The shadow drop ofThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remasteredis a pleasant surprise for fans of Bethesda’s classic RPG franchise. After numerous rumors and leaks stretching back months suggested this release would happen, seeingOblivion Remasteredfinally be released in all its glory is a momentous occasion. However, the nature of its shadow drop release puts the release plans for three other titles between a rock and a hard place, as they suddenly have to compete with the hype aroundOblivion Remastered.
Regardless ofOblivion Remastered’s release, this week has been looking strong for gaming for some time. Several highly anticipated titles from new IPs were slated for release, each generating promising buzz from initial previews and demos, with some potential Game of the Year contenders among them. However, such a beloved franchise asThe Elder Scrollsreleasing a remasterof a popular entry runs the risk of taking the wind out of these games' sails with its unfortunate release timing.
Three Releases Can’t Be Overshadowed by Oblivion Remastered
Highly Anticipated Indie Horror Title Post Trauma Dropped the Same Day as Oblivion Remastered
There’s been a renewed interest inSilent Hill-inspired games after last year’sSilent Hill 2remake released to critical acclaim.Post Traumawears itsSilent Hillinspirationon its sleeve, channeling the puzzle horror gameplay and surreal aesthetic of the series. While the game was initially slated for a March 31 release, it was delayed until April 22, which happened to align with the same release date asOblivion Remastered.
WithOblivion Remastered’s release date being kept secret leading up to its surprise launch, it would have been impossible for the team behindPost Traumato anticipate this overlap. Even though the fan base forindie horror games likePost Traumamay not necessarily line up with the fan base ofThe Elder Scrolls, any discussion of this game is still likely going to be eclipsed byOblivion Remasteredsince it launched on the same day.
The Hundred Line - Last Defense Academy Has to Follow Up Oblivion Remastered’s Release
Next in line in this stacked week for gaming is the latest title fromDanganronpacreator Kazutaka Kodaka,The Hundred Line - Last Defense Academy, launching the day afterOblivion Remastered. The game is set to feature a mixture ofDanganronpaandFire Emblem-like gameplay, as players see 15 students defend their academy from monsters for 100 days in tactical, turn-based combat. Despite the generally positive reaction to the game’s demo, the minimal marketing the title has received could cause it to slip through the cracks created byOblivion Remastered’s Earth-shaking release.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Release Day Buzz Risks Being Drowned Out By Oblivion Remastered
Arguably, the game with the most to lose by being overshadowed byOblivion RemasteredisClair Obscur: Expedition 33. The title has been touted as a Western take on the turn-based JRPG formula, boasting deep gameplay systems amid stunning visuals inspired by Belle Epoque France.Previews ofExpedition 33paint the game as an early Game of the Year contender, so it not receiving the proper recognition due to theOblivion Remasteredhype would be a shame.
Luckily,Expedition 33may still be able to find a voice in this crowded gaming release week thanks to the talent behind its cast of characters. Notable actors likeCharlie Cox ofDaredevil: Born Againfame, andBaldur’s Gate 3’s Jennifer English star in the game’s lead roles, withFinal Fantasy 16lead Ben Starr and the prolific Andy Serkis ofLord of the RingsandBlack Pantherfame also among the cast. Still, this all-star voice cast may struggle to pullElder Scrollsfans away fromOblivion Remasteredas the debut IP from a brand-new studio.
