Bruce Nesmith, a senior game designer for the original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has expressed profound admiration for the work done on Bethesda and Virtuos' newly released Oblivion Remastered. In a recent conversation with VideoGamer, Nesmith highlighted the extensive efforts that went into revitalizing the 2006 RPG, stating that the term "remaster" may not fully encapsulate the scope of the project.
Nesmith, who played a pivotal role in crafting the essence of the original game, was initially expecting a mere texture update. However, he was taken aback by the comprehensive overhaul that included revamped animations, a new animation system, integration with the Unreal Engine, modifications to the leveling system, and a redesigned user interface. "I mean, that's touching every part of the game," he remarked, emphasizing the depth of the changes.
Despite no official mention from Bethesda prior to its surprise launch, Oblivion Remastered has garnered significant praise from fans. The updates range from superficial visual enhancements to core gameplay adjustments, including a new sprint mechanic and alterations to the leveling system. These extensive changes have led many, including Nesmith, to view the project as more akin to a remake than a mere remaster. He suggested that the closest categorization might be "Oblivion 2.0," underscoring the magnitude of the rework by stating, "It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice."
In further discussions, Nesmith attempted to label the remaster as "Oblivion 2.0," reflecting on the substantial transformations it has undergone. As fans celebrate the remaster, Bethesda provided insight into their naming decision, clarifying in a social media statement that they "never wanted to remake" Oblivion. Their aim was to preserve the cherished experience while modernizing it for new players, "warts and all." Bethesda expressed their gratitude to fans and their hope that both new and returning players would feel as if they are experiencing the game for the first time upon stepping out of the Imperial sewer.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was unveiled and released as a shadow drop, available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access it at no additional cost. The game's release has sparked renewed enthusiasm within the Elder Scrolls community, particularly among modders responding to the surprise launch.
For those eager to explore the remastered version of Cyrodiil, a comprehensive guide is available. This guide includes an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, and a list of Things to Do First, ensuring players have all the resources needed to dive back into the world of Oblivion.
