Elder Scrolls IV Revamp Stuns Designer: Calls It ‘Oblivion 2.0’!

Bruce Nesmith, who played a pivotal role in designing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, recently praised the efforts of Bethesda and Virtuos on their Oblivion Remastered project, suggesting that the term “remaster” might not fully capture the extent of their achievement.

Nesmith, one of the original creators of the 2006 classic RPG, shared his insights in a discussion with VideoGamer. He expressed amazement at the comprehensive transformation of Cyrodiil, noting the extensive effort it originally took to create the game’s world. Seeing it reimagined so thoroughly was unexpected and impressive.

“I initially thought they were just going to update the textures,” Nesmith commented. “I never imagined it would be a complete overhaul as they’ve now revealed… I expected minor updates, but they’ve redone everything from animations and the animation system, to implementing the Unreal Engine, overhauling the leveling and user interfaces. They’ve really touched every aspect of the game.”

Bethesda remained silent about the details of Oblivion Remastered until its release yesterday. However, the extensive changes, from minor visual enhancements to major gameplay modifications, have left many fans deeply impressed. Features like a new sprint mechanic and revamped leveling system have led some to view it as more of a remake than a remaster, a sentiment Nesmith shares.

“That’s an extraordinary level of remastering,” he added. “It almost needs a new term, honestly. ‘Remaster’ might not fully do it justice.”

In further discussions, Nesmith described Oblivion Remastered as something akin to “Oblivion 2.0.”

As the community gathers to appreciate the new release, Bethesda explained the rationale behind the project’s branding. Through a statement on social media, the studio clarified that their aim wasn’t to remake Oblivion but to modernize the beloved game for both longtime fans and newcomers, maintaining the original experience, imperfections included.

“We’re excited that our longtime fans will get to experience Cyrodiil in a new light and that a new generation will explore it for the first time. We deeply appreciate all the support over the years and hope this remaster makes everyone feel like they are discovering Oblivion anew,” added Bethesda’s statement.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered launched unexpectedly yesterday, available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, including for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers at no additional cost. For insights into how this release has revitalized the Elder Scrolls community, particularly among modders, and more details on what’s new, keep an eye on ongoing coverage.

For those diving into the remastered Cyrodiil, comprehensive guides are available, featuring an expansive interactive map, walkthroughs for the main and guild quests, tips on character building, recommended initial activities, and much more.