Can a game truly transport you back to a bygone era while simultaneously looking and playing better than ever before? The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, attempts to answer this question, and the results are a fascinating blend of nostalgia and modern upgrades.
The allure of revisiting Cyrodiil, the province at the heart of Oblivion, is undeniable. The original game, released in 2006, holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, offering a vast open world, a deep role-playing experience, and a sense of freedom that was groundbreaking at the time. The remastered version, developed by Virtuos in collaboration with Bethesda, endeavors to recapture that magic while addressing some of the technical limitations and design choices of the original. The core experience remains intact: players still embark on a heroic quest to save the world from the Daedric hordes, explore diverse environments, and build their characters through a variety of skills and attributes. However, the remaster promises a visual overhaul, refined gameplay mechanics, and, crucially, a smoother performance on modern hardware.
For those eager to delve back into the world of Tamriel, here is a breakdown of what the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered offers:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform Availability | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC |
| Price | $49.99 |
| Graphics & Performance | Includes all DLC, up to 4K resolution, Enhanced with PS5 Pro (60fps, up to 120fps, advanced ray tracing). |
| Gameplay Enhancements | Refined gameplay, Updated visuals and modernizations |
| Original Game's Features | The jankiness and goofy nature that made the original so special are retained |
| Development | Developed by Virtuos and Bethesda |
| Game Experience | Players can explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil, and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land |
More than just a visual upgrade, Oblivion Remastered aims to revitalize the gameplay experience. The original game's combat, while ambitious for its time, often felt clunky and imprecise. The remaster likely tackles these issues, introducing smoother animations, improved responsiveness, and potentially some tweaks to the enemy AI to make combat more engaging. Furthermore, the user interface and menu systems, which were clunky by today's standards, receive a much-needed overhaul. A cleaner, more intuitive interface will significantly improve the player experience, making it easier to manage inventory, skills, and quests.
The visual enhancements are a key selling point. Modern hardware allows for significantly improved textures, higher resolution models, and enhanced lighting effects. This ensures that the vibrant landscapes, detailed character models, and epic battles of Cyrodiil are rendered with stunning clarity. The promise of 4K resolution and a stable frame rate on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles is particularly enticing, as it would eliminate the performance issues that sometimes plagued the original release. Furthermore, the implementation of advanced features like ray tracing can dramatically improve the realism of the game's environments, creating a more immersive and visually captivating experience.
The decision to include all the DLC content in the remastered edition is also a welcome one. The original Oblivion had a robust post-launch support with several expansions, each adding new quests, locations, and items to the game. Including all of this content in the remaster ensures that players have access to the complete Oblivion experience, offering countless hours of gameplay and a wealth of additional content to explore.
However, it is important to approach the remaster with realistic expectations. The developers are not attempting to completely reinvent the wheel. The core gameplay mechanics and design choices of the original game will remain largely unchanged. This means that some of the more dated aspects of the game, such as the often-repetitive dungeon layouts and the sometimes-awkward character interactions, are still present. Fans of the original will likely appreciate the faithfulness to the source material, while new players might find some elements to be slightly out of touch with modern gaming conventions.
One area where the remaster truly shines is in the performance department. The original Oblivion, even on high-end PCs, could suffer from frame rate drops and other performance issues, particularly in densely populated areas or during large-scale battles. The remastered version, taking advantage of the power of modern consoles and PCs, promises a much smoother and more consistent experience. This is crucial for maintaining immersion and ensuring that the player can fully appreciate the beauty of Cyrodiil without being hampered by technical limitations. The option to play at 60fps or even up to 120fps on some platforms will undoubtedly enhance the gameplay experience, making combat more responsive and exploration more fluid.
The question of whether Oblivion Remastered is PS5 Pro Enhanced is another important consideration. The PlayStation Store confirms this, meaning the game will offer improved visual fidelity on the more powerful PS5 Pro console, with the potential for higher resolutions, improved textures, and more advanced graphical effects. While specific details about the implementation of these enhancements are still awaited, the prospect of playing Oblivion with enhanced visuals is a major selling point for PlayStation 5 owners.
The price point of $49.99 is a reasonable one for a remaster that includes the full game and all DLC. While it's available on the Xbox Game Pass service, the same does not apply to PlayStation users, making the purchase a necessary investment for those wishing to experience the game on that platform. The amount of content included in Oblivion Remastered, combined with the visual and performance improvements, makes the price justifiable. Furthermore, the enhanced visuals and refined gameplay ensure that it is a worthwhile purchase.
Beyond the technical aspects, it is important to consider what makes Oblivion so enduringly popular. The game's vast open world, filled with diverse environments, compelling quests, and memorable characters, is a major draw. Players can explore dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and bustling cities, each with its unique atmosphere and challenges. The freedom to create their characters, choose their skills, and shape their destinies provides a deep sense of immersion and player agency. This level of freedom is a hallmark of the Elder Scrolls series, and Oblivion offers an excellent example of this core design principle.
The remastered version also allows for the preservation of the unique charm that defined the original. The jankiness and goofy nature mentioned in reviews are a part of the game's character, and the developers are wise to preserve those quirks. This demonstrates a commitment to respecting the source material and ensuring that the remastered version does not lose what made the original so special. The remaster balances modern enhancements with a clear understanding of what made Oblivion a beloved classic.
The arrival of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered marks a significant event in the gaming landscape. It is a reminder of the enduring appeal of the 2006 RPG and a testament to the power of good game design. The combination of nostalgia, visual enhancements, and refined gameplay makes this remaster an exciting prospect for both returning fans and newcomers alike. With its improved performance, inclusion of all DLC, and the promise of enhanced visuals, Oblivion Remastered offers a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to return to the world of Cyrodiil.
