Top 7 Open-World RPGs Like Oblivion Remastered

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Summary

  • Oblivion Remastered enhanced beloved visuals and quests without sacrificing the game’s soul.
  • GreedFall offers intricate faction relationships and a unique 17th-century-inspired setting.
  • Dragon Age: Origins provides intense roleplaying and layered narratives with brutal decision-making.

On April 22, 2025, the remastered version of “Oblivion” was released, and it didn’t have to rewrite its story or create a new world to captivate audiences. Instead, it simply enhanced what was already cherished – the vast Cyrodiil forests, the endearing yet quirky character models, and quests that ranged from grand epic tales to delightfully peculiar adventures. Now, with this classic game given a fresh, modern appearance, players can’t wait for more of the immersive open-world, choice-rich RPG experience it offers.

Beyond just Daedric shrines and Nirnroot glow, the allure of Oblivion runs deeper. It’s about getting engrossed in the world, exploring it, and experiencing a sense that every move triggers a reaction from the environment. Some other games attempt to recreate this enchantment, be it through intricate world-building, significant roleplay, or even a perfectly timed Mudcrab attack.

7. GreedFall

Where Muskets Meet Magic

2019’s unexpected hit game by spiders, titled GreedFall, might not initially remind you of Oblivion. However, it’s during conversations when the similarities become apparent. Players are consistently faced with choices about their alliances, managing conflicts between factions, and decisions that have lasting impacts on the storyline.

In the fantasy setting of a 17th-century-inspired colony, GreedFall provides a unique visual experience, blending elements such as tricorn hats and musket pistols with tribal sorcery and mythical creatures. The game’s world may not be vast, but it is thoughtfully constructed with interconnected areas that encourage exploration and curiosity. Although it lacks the smoothness of larger-budget RPGs, it compensates with significant quests and companions who respond to your choices.

Similar to the game Oblivion, GreedFall empowers players to craft their unique journey. Whether you choose diplomacy, deceit, or raw power, each method proves effective and authentic. The “Disguise” feature, which allows players to don enemy attire for camp infiltration, has a whiff of a former Thieves Guild member about it.

6. Dragon Age: Origins

BioWare’s Crown Jewel Still Holds Up

Dragon Age: Origins continues to be mentioned in nearly every RPG conversation because it delves deeply into role-playing experiences. This game takes place in the dismal, disease-stricken continent of Ferelden, where your origin story significantly alters how the world interacts with you, and major decisions can have dire consequences – they might cost someone their life or even elevate them to a crown.

In contrast to Oblivion, the world in Origins is divided into substantial regions instead of presenting a single continuous map. However, each locale, whether it’s the embattled dwarven city of Orzammar or the cursed woodland of the Brecilian, possesses depth, both story-wise and geographically. There are no scarcity of morally complex situations here; decisions can be harsh, politics ruthless, and companions may depart or perish if provoked excessively due to their strong convictions.

The likeness between Dragon Age: Origins and Oblivion that captivates fans lies in the shared sense of “this world is vast beyond my comprehension.” In much the same way as Tamriel, each significant event is preceded or followed by a multitude of smaller tales hidden within nooks and crannies of the map, waiting to be uncovered.

5. Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

A Cult Classic That Refused To Die

In 2012, upon its initial release, Kingdoms of Amalur seemed as if it originated from a parallel universe where the offspring of Oblivion and Fable exhibited excessive energy. The game’s realm, the Faelands, is brimming with history due to renowned author R.A. Salvatore writing its lore, but what captivated many players was the engaging, combo-rich battle system.

In 2020, the remastered version of Re-Reckoning, called “Revitalization,” significantly improved the gameplay by adjusting the balance, eliminating glitches, and streamlining the intricate questlines for smoother navigation. The abundance of side quests is nearly overwhelming, but hidden within them are full-blown story arcs rich in political machinations, haunted towns, and emotional narrative twists.

In comparison to Oblivion Remastered‘s responsive game world and NPC memory, Kingdoms of Amalur might not match up perfectly, but it excels in the thrill of exploration. Just like discovering another marker on the map in Oblivion, you’ll find yourself drawn into hidden caves, ancient ruins, and secret factions in Amalur. Moreover, its Destiny system, which allows players to change classes during gameplay, offers the same intrigue as sampling various effects of skooma without knowing exactly what will transpire next.

