The original Oblivion, released in 2006, is notable for its absence of character customizations like beards or mustaches. The Remastered version adds facial hair to some NPCs, though many still maintain awkward appearances. For some players, this might detract from the otherwise impressive visual upgrade, but for others, the odd character models are part of what makes Oblivion special.
Developed by Virtuous, the remaster balances nostalgia with modern enhancements. It retains the classic quirks of the original while improving dated mechanics. The graphics have been completely overhauled using Unreal Engine 5, resulting in a visually stunning experience, yet the characters sometimes look uncanny. This peculiarity adds to the game’s charm, resonating with the essence that long-time fans expect. Notably, the iconic voice acting remains mostly intact, preserving the character of the original game, though some new voice work has altered familiar lines.
The remaster introduces several gameplay improvements. Combat animations are refined, and the new bow mechanics enhance shooting accuracy. However, despite these adjustments, the overall combat still feels unrefined in 2025 when compared to other contemporary games. The character leveling system receives an update while allowing players to explore multiple skillsets, reducing the chances of "soft-locking" a character’s progress.
While the game does have bugs—like the occasional crash and graphical oddities typical of Bethesda RPGs—it’s generally stable. Performance varies, particularly on the Steam Deck, where experiences can be less favorable.
Ultimately, while Oblivion Remastered may not surpass the neighboring Skyrim in every aspect, it successfully captures the unique charm that defines the original game. The community’s ongoing love for Oblivion is evident, and the remaster does enough right to be both a nostalgic homage and an improved experience for newcomers.
