"Oblivion Designer Praises Bethesda's Remaster as 'Oblivion 2.0'"

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion senior game designer Bruce Nesmith has expressed awe at Bethesda and Virtuos' work on the Oblivion Remastered, suggesting that the term "remaster" may not fully capture the extent of the changes. In a recent interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith shared his admiration for the meticulous effort that went into revitalizing every aspect of Cyrodiil, the game's setting. He was initially expecting a simple texture update, but the reality far exceeded his expectations with comprehensive overhauls including animations, the animation system, integration of the Unreal Engine, modifications to the leveling system, and a revamped user interface.

Despite no official announcement from Bethesda prior to its launch, the reception to Oblivion Remastered has been overwhelmingly positive among fans. The remaster features a range of updates from subtle visual enhancements to significant gameplay alterations, including a new sprint mechanic and changes to the leveling system. These extensive modifications have led many, including Nesmith, to view the project more as a remake than a mere remaster. Nesmith went as far as to suggest it could be considered "Oblivion 2.0," emphasizing the monumental nature of the update.

In his conversation, Nesmith struggled to find a fitting label for the project, ultimately suggesting "Oblivion 2.0" as the closest approximation. As the gaming community celebrates the remastered version, Bethesda has provided insights into their naming decision, stating on social media that they never intended to create a full remake but rather aimed to preserve the core experience of Oblivion while updating it for a new audience. They expressed gratitude for the continued support from fans and their hope that both new and returning players would feel the thrill of discovery as they emerge from the Imperial sewer.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was released as a surprise drop and is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access it at no additional cost. The response from the modding community has been enthusiastic, and for those eager to dive in, a detailed guide covers everything from an interactive map to walkthroughs for main and guild quests, character building tips, and more.