What the Oblivion Remake Can Learn from the Bethesda RPGs That Followed the Original

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We’re nearly there! If whispers are true, we’re just a few days away from the surprise release of the remake for Xbox, PC, and PlayStation of the classic game “The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion”. Based on various leaks and reports about the upcoming remake, it seems this version will be more than just an update; it’s shaping up to be a substantial improvement over the 2006 original. This means potential enhancements in gameplay, engine technology, visuals, and other areas that we wouldn’t see with a simple remaster. The wish is that this new version of “Oblivion” will draw inspiration from the RPGs Bethesda Game Studios have produced since the original’s release, taking note of both what worked well and what could be improved upon.

It’s likely that we won’t see many significant alterations in the Oblivion remake. Despite the announced improvements, it’s expected to closely mirror the original game, much like a 1:1 replica. Unlike Resident Evil 2, it’s not planned for any major changes such as an open-world map with increased environmental diversity, substantial story or dialogue modifications, or other significant overhauls.

Conversely, it’s not completely unrealistic to anticipate minor adjustments in the design. There’s a rumor that developer Virtuos has rebuilt Oblivion using Unreal Engine 5, which could potentially mean that the switch in engines would alleviate some of the apparent limitations and constraints that were imposed on the original game due to the technology it was initially built upon. For example, issues such as the non-seamless map and procedurally generated dungeons could potentially be resolved with a remake, especially since it’s said to be developed using a new engine. Furthermore, one can only imagine how the various cities, towns, and civilized hubs scattered across Cyrodiil might be improved upon. The original game’s exploration of these cities was a highlight in 2006, but with all the new technology now at the developers’ disposal, could we possibly witness an even more intricate and immersive representation of those locations?

It’s no secret that delving into vast, diverse, bustling cities has long been one of the most captivating aspects of Bethesda RPG games, and this appeal has only grown over time. Regrettably, some gamers were disappointed with the city depiction in Starfield, but Skyrim and Fallout 4 certainly did not disappoint in this regard. Consequently, it wouldn’t be surprising if a modern Oblivion remake drew inspiration from the games that came after it and aimed to enhance its city locales in numerous ways. For example, NPC AI could undergo modifications to make their interactions with each other, the player, and their movement more seamless, addressing issues that the original game, which was notoriously janky, struggled with. Even though the cities on Cyrodiil’s map remain a delight to explore and get lost in today, I look forward to seeing improved versions in the remake.

In another aspect, the revamped version of “Oblivion” can introduce some thoughtful adjustments to enhance user experience. I don’t foresee substantial rewrites or rerecording of dialogues, but minor alterations could make a noticeable difference, particularly when combined. For instance, eliminating the quirky camera zoom that accompanies every conversation with non-player characters (NPCs) and characters might be beneficial. Although this zoom is synonymous with “Oblivion,” it doesn’t necessarily improve its somewhat rough narrative flow. Removing it in the remake could lead to a more streamlined experience.

It’s worth noting that subsequent games developed by Bethesda Game Studios (BGS) haven’t been hailed as storytelling masterpieces, but they have refined some of the studio’s earlier rough edges – many of which were quite evident in “The Elder Scrolls 4.” So, it’s hoped that the rumored remake will follow suit and polish its predecessor’s rough spots as well.

The upcoming remake of the game promises even more delightful updates, particularly regarding its gameplay mechanics. Previously, we’ve discussed potential improvements to combat, which was rather clunky in the original version. However, there are other areas where enhancements could be beneficial as well. For instance, the user interface and menus were notoriously messy and unfriendly in the original game. Bethesda has grappled with this issue over the years – even their other games like Starfield face similar problems – but they’ve learned from their mistakes. Games like Skyrim and Fallout 4 have shown significant improvements. It’s been reported that the Oblivion remake will address these UI issues, so let’s hope that managing inventory, sorting items, and other related tasks are smoother than before.

It’s important to address the issue of level progression in the original “Oblivion,” as many players have noted. The game employed a direct form of level scaling, where enemies would scale up to your level aggressively throughout the game. This often made it seem like there was no real progress being made, which was a significant drawback. Later Bethesda RPGs have also utilized level scaling, but they’ve at least tried to mitigate the issue by making it feel less problematic. For example, in “Skyrim,” enemy levels are scaled up when you enter a new area, but then they’re locked within that range moving forward. In “Fallout 4,” the world is populated with legendary enemies and challenging obstacles to create a difficulty curve that feels more like a gradual incline rather than a static line. The upcoming remake of “Oblivion” should take cues from these later Bethesda titles by refining its own progression mechanics.

Even after nearly two decades since its initial release, “The Elder Scrolls 4” remains a remarkable game, yet it’s undeniable that some aspects of it have grown outdated. This is largely due to subsequent games by Bethesda Game Studios surpassing it in certain crucial areas. If successful, Virtuos’ rumored remake could incorporate these advancements, enhancing a timeless masterpiece and offering an upgraded, definitive edition- assuming all goes well. The success of the remake will hinge on how open Virtuos and Bethesda are to modifications in the “Oblivion” remake, but it’s hoped that they will make improvements where feasible.

Please ensure that the article’s content reflects the personal opinions of the author, and does not attribute any views or opinions to GamingBolt as a collective entity.

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2025-04-21 07:43