Oblivion Remastered Feels Like It Borrows A Lot From The Elder Scrolls Online, In The Best Way

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If you’ve been engrossed in Oblivion Remastered, whether as a fresh or re-emerged (passionate) enthusiast, and find yourself yearning for more gameplay even after the end credits, I have some exciting news: Essentially, The Elder Scrolls Online offers the same experience.

Bethesda’s MMO set in a fantasy world was launched more than ten years ago and has grown into an extensive adventure spanning most of Tamriel – from familiar locales to provinces that have not been featured in any mainline Elder Scrolls game. As we revisit Cyrodiil amidst the Oblivion Crisis, the slight adjustments made by Virtuos to the game give it a surprisingly comparable feel to ESO (Elder Scrolls Online).

The Best MMO For Non-MMO Fans

It’s been challenging for me to adapt to Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs). Although I’ve dabbled in games like Guild Wars 2, Final Fantasy 14, and Tera, the genre can be intimidating due to its numerous user interface components and intricate live-service systems that require a learning curve for someone like me who didn’t primarily grow up playing PC games.

In 2014, when The Elder Scrolls Online debuted, I was delighted by more than just having an authentic Elder Scrolls adventure in a multiplayer setting. What truly set it apart from other MMOs was its ability to feel unlike a typical massively multiplayer game. Despite accommodating larger groups of players within the settlements and interiors, it skillfully avoided the visual clutter common in many MMOs due to their complex HUD and UI designs.

Upon firing up Oblivion Remastered for the first time, I experienced a delightful surprise once again. While the stunning redesign of the world using Unreal Engine 5 is undeniably impressive, it was the modifications to the user interface – notably the HUD during gameplay – that reminded me distinctly of ESO.

In a style reminiscent of an opponent’s health indicators beneath a compass, and incorporating elements like health, magic, and stamina bars borrowed from Skyrim’s interface, the layout in The Elder Scrolls Online felt strikingly similar to that in Oblivion. This familiarity made it easy for new players of Oblivion to transition smoothly into playing The Elder Scrolls Online.

The Elder Scrolls Online Is Still Going Strong

As a devoted fan of the Elder Scrolls series for many years, I’m thoroughly enjoying every moment of Oblivion Remastered, as it seems like the long-awaited comeback of the franchise after more than a decade, even though it is an enhanced version of a previous game. I won’t pretend that ESO will deliver the authentic single-player Elder Scrolls experience – it maintains its unique standalone character. But make no mistake, it shines on its own merits and truly embodies ‘The Elder Scrolls’, with captivating narratives deeply rooted in Tamriel’s history, cultures, and mythology.

If you’re an admirer of the series, it’s likely that you’ve given Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) a try at some point. However, if you haven’t, or perhaps you stopped playing earlier, or are just now diving into this series through Oblivion Remastered, I wholeheartedly suggest ESO. Oblivion Remastered serves as an excellent introduction to the series, and while there will still be a learning curve, being an MMO, it offers countless compelling stories and stunning locations to keep you hooked until The Elder Scrolls 6 arrives (if we’re not all turned into skeletons by then).

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2025-05-01 02:11