Introduction & Development
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered represents a meticulous revitalisation of Bethesda’s landmark 2006 role-playing game, bringing its expansive world of Cyrodiil into the modern gaming landscape. Released on 22 April 2025, this remaster is a collaborative effort between Virtuos and Bethesda Game Studios, combining Unreal Engine 5’s graphical capabilities with the original Gamebryo engine’s foundational mechanics. The project encompasses all original content, including the acclaimed Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions, while introducing contemporary refinements such as dynamic lighting, overhauled animations, and a streamlined user interface.
Narrative & Setting
Set in the heart of Tamriel’s Empire, players assume the role of the Hero of Kvatch, a prisoner thrust into a world in crisis following the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII. With the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon invading through demonic Oblivion Gates, the player must navigate political intrigue, arcane mysteries, and open warfare to thwart the impending apocalypse. The remaster preserves the original’s branching questlines and morally ambiguous storytelling, now presented with enhanced voice acting and cinematic pacing.
Gameplay Innovations
Oblivion Remastered maintains the series’ hallmark freedom while implementing thoughtful modernisations:
- Progression System: A hybrid approach merges Oblivion’s class-based skill advancement with Skyrim’s more fluid perk system, allowing for deeper character specialisation.
- Combat Refinements: Melee, ranged, and magical combat retain their strategic depth while benefiting from updated hit detection, physics, and spell-casting animations.
- Quality-of-Life Improvements: A radial menu system replaces antiquated interfaces, and the journal now features dynamic quest tracking tailored for contemporary displays.
Arms & Armoury
The remaster elevates Cyrodiil’s arsenal with unprecedented detail:
- Weapons: From humble iron daggers to mythic relics like Goldbrand, each blade and bow has been retextured with material-accurate sheens and wear patterns.
- Armour Sets: The remaster introduces PBR (physically based rendering) to signature equipment, making glass armour shimmer and ebony mail absorb light authentically.
- Artisan Crafting: The atherial forge returns with expanded options, allowing players to temper weapons with visual customisation beyond statistical boosts.
Technical Achievements & Reception
Critics have praised the remaster’s balanced approach to preservation and innovation:
- Visual Fidelity: Draw distances now showcase Cyrodiil’s rolling forests and distant cities without fogging, while subsurface scattering gives NPCs lifelike skin tones.
- Critical Consensus: Holding an 86/100 on Metacritic, reviewers highlight its respectful treatment of the source material, though some note occasional frame pacing issues on consoles.
- Modding Renaissance: The Creation Kit has been updated to support UE5 mod tools, ensuring the community can build upon this foundation for years to come.
Availability & Editions
The remaster is accessible across modern platforms with tiered offerings:
- Standard Edition (£49.99): Includes the base game and all original DLC.
- Deluxe Edition (£59.99): Bundles the Frostcrag Spire and Deepscorn Hollow expansions, a developer commentary mode, and Ayleid-inspired cosmetic items.
- Subscription Access: Available day one via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its commercial success, Oblivion Remastered has rekindled appreciation for Bethesda’s design ethos, demonstrating how open-world RPGs can age gracefully. Its release has sparked retrospectives on the genre’s evolution and inspired a new generation to experience one of gaming’s most influential worlds. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is the definitive way to explore Cyrodiil’s golden age.
Where to Experience
Available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Bethesda Launcher. Physical collector’s editions include a replica Septim coin and concept art lithographs.
Watch the trailer:
