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Bethesda Unveils Remaster of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

In an announcement that has been a topic of speculation among gamers, Bethesda has confirmed the remaster of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, in collaboration with the external developer Virtuos. This news comes after images of the remaster surfaced unexpectedly on Virtuos’ website last week.

Gamers can now access Oblivion Remastered, which is available on PC through Steam and the Xbox App for Windows, as well as on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. As part of Microsoft’s Game Pass, subscribers can enjoy the newly remastered title, which incorporates the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions. Additionally, the remaster offers extra content, including bonus quests and the infamous horse armor DLC, which has become part of gaming lore. A deluxe edition bundles these extras along with various in-game gear.

True to expectations, the collaboration between Bethesda and Virtuos has led to an impressive visual upgrade for this classic RPG. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, the remaster boasts 4K Ultra HD graphics with 60 fps frame rates. Virtuos has implemented an advanced base mesh system for character races, enhancing the lip-syncing capabilities across a diverse range of character appearances. New dialogue has also been introduced, featuring unique voice lines tailored for every race.

Beyond visual enhancements, several aspects of the gameplay experience have been meticulously refined. The user interface, lighting effects, landscapes, and audio have all seen significant improvements. Notably, the leveling system in the remaster draws inspiration from both the original game and Skyrim. Additionally, those who enjoy third-person gameplay will appreciate new features such as a crosshair. Other enhancements include more frequent autosaves, improved accessibility features, and adjustments to enemy scaling for a balanced challenge.

While the momentum builds around The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda remains committed to returning to its legacy titles. Todd Howard, head of Bethesda Game Studios, articulated in the announcement video the pivotal role Oblivion played in shaping the franchise and the studio’s approach to game design. Howard reflected on the significance of the game, stating that every iteration aims to recapture the magic of that era, saying “…every time we think about Oblivion, it’s ‘what if we could give that moment to everybody again?’”

Source
www.engadget.com