4. Fallout: New Vegas

War Never Changes, But Dialogue Wheels Do

It’s challenging to fully express just how closely related Fallout: New Vegas is to Oblivion, and the reverse is also true. Sharing the open-world characteristics of Bethesda, New Vegas, created by Obsidian, introduced a more refined narrative and increased player autonomy to the post-apocalyptic Mojave landscape.

One fantastic aspect for players of Oblivion Remastered is the vast array of possible narrative endings. Aligning with Caesar’s Legion, the New California Republic, or choosing the anarchy path with Yes Man, transforms the finale into a mirror of numerous past choices you’ve made. The writing is exceptionally sharp, the factions are morally ambiguous, and the world is richly detailed with subtle environmental storytelling elements that reward explorers who venture off the main trail.

In contrast to the verdant landscapes found in Oblivion Remastered, the Mojave Wasteland compensates by offering a unique personality. From encountering solar-powered cult members to conversing with a robot cowboy named Victor, Fallout: New Vegas demonstrates that immersion isn’t reliant on realism; instead, it thrives on consistency.

3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

History Nerds Eat Well Here

In “Kingdom Come: Deliverance,” there’s no presence of elves, magic, or enchanted swords like Frostbane. Instead, it offers a gritty, authentic experience of 15th-century Bohemia, with mud, steel, and an unyielding dedication to historical accuracy. The game reimagines the wilderness exploration from “Oblivion,” but removes the fantasy elements, resulting in a world that seems real and inhabited.

The battle system is challenging yet accurate, modeled on authentic medieval sword-fighting techniques. Each confrontation carries the intensity of a duel, and every injury counts significantly. You’ll need to juggle provisions, exhaustion, and prestige, as bribes won’t erase crimes from the guards’ memories—they’ll recognize your face, just like the townsfolk will too.

This narrative centers around Henry, the blacksmith’s son, unwittingly drawn into political turmoil. Although his journey has a predetermined course compared to Cyrodiil’s Champion, there’s ample opportunity for roleplay. Players can choose to delve into reading and alchemy or opt for a knight with a somewhat ambiguous moral code. The questlines may veer off in unforeseen directions, and the outcomes of conversations can range from diplomatic resolutions to duels based on player preparation. This game might not appeal to everyone, but those who enjoy the deliberate pace of the Oblivion Remastered will discover a richly satisfying experience here.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Side Quests Better Than Most Main Quests

In 2015, when The Witcher 3 was released, it set such a high standard for open-world role-playing games that, to this day, over a decade later, it’s still frequently mentioned in conversations about Game of the Year.

In contrast to the game Oblivion, Geralt, the character, is pre-defined, yet player choices play a significant role. The dialogues, investigations, and even contracts can take unexpected turns depending on how well players prepare in advance. However, it’s the side quests that truly stand out in this game. These include assisting a fallen witcher in dealing with his past repercussions, or tracking down cursed dolls deep within a swamp. Unlike some games where side quests are merely additional content, these often have more emotional impact than the main storyline itself.

This continent may seem bleak, but it’s teeming with eccentric humor, authentic characters, and secrets tucked away in deserted shrines and monster lairs. Gamers who enjoyed rummaging through Ayleid ruins in the Oblivion Remastered will find themselves comfortable delving into ancient crypts brimming with wraiths and long-forgotten scrolls.

1. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

The Sequel That Stole The Spotlight

Skyrim, though possibly considered the younger sibling of Oblivion, or even older when considering Oblivion Remastered, swiftly emerged as the emblematic representative for open-world RPGs. It’s no wonder it has been remade multiple times, more than the number of Daedric Princes in Tamriel.

As a dedicated fan, I must confess that Skyrim, while refining certain mechanisms from Oblivion, truly excelled in broadening the game world in captivating ways. From commanding dragons to scramble the skies, to aligning (or dismantling) entire factions, I found myself engrossed for countless hours, simply by picking flowers and vanquishing trolls.

The reason it’s an ideal sequel to Oblivion Remastered isn’t just its familiarity; it’s the transformation. Although the graphics might not be as striking, given that Skyrim is almost 15 years old, elements such as the Radiant Quest system, which guarantees events remain dynamic, combined with a robust modding community, make it an excellent choice for a game to follow up Oblivion Remastered.

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2025-04-26 06:27