The much-anticipated Oblivion Remastered has finally landed, bringing with it a distinctly modern aesthetic. By “modern,” though, I mean surprisingly brown. Seriously, everything from the muddy trails to the shimmering waters and even the grassy knolls are bathed in a brown hue. It’s got me feeling conflicted, especially given how Bethesda’s vivid fantasy landscapes won over my heart nearly two decades ago.
When you place side-by-side screenshots of the classic Oblivion and this remastered edition, the changes pop out instantly. There’s this pervasive fog settling over the scenery that dims the whole environment. Honestly, the game world now resembles a level from PowerWash Simulator, just begging for someone to restore it to its former glory.
Yet, despite this new atmosphere, there’s no denying the bump in detail. You’ve got torches casting inviting glows in the darkness, water glinting under the sunlight, and docks that actually resemble wood rather than moss-clad stone. Curiously though, what once were mossy stones now seem to have taken on a charcoal appearance. The original’s bright and cheerful greenery has been swapped out for shadows, courtesy of Unreal Engine 5’s impressive, albeit slightly singed, finish.
Switch to Oblivion Remastered’s interiors, and there’s a bit of respite. Take, for instance, that iconic intro where you make your escape from prison, complete with Patrick Stewart’s narration. Those stone corridors still look as confining as ever, while rays of light sneak through, lending authenticity. It’s remarkably reminiscent of the cool atmosphere of the original game, showcasing how enhanced lighting can truly complement, not compete with, textures.
Those oddly pale faces that characterized the original Oblivion have largely disappeared in this version, a change I find mostly welcome. Sure, in a dream scenario, we’d probably relish those nostalgic, expressionless NPC faces rendered in glorious 4K. But considering the detailed wrinkles and pores that enhance facial expressions in the remaster, I’m willing to take this trade-off. Plus, the beloved quirky dialogues remain intact, complete with those awkwardly charming voices.
Still, it’s hard not to dwell on how muddy the exteriors now feel. Mind you, this comes from someone who still grumbles about Virtuos swapping out the iconic stylized bonfire in Dark Souls for a more “real” fire in its remaster. It’s entirely possible that as you journey further into Oblivion Remastered, the visuals harmonize more with the environment. But if not, there’s always comfort in knowing the original Oblivion is just a click away, ready and waiting for whenever you feel nostalgic.
