Bethesda released this Tuesday (22) the remastered version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. The studio completely remade the 2006 RPG in Unreal Engine 5, preserving the original structure and adding visual and mechanical improvements aimed at the new generation of players.
The new version was developed by Bethesda partner studio Virtuos. According to Todd Howard, the franchise's creative director, the term "Remastered" was chosen because "the game still retains many of the bones of the original title." Despite the visual overhaul, the adventure's narrative and structure remain faithful to the classic.
Modern graphics, but preserved soul
The remaster includes all the additional content from the game released nearly two decades ago, such as the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions. The developers rebuilt the technical elements from scratch, focusing on character models, lighting, animations, and visual effects.
The game also features a new, cleaner, and more intuitive interface and updated sound effects. The combat system now features tactile controls, new particle elements, and the ability to sprint, something missing from the original version. Furthermore, Howard emphasized that the goal was to "make Oblivion more accessible and exciting for today's players, without erasing its identity."
Skyrim's influence appears in the new progression system
The team revamped the leveling system and incorporated Skyrim mechanics like skill-based progression. This gives players more freedom to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle.
The game also features new voiceovers, adapted for the different playable races. The actors re-recorded their lines to bring the characters to life, but the developers retained the classic and quirky dialogue system from the original version. For many fans, this decision reinforces the remaster's nostalgic feel.
Immediate launch and presence on Game Pass
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is now available for download on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Within the Microsoft ecosystem, the title is now available directly on Game Pass, expanding access to the new version.
Players can now find Oblivion Remastered on sale for R$265.90 for the standard edition and R$319.90 for the Deluxe edition. The latter offers exclusive cosmetic items, a remastered soundtrack, and a digital book with development art. Both versions are available for download on Steam and the Xbox Store.
With a solid foundation and substantial improvements, Oblivion Remastered balances nostalgia with innovation, targeting both series veterans and new players. However, Bethesda hasn't yet revealed whether it plans to apply the same approach to other older titles in the franchise, such as Morrowind.
