Oblivion Remastered’s Major Flaw

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Despite not starting from scratch, Oblivion Remastered is still an impressive feat for both Bethesda and Virtuos. In fact, due to its extensive visual enhancements and mechanical adjustments, it’s been commonly described as a remake rather than a traditional remaster.

Beneath the shiny new surface of Oblivion Remastered lies, for the most part, the same classic RPG that was released in 2006. There have been minor adjustments like the introduction of a sprint feature, but Oblivion Remastered still feels very much like a game from 2006 in terms of its overall structure. It doesn’t have the modern amenities found in its contemporaries, and instead focuses on less radical changes like those seen in Resident Evil 2 Remake or Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. However, this is generally positive as it preserves the original’s character and charm. Yet, it could be viewed as a missed opportunity, particularly when considering Bethesda’s more recent projects.

Oblivion Remastered Could Have Addressed the Loading Screen Elephant in the Room

Bethesda Is Now Infamous for Egregious Loading Screens

Initially, Starfield faced a barrage of criticism at its debut, not all of which was particularly sound or enlightening. However, a persistent complaint that cropped up in these widespread critiques was one recurring issue: the game featured an excessive number of loading screens. Today’s gamers are accustomed to exploring expansive open-world games like Elden Ring, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Cyberpunk 2077, which aim for seamless, continuous gameplay environments, with loading screens used sparingly in exceptional circumstances. In comparison, Starfield was perceived as outdated due to its abundance of loading screens, resulting in a disjointed, unengaging, and retro gaming experience.

In essence, just like with the remastered version of ‘Oblivion’, it’s quite frequent to encounter multiple load screens in quick succession, particularly when moving through expansive indoor areas such as castles or towers in the Planes of Oblivion. This can be quite striking compared to the game’s other refined aspects, which suggest a fresh, contemporary release. In simpler terms, the frequent loading screens in ‘Oblivion’ serve as a persistent reminder of its age, and no matter how well-polished the remaster may appear, this aspect cannot be concealed.

In a more casual and clear manner, the remastered version of “Oblivion” still shows signs of being old, yet this is a completely separate topic.

Oblivion Remastered’s Loading Screens Are a Relic of a Bygone Era

Given the age of Oblivion Remastered, it’s not surprising that its loading screens may seem outdated compared to a 2025 release. However, these moments serve as a reminder of how far video games have progressed over the last two decades or so. While gamers often focus on the visual quality of modern games, comparing them to titles like The Last of Us 2, it’s essential to remember that there are other advantages to today’s gaming technology. Engaging in debates about graphics can be insightful, but it’s equally crucial to appreciate the various improvements and advancements in contemporary gaming.

The loading screens of Oblivion Remastered may seem to hint at its age, yet they also serve as a testament to the rapid advancement of gaming over time. It’s striking how conspicuous these loading screens are now, given that they are virtually non-existent in today’s games. Just a decade or so ago, a game with minimal loading screens would have been hailed as a technological marvel; now it’s almost standard. In 2006, critics rarely criticized Oblivion for its loading screens because such delays were commonplace. It’s amusing to ponder if the next retro trend might involve lengthy loading screens from the PS3 era, but for now, gamers can enjoy the fact that most of these limitations have been addressed.

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2025-04-26 05:03