Summary
A brand-new mod has been released forThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion,which gives Bethesda’s 2006 RPG a PlayStation 1-style demake. The impressive mod makesOblivionlook like a game from a bygone era while still retaining the spirit of the original title.
Like just about every Bethesda game, theOblivioncommunity is kept alive by talented modders who continue to create new content for the game. Despite being released almost two decades ago, some fans still return toOblivionfor theirElder Scrollsfix. The fact that players can use mods to help make the game feel less like it was released in 2006 is a big help in this regard. It’s the same story for 2011’sSkyrim, too. There are even tons ofElder Scrolls 4: Obliviontotal conversion mods, which make the entire experience feel brand-new once again. WhileOblivionmodding may not be as popular asSkyrim’s nowadays, the fact it’s alive at all is very impressive.
A new mod was recently released onNexus Modstitled “Oblivion Unmastered,” from user DontFeedTheGuar. According to the mod’s description, they have massively reduced the size of the game’s textures, compressed and bitcrushed the audio, and made significant changes to the polygon count of the meshes, “atleast the ones I could be bothered to do before I croaked,” as DontFeedTheGuar says. When looking at the screenshots, it’s clear this is one of thebest mods forOblivionin recent years - certainly one of the most unique.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion PS1-Style Demake Screenshots
Notably, the mod comes with a Reshade preset to help aid the PlayStation 1-style feeling. The mod’s creator describes it all as “like playing a PS1 game but functionally it is still Oblivion. This mod only touches visuals and audio so you can still play through the whole game like this if you feel compelled to.” What’s particularly interesting is that it also features a fog plugin, which makes it tough to see in the distance. This was a typical trick used in the PlayStation 1 era, to avoid rendering objects far into the distance. It’s an essential part of the feeling of these games, even if the extra performance isn’t needed nowadays, so it’s cool to see it replicated as a smallObliviongraphics modhere.
It’s somewhat ironic that while modders are de-makingThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, rumors of a modern remake of the game continue to surface. Earlier this year, moreevidence of the rumoredObliviongame appearedvia a LinkedIn page, and some suggest the title could even arrive at some point in 2025. It does have to be reminded that this is all still speculation at this point, and it’s currently unknown if a remake ofOblivionactually exists. Hopefully, gamers will find out this year.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
WHERE TO PLAY
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition presents one of the best RPGs of all time like never before. Step inside the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created. With a powerful combination of freeform gameplay and unprecedented graphics, you can unravel the main quest at your own pace or explore the vast world and find your own challenges. Also included in the Game of the Year edition are Knights of the Nine and the Shivering Isles expansion, adding new and unique quests and content to the already massive world of Oblivion. See why critics called Oblivion the Best Game of 2006.
