Virtuos' recentThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastereddoes a lot of things right, chief among them being a notable and impressive leap forward in graphical fidelity. The original 2006Oblivion, developed even before Bethesda began to use itsproprietary and much-maligned Creation Engine, has been rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5, showing players what this classic title can look like when propped up by modern tech.
The benefits of this UE5 makeover are myriad: lighting and visual effects are abundant, character animations are improved, and both indoor and outdoor environments are considerably more detailed and true-to-life than they were in the originalOblivion. And while many fans expressed concerns about Unreal Engine 5’s potential to undermine the original game’s visual identity, those fears have been mostly laid to rest, asOblivion Remasteredmanages to retain the 2006 game’s unique visual flair, presenting Cyrodiil’s lushness in vivid detail, even without VFX of the time like excessive bloom. Nowhere is this visual flair more powerful than in the Planes of Oblivion themselves, which are an encapsulation of everything that the remaster does right, at least on the visual and atmospheric fronts.
Oblivion Itself Looks Better Than Ever in Oblivion Remastered
Oblivion Is Darker, More Grotesque, and More Terrifying in Oblivion Remastered
Accessed throughOblivion Gates scattered throughout Cyrodiil, the Planes of Oblivion exist beyond the mortal realm. They are sections of Mehrunes Dagon’s domain, fiery deadlands clearly inspired by western depictions of the Christian Hell. Heavy metal culture is another clear influence upon the visual design of Oblivion, specifically as it pertains to those elements that are cultish, grotesque, and unabashedly, almost gleefully horrifying. This metal-music flavor is also evident in the names of certain areas and objects within Oblivion, such as Corpse Masher, Corridors of Dark Salvation, and Blood Feast.
The Satantic aesthetic is fitting, considering that Oblivion is more or less the"Hell" ofThe Elder Scrolls' universe, and while the uncomfortable and intense nature of this realm is evident in the originalOblivion, it is also undercut by its sub-par and cartoonish graphics. Much like in the overworld, 2006’s rendition of the Planes of Oblivion is dominated by vibrancy and bloom, which admittedly lends it a certain intensity, but at the cost of more visceral horror. The comparatively simplistic style of 2006’sOblivionalso has a negative impact on the H.R. Giger-inspired architecture and medieval technology of the realm, which is more rubberized and less fleshy.
Things aredecidedly different inOblivion Remastered, though. Better visual effects allow Oblivion to retain its red-hot intensity, but in a more realistic and immersive fashion: the neon-red coloring of Oblivion’s lava has been replaced by a deeper, more intimidating color palette, and the over-abundant bloom effects have been traded for particle effects, which are far more realistic and less distracting. Literal darkness is also leveraged to a greater extent in the remaster, as the interior spaces of Oblivion are replete with menacing shadows, evoking a deep sense of primal terror.
The aforementioned Giger-influenced design is far better realized in the remaster as well, since the more detailed and nuanced textures buttress the grotesquerie of Dagon’s dominion. The flesh-like walls, doorways, and nondescript, pulsing sacs ofOblivion look like something out ofScorn: they are intrinsically unsettling and disgusting, which is effective and well-advised, considering the narrative context.
The Planes of Oblivion were frightening in 2006, but times have changed, and the modern gamer is far less likely to be immediately affected by these demonic realms in their original state. For better or worse, contemporary audiences have been subjected to all manner of grotesque, terrifying, and bizarre forms of visual horror, raising the bar for this sort of thing significantly. Thanks to its enhanced graphics,Oblivion Remastered’s horror elementsare hammered home far more effectively.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
WHERE TO PLAY
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay. Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land in one of the greatest RPGs ever from the award-winning Bethesda Game Studios.Rediscover CyrodiilJourney through the rich world of Tamriel and battle across the planes of Oblivion where handcrafted details have been meticulously recreated to ensure each moment of exploration is awe-inspiring.Navigate Your Own StoryFrom the noble warrior to the sinister assassin, wizened sorcerer, or scrappy blacksmith, forge your path and play the way you want.Experience an Epic AdventureStep inside a universe bursting with captivating stories and encounter an unforgettable cast of characters. Master swordcraft and wield powerful magic as you fight to save Tamriel from the Daedric invasion.The Complete StoryExperience everything Oblivion has to offer with previously released story expansions Shivering Isles, Knights of the Nine, and additional downloadable content included in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
