Discover the insights of an original developer on the world-scale leveling system in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Dive into how this feature has impacted the game and the broader reception of this beloved classic.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Changes Applauded by Former Dev
A former developer of Oblivion has openly shared his views on the game's world-scale leveling system, a feature that remains in the remastered version. In a revealing interview with VideoGamer, Bruce Nesmith, who designed quests and systems for Oblivion, Fallout 3, Skyrim, and Starfield, discussed the implications of this system.
Nesmith praised the adjustments made to the leveling system in Oblivion Remastered, noting that it aligns more with the mechanics seen in Skyrim, making it more approachable for today's gamers. Originally, players had to level up their major skills and rest to increase their attributes, but the remaster introduces an XP system akin to Skyrim, which Nesmith described as a "brave" move by Bethesda.
Despite these enhancements, Nesmith expressed regret over the retention of the world-scale leveling system. This system, which adjusts enemy levels to match the player's, was criticized for making player progression feel less impactful. Nesmith admitted, "I think the world leveling with you was a mistake and that’s proven out by the fact it did not happen the same way in Skyrim." The original game's fans have long voiced these concerns, leading to the creation of mods to alter this system, a trend that continues with the remastered version.
Oblivion Remastered is More Than Just a Remaster
The remaster of Oblivion has exceeded many expectations, surprising even Nesmith, who anticipated only minor graphical updates similar to Skyrim: Special Edition. In another VideoGamer interview, he commended the extensive efforts put into the remaster, stating, "[It’s] a staggering amount of remastering. It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice."
Bethesda has indeed gone above and beyond with Oblivion Remastered, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to completely rebuild the world of Tamriel. This has not only overcome the limitations of the original game but also earned widespread acclaim from the gaming community for its exceptional quality. At Game8, we awarded Oblivion Remastered a 90 out of 100, celebrating its dedication to recreating Cyrodiil with modern technology. To explore more of our detailed review, continue reading below!
