10 Classic Features Oblivion Remake Must Keep to Satisfy Fans!

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Summary

  • Keep custom spell creation and maintain balance to allow for creative playstyles.
  • Ensure the HUD remains minimal and medieval-inspired for an immersive experience.
  • Retain hands-free magic and hotkeys for action-oriented gameplay and player convenience.

Regardless of being almost two decades old, “The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion” remains captivating for RPG enthusiasts and gamers alike due to its pioneering world layout, iconic NPC characters that have spawned memes, and engrossing, intriguing questlines. With rumors of a remake circulating, fans are brimming with anticipation to witness what a revamp of Cyrodiil and its fantastical realms might bring about.

Although numerous remakes have been successful in recent times, there is an increasing number of remakes that have failed to deliver effectively. For instance, certain elements and design decisions in Oblivion might not resonate as much today, but changing or modifying them would compromise what made the game iconic.

Custom Spell Creation & Broken Builds

Fun Should Always Come (Closely) After Balance

In the process of evaluating fairness, custom spell creation was taken out from _Skyrim_, the sequel to _Oblivion_. However, this change didn’t sit well with many fans. Although the custom spell-crafting system in _The Elder Scrolls 4_ might not have been as user-friendly or adaptable as that of _Morrowind_, it was cherished, partly because of the enhanced magical visual effects in _Oblivion_.

Modifying this aspect for equilibrium might be pushing boundaries too much and would limit the ability of magic users to embody their “researching mage” persona. Crafting spells is confined within the Arcane University, ensuring that mages can’t instantly exploit overpowered combinations in the game. However, disrupting balance in an Elder Scrolls during the late game isn’t a glitch but adds to the enjoyment factor.

The Minimally-Intrusive HUD

The Iconic Medival Style Imagary Holds Lasting Appeal

The leaked information hints at a revamp of the HUD aimed at appealing to a more youthful, contemporary demographic. Given the diverse array of game designs today, ranging from streamlined and minimalist to intricate and flashy user interfaces, it’s uncertain which path the overhaul will follow.

As a devoted fan, I cherish the iconic HUD design in Oblivion, evoking a medieval atmosphere that perfectly complements The Elder Scrolls’ immersive world. Although some modernization might be appealing, it’s crucial to preserve the sense of freedom and discovery that players adore. Overcrowding the interface could mar this experience. To strike a balance, Virtuos should incorporate customization options, enabling us, the players, to decide what appears on our HUD—from condition icons to quest markers floating overhead.

Bright, Cozy, & Optimistic Atmosphere

Lived-In Worlds Are An Elder Scrolls Staple

Initially launched in 2006, “The Elder Scrolls 4” boasted revolutionary visuals that were state-of-the-art at the time. However, many gamers today argue that its graphics have become outdated, even when compared to its precursor, “Morrowind.” From the NPCs to the overly bloomed landscapes, it’s clear that Oblivion’s visuals have not aged gracefully. While Bethesda’s quirky, buggy, and inadvertently amusing NPCs certainly contribute to Oblivion’s charm, intentionally recreating them might seem contrived. In essence, they are unlikely to make a comeback. A potential remake is bound to feature improved graphics, especially with the Unreal engine at its disposal.

In their new take on the NPC designs from Oblivion, Virtuos is likely to veer away from the grungy, ice cream-colored appearance. However, there’s a potential danger of discarding the charming aspects that fans love about The Elder Scrolls 4 in an overly ambitious attempt at reimagining the design. The Elder Scrolls games are known for their eccentric, homely, and often whimsical locations, as well as dark, dingy dungeons and spooky crypts. Virtuos should ensure they don’t lose sight of these characteristics. Additionally, it goes without saying that the original soundtrack from Oblivion should remain unchanged in a remake, given its crucial role in creating the game’s enchantment.

Hands-Free Magic & Hotkeys

A Spellsword And Holy Crusader Favorite

In Skyrim, tying the player character’s actions to specific keys or buttons was an intriguing design decision that significantly boosted immersion. Yet, when players revisit The Elder Scrolls 4, they might be thrilled by the inclusion of a magical spell slot that can be utilized hands-free, even when they’re wielding a two-handed weapon or shield. This feature offers more flexibility and convenience in gameplay.

