I Will Avoid My Save Scumming Ways In Oblivion Remastered, And So Should You

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As a gaming enthusiast myself, I firmly believe that everyone should play games in their own unique way. Be it the difficulty level you prefer, the features you find useful, or how frequently you decide to quicksave and reload – it’s all part of the experience. If it brings joy and fun to your gaming journey, then by all means, continue! That, after all, is what video games are designed for: to entertain us and let us explore our digital worlds in the way that feels most enjoyable.

‘Save scumming’ is an age-old term that started humorously, but these days, it’s often used derisively by serious gaming enthusiasts on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Instead of immersing themselves in the actual gameplay, they seem to take pleasure in mocking others online more than anything else.

If you’re not already aware, save scumming is a term used for repeatedly saving your game and then reloading it whenever an undesired event occurs – such as failing at stealth or getting unlucky with dice rolls.

It’s A Needlessly Hostile Term To Throw Around

As a gamer, I admit the criticism may seem foolish, but its sting is undeniable. You see, I’m one of those who savors the experience, saving my games often and reloading when things don’t go as planned – because for me, getting what I desire from the game just enhances my enjoyment. It’s not a crime to do so, but neither is desiring events beyond my control. However, I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt whenever I reload a game, knowing some stranger out there might label me as ‘scum’.

Reflecting on my initial foray into the world of Oblivion, I can’t help but remember the pure, unspoiled sense of adventure that accompanied it. It’s this very naivety that makes save-scumming feel like a spoiler to the experience – not the act itself, but the impact it has on the journey.

Let me clarify: It’s not about telling you not to quicksave; it’s completely up to you on how you decide to play your video games.

As A Kid, These Worlds Were Experiences For Me

When video games are called ‘an experience’, it’s particularly true when you’re young. As a kid, I didn’t grasp that saving and reloading were options. Our family owned an original PlayStation with numerous games, but only my dad and older sister had memory cards. Since I was younger, I always started games afresh every time I played them.

With a memory card for my PlayStation 2, I was able to delve into these intriguing realms at my own pace over an extended period. The concept of reloading never crossed my mind; instead, my progress would replace the earlier saves, making my actions irrevocable. When the PS3 arrived, even without memory cards, I carried this mindset with me, which only served to amplify the nostalgia and vividness of those experiences.

One of my early PS3 games was The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, and I found myself deeply immersed in its enchanting universe for a whopping 70 hours. Despite this extensive playtime, I still stuck to using only one save file, an old habit of mine. If I stumbled upon something I shouldn’t have, I would face the penalty. If I upset someone unwantedly, I had to live with the repercussions. Then, sadly, my trusty steed met its end.

As I traversed the chilly peaks of the Jerall Mountains in Cyrodiil, my faithful steed met its untimely end. The loss left me heartbroken, yearning for a chance to reverse this tragic fate. But instead of seeking solace in a solution, I was consumed by sorrow. I covered the horse with a cloth and encircled it with burning torches as I bid my final farewells. With a heavy heart, I pressed onward.

What Would I Have Gained From Reloading?

As a gaming enthusiast, reflecting on my past, I can’t help but marvel at a moment that has left an indelible mark on me – the memory of my very first video game horse in Oblivion. If I had chosen to reload the game at that particular juncture, I fear I might never have cherished this memory as deeply. It would have been like erasing a piece of my gaming history, something I wouldn’t want to do, even if it meant avoiding potential pitfalls or challenges. Instead, here I am, a 27-year-old man, with this vivid recollection still fresh in my mind, standing as one of the defining moments when I reminisce about Oblivion.

Upon my return to Cyrodiil in Oblivion Remastered, the memory of this instance resurfaced once more. Nowadays, I’m someone who frequently saves and reloads progress, but reflecting on the purity associated with my horse’s last moments, I contemplated attempting to play Oblivion without relying on that practice again.

In a more relaxed and conversational style: I’ve got a fair amount of apprehensive excitement when it comes to taking my new horse out in this game, but that fear adds to the adventure in its own unique way. Whatever happens, happens, and sometimes those unexpected moments make our gaming experiences all the more special. Perhaps one day, when I’m 50, I’ll cherish memories from Oblivion Remastered as fondly as I do memories of the original game today.

I swear to the Nine, if it’s my horse dying again…

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2025-05-03 03:05