The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivionhas been at the center of a lot of discussion recently, primarily due to the heavy rumors that the game will be receiving a remake in the near future. While a lot of the recent discourse around the franchise has concerned the likes ofSkyrimandTES 6,Oblivionstill stands as one of the most iconic entries in the series, with the response to these rumors already showing how high the demand is for such a project.
Many fans are expecting an official confirmation ofThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivionremake to surface in the near future, with a lot of evidence already pointing towards the game’s existence. More supposed details for the remake are surfacing by the day, with one contentious rumor suggesting that the title will use a Soulslike approach to overhaul one key combat mechanic of the original game. This approach could be beneficial if done well, but it seems extremely important that the remake does not overpower the charm and relative simplicity that made the combat and general exploration of the originalOblivionso beloved and memorable.
The Charm of Oblivion Should Not Be Lost in its Rumored Remake
Despite the massive cultural influence thatThe Elder Scrollshas had on the gaming industry as a franchise over the years, the IP has experienced a long downtime that has lasted well over a decade in terms of its mainline releases. The next major project for the series,The Elder Scrolls 6, was announced in 2018, but almost no major news about the title has surfaced ever since.
While it is true thatSkyrimhas received plenty of attention since its 2011 launch in the way of re-releases, 2006’sOblivionhas gotten practically no post-launch attention, despite the high esteem that the title is held in by many fans. WithThe Elder Scrolls 6still seeming so far away, a unique project like anOblivionremaster or remake would be a perfect way to bridge the gap. Insider leaks, job listings, and leaked internal documents all point towards this kind of project currently being in development.
A more recent leak claims that theOblivionremake will be developed through Unreal Engine 5, with mention also being made that the remake will take great inspiration from Soulslike games with a revamped blocking system. This suggests thatcombat will be reworked for theOblivionremaketo allow for mechanics like parrying. While this could add a more rewarding twist to combat, it seems important that the in-game feel of the original is maintained at all costs.
A Balance of Old and New Needs to Be Found For the Oblivion Remake
Fans have fondly looked back on the oftengoofy NPC interactions and combat scenarios ofOblivion, with the unique charm that the game offers giving it a clear distinction away from other franchise entries likeSkyrim. Of course, a full-scale remake should go out of its way to polish over a lot of the cracks that existed in the original game, but if these sweeping overhauls to core mechanics extend beyond a Soulslike inspiration behind blocking, then the remake runs the risk of alienating itself from the original appeal ofOblivion.
Blocking in the originalObliviondid not do much to establish itself as an iconic element of the title, and so a targeted overhaul of this specific mechanic can hopefully work as a general improvement that will only make the rumored remake more enjoyable. However, a focus on modernity would come at a great cost if it oversteps the mark and overpowers the unique feel of the classic title. A preservation of other original mechanics should be prioritized alongside these changes to create the perfect balance between old and new.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
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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.
