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

Bruce Nesmith, the senior game designer behind the original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has expressed his awe at the scope of Bethesda and Virtuos' newly released Oblivion Remastered. In a recent interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith shared his surprise at the extent of the remaster, suggesting that the term "remaster" might not fully encapsulate the breadth of changes made to the game.

Nesmith, who played a pivotal role in crafting the beloved 2006 RPG, was initially expecting a simple texture update. However, he was astounded to learn about the comprehensive overhaul, which includes revamped animations, an updated animation system, integration of the Unreal Engine, alterations to the leveling system, and a redesigned user interface. "I mean, that’s, you’re touching every part of the game," Nesmith remarked, highlighting the extensive nature of the rework.

Despite no prior official announcement from Bethesda, the launch of Oblivion Remastered has left fans overwhelmingly impressed. The changes span from minor visual enhancements to significant gameplay modifications, including a new sprint mechanic and revamped leveling system. These updates have led many to consider Oblivion Remastered more of a remake than a mere remaster, a sentiment echoed by Nesmith himself.

Nesmith pondered on the appropriate label for the project, suggesting, "The closest that could come [to categorising it] is Oblivion 2.0." He emphasized the magnitude of the transformation, stating, "It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice."

In addition to Nesmith's reflections, Bethesda provided insights into their naming choice for the re-release. In a statement shared on social media, the studio clarified that their goal was not to completely remake Oblivion, but to preserve the beloved experience while updating it for a modern audience, "warts and all." Bethesda expressed their hope that both new and returning players would feel the thrill of discovery upon stepping out of the Imperial sewer into the reimagined world of Cyrodiil.

Oblivion Remastered was unexpectedly released yesterday, available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy the game at no additional cost. The surprise launch has sparked a positive response from the Elder Scrolls community, particularly among the modding enthusiasts.

For those eager to dive into the revamped world of Cyrodiil, our comprehensive guide covers everything in Oblivion Remastered. From an expansive Interactive Map and detailed Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and Guild Quests, to tips on How to Build the Perfect Character and Things to Do First, we've got you covered.