After nearly two decades, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered brings one of the most iconic RPGs of all time back into the spotlight, this time with modern hardware’s polish and power. From the moment the gates of the Imperial City come into view, it’s clear this is more than just a visual update; it’s a thoughtful reimagining of a game that defined a generation. I love this game and Skyrim as well, and it’s a tie between the two as they both have different aesthetics.
The remastered graphics are stunning. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the world of Cyrodiil feels truly alive: sunlight filters through swaying trees, rain slicks cobblestone streets, and ancient ruins loom with fresh, moody grandeur. Once mocked for their awkward expressions, characters now feel more believable and emotive, making the game’s dialogue-heavy quests far more immersive. But the humour and the classic Elder Scrolls NPC memes are still abundant. There is something so unique and funny about some of the characters you meet.
But it’s not just a pretty facelift; core systems have been reworked too. Combat feels faster and more responsive, spellcasting is smoother, and the infamous levelling system has been rebalanced to avoid the frustration of overpowered enemies. It’s still unmistakably Oblivion, but it plays like the game we always imagined it could be.
I remember playing the original version of Oblivion and loving it. I played this remaster on the PlayStation 5, and this game improves upon the original and enhances the essence of what made Oblivion so enjoyable. You really feel immersed in this world. Playing the remaster on a console version, I did not experience that many glitches. The game crashed once when I tried to exit a house, but besides that, it’s been a smooth playthrough. This is to be expected, though. Bethesda games are known for having random glitches, but in my opinion, this has never taken away from the gameplay.
Crucially, Bethesda and the remaster team have preserved the game’s heart: its sprawling questlines, dark humor, and sense of freedom. The Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, and Daedric quests remain some of the best storytelling in the Elder Scrolls series, and the remaster only enhances their atmosphere. When I was playing this game, I thought to myself, “Welp, there goes my summer.”
Score: 4/5. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a perfect example of modernising a classic without losing what made it special. In my opinion, it’s important to honour what is beloved about a work of art. Whether you’re a longtime fan or stepping into Cyrodiil for the first time, this version is the definitive way to experience one of the greatest RPGs ever made.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available now on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Words by Sebastian Sommer
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