Table of Contents
Highlights
- The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion gets a major visual upgrade, improving environments, stealth, combat, and NPC models.
- Bethesda and Virtuos are reportedly collaborating, with a release expected on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, plus a Deluxe Edition.
- Unanswered questions remain, including potential new voice actors and whether Shivering Isles DLC will be included.
In what can be considered Bethesda’s worst-kept secret, The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion seems to be on the way to getting a remaster soon. Screenshots and details were discovered by users who browsed through developer Virtuos’ website, which showcased models, environments, and side-by-side comparisons of the old title with the new remaster. The game was supposedly on the way to be shadow-dropped, and leaks for the game originate far back to Microsoft-FTC trial documents in 2023, which hinted at Bethesda working on the Oblivion remake alongside a Fallout 3 remake.
Development and Expected Platforms
To provide a little background on Virtuos, rumours suggest that the company has been working alongside Bethesda’s Dallas and Rockville studios to make the Oblivion Remaster. The game will likely be launched on PC, Xbox, and, surprisingly, even on PS5. The unofficial release date has been set for the 21st of April this year and will be released alongside a Deluxe edition, which includes all previous bonus items- yes, even the horse armour.
Graphics, Gameplay, and Mechanics Overhaul
From what we can gather from the leaks, the developers seem to have done a good job when it comes to graphical fidelity. Side-by-side comparisons of the game show a massive facelift in terms of graphics, which leads us to question why it was not eligible to be considered a remake. The rumours have suggested key changes in the game mechanics, which were old even during the first time it was released. Mechanics such as sneaking and even in terms of combat, hit reactions are something that the remaster would promise to work on.
Some Speculation
What we are most curious about is how the graphical upgrade will suit the characters of Oblivion themselves. While the older title is still playable nowadays, the game shows its age, especially in the character department. The NPC citizens of Cyrodiil had been the greatest letdown when it came to Oblivion, and Skyrim did a great job in overhauling the different playable races.
This raises an intriguing question for long-time fans: will the Oblivion Remaster remain faithful to the original character designs, with their nostalgic quirks and exaggerated features, or follow Skyrim’s more refined, realistic approach to race and NPC modeling? The original Oblivion characters were often criticized for their awkward facial animations and uniform expressions, which, while iconic, haven’t aged well.
Skyrim introduced significant improvements in character diversity, facial detailing, and race-specific traits. If the remaster adopts similar upgrades, it could significantly enhance the immersive experience of Cyrodiil by enriching its environments, refining character models, and improving emotional expression. These enhancements may help players form deeper connections with NPCs, making interactions more engaging and the narrative more emotionally resonant for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Unanswered Questions
There are still some questions that are left unanswered. The leaks have not provided any information on whether the title will have a new cast doing the voiceover- believe me, previous voiceovers by Todd Howard were nothing to write home about. The second question is whether the title will also include the DLCS, such as the Shivering Isles, which were lauded for being interesting stories that many players had enjoyed experiencing.
