Creating a character is the starting point of most CRPGs, which usually open with a character creator after a short cutscene that contextualizes the game world. In games likeThe Elder Scrolls– including the newOblivion Remastered– it’s all the more important to create a character with a strong backstory, personality, and motivations. Sandbox games likeOblivion Remasteredcan feel overwhelming with all the freedom they offer, and sticking with one character can become difficult if they’re not compelling. This is especially true forThe Elder Scrolls, as dialogue options aren’t robust enough to build a personality from the gameplay alone.
Oblivion Remasteredchanged many things from the original, most notably the graphics, combat, and leveling system. Another big change appears in the first moments of the game, during character creation. The introduction of character backgrounds through an Origin system is a game-changer forThe Elder Scrolls, and is the first time the franchise has implemented a character framework for players to base their characters on.
Oblivion Remastered’s Origins Provide a Simple Solution to a Long-Time Problem
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remasteredtakes some steps to fix this problemby introducing an Origin selection on one of the character creator screens. Each race now has two Origins that are based on geographic location and the cultures of the people of that region. Each Origin changes the stats for the character, with some being more personable, while others have more magical or martial prowess.
Another upside of theaddition of Origins inOblivion Remasteredis that it helps contextualize Tamriel and the Hero of Kvatch. Only the Imperial Hero is from Cyrodiil, while the other races are all from their race’s home province. The Origins each have a short description of where the Hero is from, and what kind of upbringing they had to account for the skills they possess. This is invaluable information for new players especially, as well as any veteranOblivionplayers who haven’t played any of the otherThe Elder Scrollsgames, particularlyThe Elder Scrolls Online.
The Problems That Oblivion Remastered’s Origins Solve
Many Other CRPGs Include Origins
This small amount of background information is similar to BioWare games such asMass EffectandDragon Age Origins.Mass Effectoffers players three pre-established backgrounds, whileDragon Age Originsgives six. Including a framework gives the character a space in the world, and makes a jump-off point to create a compelling backstory for their character. This isespecially important inThe Elder Scrolls, as all the protagonists start their story as a prisoner with no past. Providing some structure makes it easier to be creative and think of reasons why the character would be in prison, why they’re far from home, and why they have their skills.
Oblivion’s Origins Come at a Price
The new Origin feature appears to have replaced sex-based bonuses, which is an overall win forOblivionplayers. The previous bonuses conferred similar bonuses to certain attributes, while the Origin bonus affected several aspects of character building, including roleplaying. With the references toregions in Tamriel,Elder Scrolls Onlineplayers also get to create a character from a region that may be their favorite setting. Even for brand-new players, the system helps the player create a character who is a part of Tamriel, and who has a place in Cyrodiil.
