Oblivion Remastered: The Dark Comeback Bethesda Needs for Future RPGs!

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Among the numerous impressive aspects showcased in “Oblivion Remastered“, the narrative and overall atmosphere arguably stand out as the most impactful or intriguing. The “Elder Scrolls” series undeniably falls under the category of “dark fantasy”. Although it maintains some elements similar to J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, like a touch of lightheartedness and whimsy, its portrayal of good versus evil leans more towards the moral clarity found in “The Lord of the Rings” rather than the complex grey areas depicted in “A Song of Ice and Fire”. However, it also delves deeply into mature themes, with storylines featuring elements such as murder and political machinations.

Maybe it’s the enhanced graphics of Oblivion Remastered that make the darker elements in the game stand out so prominently. This is because when confronted with the original 2006 version’s visual imperfections during a challenging quest like the Dark Brotherhood, players can more easily detach emotionally. In contrast to Bethesda’s recent games, which lean towards lighter, family-friendly stories and worlds, Oblivion Remastered offers a stark change in tone. While a broader audience appeal is fine, this remaster demonstrates the value of stories and game worlds with darker, more mature content. Here’s hoping that future RPGs from Bethesda will have more of the darkness found in Oblivion and less of the brightness seen in Starfield.

Oblivion Proves that Bethesda Can Nail a Darker Tone

Oblivion Is a Relic from a Darker Era of Bethesda

In essence, both “Oblivion” and “Skyrim” fall under the category of ‘dark fantasy’, due to their rich themes of ominous prophecies, malevolent supernatural entities, and intricate political schemes that often carry an eerie undertone. The protagonist in these games is significantly involved in shaping this dark atmosphere; players have the liberty to commit killings or thefts at will, even joining exclusive groups dedicated to such activities.

The darker themes and mythos aspects are evident in the game Fallout 3, as players can perpetrate heinous acts within it, and even allies such as the Brotherhood of Steel are not always portrayed as purely heroic. In the early-2000s and mid-2010s, Bethesda was known for its audacity in this regard, though some have criticized the studio for relying too heavily on shock value (particularly with controversial plot points like the destruction of Megaton in Fallout 3, which are both criticized and iconic). However, this willingness to explore the less savory aspects of humanity gave its narratives a mature and intriguing depth that has been somewhat absent from more recent releases.

Contemporary Bethesda Lacks the Venom of Games Like Oblivion

Critics point out that Starfield has weak science fiction development, as its universe seems devoid of conflict and danger. This is because Bethesda appears to avoid the genre’s strengths, such as using speculation to explore social issues and depict possible future outcomes for humanity if caution isn’t exercised. Excluding world-building aspects, the characters in Starfield are overly virtuous, with all allies being upright, morally straightforward individuals without any complexities or compromises. The player character is unable to perform heinous acts, and there appears to be a lack of despicable character types that were common in previous Bethesda games.

In essence, the themes presented in Fallout 4 can be similarly discussed, although not as profoundly. The character in this game is a parent who would go to any lengths for their child, leaving little room for players to mold them into an evil or intricate character as they please. Some admirers of Bethesda’s contemporary storytelling might assert that this contributes to a stronger, more concentrated narrative, which is understandable. However, this approach also means sacrificing a world where the consequences truly matter. Games like Oblivion Remastered demonstrate the potential of a world teeming with danger, one that isn’t afraid to reveal its most harrowing aspects. It would be beneficial for Bethesda to learn from such examples.

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2025-04-29 15:06