Bethesda Games That Deserve a Remake: From Fallout to Morrowind

Back in the day, I was absolutely thrilled when The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion got a facelift, and Cyrodiil looked more stunning than ever. Now, as I peruse Bethesda’s library of games, I find myself pondering, “Which other titles might benefit from a contemporary makeover?

Rediscovering the allure of plunging once again into those bulky, visionary universes, now adorned with updated aesthetics and contemporary gameplay mechanics – it’s particularly enticing when the initial concepts surpassed their era, but the technology fell short. Spanning from cosmic terror to barren wastelands, Bethesda’s back catalog brims with games that merit a reincarnation, and none more so than these titles.

Games published by Bethesda have been taken into consideration as well.

6. Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners Of The Earth

The Sleepless Nights Would Hit Different In 4K

2005 saw Bethesda venturing into Lovecraftian terror with the chilling gem, “Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners Of The Earth”. This game plunges players into the unsettling town of Innsmouth, where everything seems amiss. Unlike many games, it doesn’t clutter the screen with a heads-up display or health bar. Instead, sanity becomes a tangible aspect – witnessing too much cosmic horror unfold can cause your character to lose their grip on reality.

The ambiance is outstanding, yet the game was infamous for its glitchy controls, sudden increase in difficulty, and glitches that halted progress. A remake might address the irritating stealth sequences and awkward combat, while emphasizing more on the psychological terror and detective aspects that are still highly appreciated by fans. With a modern horror touch, possibly incorporating elements similar to Amnesia or Resident Evil Village, Innsmouth could once again instill fear.

5. The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard

Before There Was Skyrim, There Was This Swashbuckling Side Story

Prior to Bethesda being recognized primarily for their open-world games, they delved into a different genre with “The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard” in 1998. This action-adventure spin-off followed the story of Cyrus, a mercenary from the Redguard line, who was on a mission to find his missing sister. Instead of an open world, it offered a more structured, swashbuckling narrative that unfolded on the island of Stros M’Kai. The game included swordfights, puzzles, and an unexpected dose of pirate politics.

The primary challenge with Redguard was its limitation to MS-DOS, which caused it to run sluggishly on anything but a specialized gaming system. The controls were awkward, and the combat felt more like aimless thrashing than skilled swordsmanship, yet the narrative and world development were top-notch Elder Scrolls material. A remake could update the combat mechanics, expand the game world, and introduce this frequently overlooked Tamriel region to a new audience.

4. Pirates Of The Caribbean

A Pirate’s Life, But Make It Bethesda

Yes, it’s true that Bethesda developed a game inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean. However, you could say it was somewhat loosely based on the franchise. The game was initially planned as a sequel to Sea Dogs, but when Disney’s film became popular, Bethesda attached the Pirates license to it. This led to an open-world pirate RPG with ship combat, treasure hunting, and a brief appearance of Jack Sparrow that seemed more like an added extra rather than a central part of the gameplay.

In spite of its unpolished aspects, it showcased a sense of ambition. Pioneers could traverse the Caribbean, enhance their vessels, and participate in naval skirmishes years before Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag became popular. A remake might emphasize the open-world elements, provide depth to the narrative, and update the sailing mechanics. Envision a role-playing game in the style of Bethesda, offering dynamic weather conditions, randomly generated treasure hunts, and factions competing for sea dominance. It’s a treasure trove just waiting to be revisited.

3. Fallout 3

War, War Never Ages Well On PS3

Typically, Fallout 3 serves as an introduction for players captivated by Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic world. The Capital Wasteland of Washington D.C., though desolate and dismal, retained a unique charm. The narrative of a solitary traveler seeking their father amidst the power struggles of the Brotherhood of Steel, Enclave, and other wasteland groups remains impactful.

Returning to it now, it’s clear that the game has become a bit rough around the edges. The combat feels rigid, the animations seem dated, and while the world is iconic, it appears as though it’s been tinted green with an old filter. A remake could modernize the shooting mechanics (perhaps by incorporating some of the enhancements from Fallout 4), introduce more interactive events, and bring a more detailed, handcrafted feel to Washington D.C., similar to that seen in newer role-playing games.

2. Fallout: New Vegas

The One That Outsold The Mainline Series

Inquire a fan about their preferred game from the Fallout series, and you’ll likely hear New Vegas mentioned frequently. Obsidian’s take on Bethesda’s open-world format introduced more immersive role-playing, complex storylines, and some of the most compelling writing in the franchise. The Mojave Wasteland seemed teeming with factions, such as the NCR and Caesar’s Legion, each striving for dominance over the Strip.

Initially, it came out with numerous bugs. Despite the fact that modifiers have rectified several problems for PC users, console players haven’t had the smooth gameplay experience it warranted. A remake could address the notorious crashes, enhance the fighting mechanics, and possibly even incorporate previously omitted content (such as the colossal Hoover Dam battle that was meant to be much larger). Moreover, by updating New Vegas with advanced AI and world systems, the choices and consequences could feel more significant.

1. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

The Granddaddy Of Open-World RPGs

Among all the games listed here, none shouts “It’s time for a remake!” more than Morrowind. This 2002 gem is frequently praised for its exceptional world-building—an expansive alien terrain teeming with colossal mushrooms, celestial deities, and a culture that offers a refreshing departure from the typical medieval fantasy setting.

The tale of Morrowind is multifaceted, its factions are intricate, and its independence is unparalleled. Players have the liberty to assassinate crucial characters, derail the primary questline, and continue roaming Vvardenfell as a deity-slaying kleptomaniac. However, the passage of time has not been favorable to its dice-based combat, antiquated journal system, or absence of map markers. A remake could update the interface, revamp combat to feel less like chasing phantoms with every strike, and preserve the original’s enigma and exploration aspect. Picture disembarking from that boat in Seyda Neen once more, but this time with a fully-voiced environment, weather conditions that impact gameplay, and perhaps—just perhaps—NPCs who don’t stand rigidly like mannequins. Morrowind is a realm worth revisiting, and if Oblivion can regain its luster, so too should Vvardenfell.

Read More

2025-04-29 07:04