetheless, some quirks remain, like awkward horse animations, broken quests, and intermittent framerate stutters. Yet, as someone uncharitable towards nostalgia’s mere allure, I find myself captivated by this quirky open-world experience.

Arguably, the most significant upgrade in Oblivion Remastered lies in its visuals. Although it may not match today’s highest standards, the transformation from its 2006 predecessor is noteworthy. The entire landscape now appears crisply detailed, offering a draw distance that was only a fantasy during my teenage years. The lighting, shadows, and improved character lip syncing are quite remarkable. However, not everything received such a makeover; NPC faces, unfortunately, remain largely as comically crude and occasionally cross-eyed as ever. Yet, such flaws feel oddly fitting for the authentic Oblivion experience. While not every creature or character compares to today’s big-budget visuals, the remaster beautifully captures the original’s spirit and style, making me almost believe it looked this good back in 2006.

The addition of a sprint function is perhaps the most dramatic change to gameplay in this remaster. For those unfamiliar, Oblivion originally lacked a sprint capability—a notion that’s nearly unimaginable now. This new ability, akin to a blessing from the divine Akatosh, vastly improves exploration. The trade-off of stamina loss while sprinting is a minor inconvenience, especially since the whole map feels more accessible, with cities and dungeons now easier to traverse. This change actually makes me more invested in boosting skills and magical enhancements that replenish my stamina, since it’s now essential for almost everything. Despite needing a bit more strategy, speeding through familiar territories makes the game significantly less cumbersome.

Additionally, the overhaul of the user interface, skills, and leveling system introduces fresh layers to the gameplay, complemented by the Character Origins feature that tweaks initial stats. The UI updates reflect modern design principles, with helpful additions that might go unnoticed. The compass now resides at the screen’s top, showcasing enhanced detail, while health, magicka, and stamina indicators are spaced evenly for better clarity. Menus are more intuitive, allowing quicker access to spells and character stats. Some elements still feel dated—like the quest log awkwardly popping up mid-game—but these interruptions haven’t significantly impacted my enjoyment. I’ve yet to fully evaluate the revamped leveling and skill changes, but they’re intriguing so far.

Virtuous Games led this remaster, but true to its roots, it remains a quintessential Bethesda creation, quirks and all. Odd occurrences persist, like Oblivion gates that vanish or elusive NPCs who defy quest instructions. Thankfully, workarounds often exist, so these bugs don’t derail progress entirely. Yet, performance hitches—like framerate drops when autosaving or during crowded combat scenarios—are all too familiar, especially on the Xbox Series X. While mostly amusing, these quirks are a reminder that even after two decades, some blemishes remain in this fantastical realm.

These are just my initial impressions, but a comprehensive review will follow soon. I plan to complete the main story, revisit the Shivering Isles, and perhaps stir some chaos across Cyrodiil for nostalgic delight as those classic Imperial guards attempt to arrest me repeatedly. For now, my focus shifts to catching a case of vampirism, as one does. Until next time, farewell.