Thank God, Oblivion Is A Goofy Mess

by

Back in 2023, when rumors of a remastered version of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion surfaced, I remained unconvinced. It wasn’t due to doubts about Virtuos or the idea of an update being unnecessary, but rather my concern that the refined version might lose the unique character and enchantment (or, in simpler terms, the quirks) of the original game. I worried they would smooth out the rough edges to make it more appealing (or less soulful) for new players, potentially stripping it of its charm.

As soon as I acquired it, I witnessed two characters engaging in a chat about the Fighter’s Guild, bidding farewell, and abruptly exclaiming “Greetings!” to each other moments afterwards without even looking back. It’s so good to see you again, Cyrodiil.

Even after two decades, Oblivion remains as prone to glitches as ever; it’s merely shinier and performs more smoothly now. The wooden NPCs, peculiar dialogues, and spontaneous conversations were what made the game so charming in 2006, and it’s fantastic that new players can still savor that nostalgic experience today – a remaster should aim to preserve the essence of the original, not swap it for an empty imitation that merely echoes its likeness.

Virtuous Has Captured Exactly What It Felt Like To Be A Fan In 2006

Many devoted fans might have missed experiencing the groundbreaking game The Elder Scrolls 4 due to its age. I myself was just five when it debuted, while youngsters of today may have known only Skyrim as their introduction to this series.

The absence or forgetfulness, or “Oblivion,” holds equal significance to the ongoing Bethesda dragon-slaying saga, for it signified a pivotal shift in the series. Unlike its complex and dense predecessor Morrowind, Oblivion offered simpler mechanics and more digestible storytelling, making it more accessible to a vast array of fans. This influx of new enthusiasts could then delve deep into the series’ lore, developing an affection for it comparable to that of long-time followers since the ’90s. However, the absurd antics in Oblivion were so eccentric that they sparked as much conversation as any other aspect of the game.

After Morrowind, it also paved the way for console Role-Playing Games (RPGs), debuting as an exclusive title released at a key time on Xbox 360.

Explore ancient online forums and you’ll stumble upon numerous fans puzzled by Tandilwe’s actions, such as her confusion about re-reading her line, mimicking the famous catchphrase of the city guards, “YOU VIOLATED THE LAW,” or repeatedly pushing an Adoring Fan off the map’s highest point. These antics, along with the recording error, are included in the remastered version, preserving a unique moment that should have been impossible to replicate accurately.

For younger fans who haven’t experienced a main Elder Scrolls game in over a decade, Oblivion Remastered might as well be a brand new entry. This is the second major installment of the series in a generation, rejuvenating one that has been inactive for far too long (although ESO did maintain its legacy in some way). The remaster was bound to be successful, which is why it was released quietly. However, because it’s new to many, it’s easily sparking the same discussions we had in 2006, capturing the essence of a bygone era in a bottle.

Virtuous Has Reminded Us Why We Love The Elder Scrolls

For older fans, the timely release of Oblivion Remastered came at a crucial juncture, as enthusiasm for The Elder Scrolls 6 was gradually fading. In the face of the watered-down, bland environments of Fallout 4 and Starfield, which have pushed Bethesda’s charm to its breaking point, making their once-endearing quirks feel irritating, and with the teaser now six years old as we continue to wait endlessly, Virtuous took us back to why we fell in love with these games originally.

The Elder Scrolls offers an extraordinary blend, balancing profound cosmic and metaphysical themes against the backdrop of characters like half-exposed skooma addicts who secretly pen erotic Argonian literature. This game’s world is teeming with mystery, intrigue, and deeply personal narratives that can easily captivate you, immersing you in everything from the complex machinations of the Daedra realms to the heartrending tales of strangers seeking help to recover their lost family treasures.

In the grand mosaic of The Elder Scrolls series, those unexpected comedic moments play a significant role, whether they’re cosmic giants sending us into space, horses standing on their heads, non-player characters tumbling off-screen, or guards engaged in conversation while submerged in molten lava. These eccentricities are integral to the game’s diverse tapestry of tones. Rather than discarding these elements, the remaster has passed them on to a new generation, allowing players to reexperience and appreciate the original game just as it was. The remaster doesn’t shy away from Oblivion or its reputation; instead, it enthusiastically embraces every aspect of it, warts and all.

Read More

2025-04-25 01:04