The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion senior game designer Bruce Nesmith has expressed his awe at Bethesda and Virtuos' Oblivion Remastered, suggesting that calling it a remaster might not fully capture its scope and quality. Nesmith, who played a pivotal role in crafting the original 2006 RPG, shared his thoughts in a recent interview with VideoGamer. He highlighted the dedication behind the original game's development and was pleasantly surprised by the extensive reimagining of Cyrodiil in the remastered version.
"I was expecting just a texture update," Nesmith admitted. "But what they've announced is a complete overhaul... From redoing the animations and the animation system, to integrating the Unreal Engine, revamping the leveling system, and redesigning the user interface—they've touched every part of the game."
Although Bethesda did not officially announce Oblivion Remastered before its surprise release, fans have been overwhelmingly positive about the numerous enhancements, ranging from visual upgrades to significant gameplay changes. Features such as a new sprint mechanic and alterations to the leveling system have led many, including Nesmith, to view it as more of a remake than a remaster.
Nesmith remarked, "The closest that could come [to categorizing it] is Oblivion 2.0. That's a staggering amount of remastering. It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice."
In his discussion, Nesmith also tried to encapsulate his impressions of Oblivion Remastered, stating, "The closest that could come [to categorizing it] is Oblivion 2.0."
As the community celebrates the detailed work on Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda has shared its own reasoning for the re-release's title. In a social media statement, the studio emphasized that their intention was not to remake Oblivion but to preserve the beloved experience while modernizing it for a new audience, warts and all.
"We know many of our longtime fans will be thrilled to revisit Oblivion and the land of Cyrodiil," Bethesda's statement continued. "But there are also so many who have never played it. We can’t thank you enough for all the support you have given us and our games over the years. Our hope with this remaster is that no matter who you are, when you step out of the Imperial sewer – you feel like you’re experiencing it for the first time."
Oblivion Remastered was unveiled and released as a shadow drop by Bethesda, now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy it at no additional cost. The modding community has also responded enthusiastically to the unexpected launch, further invigorating the Elder Scrolls community.
For those eager to dive into Oblivion Remastered, a comprehensive guide awaits, featuring an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, and much more.