In Skyrim, there was a feature known as the “powers” button that let players use special abilities or shouts with ease once a day. However, this feature didn’t cater well to characters like paladins, magical archers, or spellswords who wield claymores, as it limited their unique playstyles. Meanwhile, Oblivion offered hotkeys for assigning items and spells, promoting more action-packed gameplay, although the 8 and 9 keys were quite tricky to reach, especially without a number pad, in contrast to Skyrim’s pause-and-swap quick-menu system.

The Intimate Scale Of The World & Quest Pacing

Rescaling Cyrodiil Without Losing Pacing

It’s tempting to expand Cyrodiil to give the Imperial homeland a truly grand feel, but there’s concern about whether Virtuos has enough resources to populate a larger map with captivating quests, intriguing characters, and unforgettable moments like Oblivion did with its map.

In the initial Cyrodiil layout, the distance between locations is well-balanced, enabling players to journey from one place to another while encountering exciting adventures, without feeling either overpowered or underwhelmed by expansive empty spaces. Quick travel and screen loadings may not completely solve the issue of vast distances, as even the most critical Starfield reviewers might argue. Consequently, Virtuos should focus on keeping a reasonable world size that upholds the rhythm and accessibility of the original design.

Statistical Progression & Other Roleplaying Staples

Save The Streamlining For Future TES Games

Bethesda is recognized for streamlining features and gameplay mechanics across their games, but eliminating all statistical elements like attributes and skills drew criticism from some players. If they applied the same approach to the Oblivion remake, it could result in a lack of variety in character builds, making the game seem bland.

If we were to transform abilities and traits into a system akin to perks, the fundamental essence might get diluted. Instead of discarding everything and starting anew, a remake offers an opportunity to refine these systems mindfully, ensuring they are captivating, user-friendly, and enjoyable.

A Hard-Earned Ascent Through Guild Ranks

The Toughest Climbs Are The Most Gratifying To Conquer

Fans of Skyrim might have observed that they swiftly advanced in the guilds’ ranks. The Last Dragonborn can attain leadership at the College of Winterhold without knowing any spells, while leaders of the rugged companions can double as stealth archers, and so forth. This has given Skyrim a feel more like an amusement park than a realistic, inhabited universe.

As a dedicated fan, I must say that while Oblivion might have stirred some dissent among players due to the requirement of certain skills or tasks to climb the ranks within the Mages Guild or Thieves Guild, the sense of accomplishment upon ascension was undeniably immense. Skipping the gradual promotion process in Skyrim‘s faction questlines can sometimes make them feel too hastily concluded. If Viruos intends to add a difficulty slider for guild progression pace, that could be an option. However, maintaining the original structure seems more fitting to preserve the immersive experience of climbing the ranks in these organizations.

Simple Combat And Forgiving Difficulty

Accessibility Is Part Of Why TES Has Such Appeal

Information from Virtuos’ remake of Oblivion suggests they are revising the game’s combat system to resemble titles like Dark Souls. However, it’s unlikely that the remake will match the challenge level of a soulslike game. Despite The Elder Scrolls series evolving into an action RPG in recent years, its combat has never been particularly difficult, intricate, or mechanically deep – and for a good reason.

Transitioning players to a demanding combat system that requires quick reflexes and intricate knowledge of fresh fighting techniques might dissuade fans who appreciate the series for its ambiance and narrative. This approach could heighten player tension, which in turn may hinder their enjoyment of the leisurely, contemplative aspects of Oblivion‘s gameplay loop (such as friendly dialogue, exploration, and immersion during non-combat moments).

Moddability And Community Construction Tools

Giving Power To The People (And Long Life To The Game)

One key factor contributing to the enduring popularity of “The Elder Scrolls” series in gaming communities is Bethesda’s generous and collaborative approach towards its fanbase, as well as their openness to sharing development tools. Since the release of “Morrowind”, enthusiasts have managed to keep the game fresh by creating mods and extensive passion projects that expand the game’s universe beyond what Bethesda initially developed.

Developing games with moddability can incur significant costs during production. However, launching an “Elder Scrolls” game without modding tools or at least guidelines seems incongruous. The question of how Virtuos would involve the community in this regard remains uncertain, but the longevity of the “Oblivion” remake could hinge on it.

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2025-01-23 18:45