Bruce Nesmith, the senior game designer behind the original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has expressed that the remastered version developed by Bethesda and Virtuos is so transformative that the term "remaster" might not fully capture its scope. In a recent discussion with VideoGamer, Nesmith, who played a pivotal role in crafting the 2006 RPG, shared his awe at seeing the reimagined world of Cyrodiil. He emphasized the immense effort that went into the original game and was astounded by the comprehensive updates to the remaster, which touch virtually every aspect of the game.

“I was assuming this was going to be a texture update,” Nesmith admitted. “I didn’t really think it was going to be the complete overhaul that they’ve announced... I would not have batted an eye at that. But to completely redo the animations, the animation system, implement the Unreal Engine, revamp the leveling system, and change the user interface—I mean, that’s touching every part of the game.”

Despite no official announcement from Bethesda prior to its surprise launch, fans have been overwhelmingly positive about the myriad of changes in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. These range from superficial visual enhancements to significant gameplay modifications. New features like a sprint mechanic and an updated leveling system have led many to argue that the remaster is more akin to a remake. Nesmith himself leans towards this view, suggesting it might be better described as "Oblivion 2.0."

“That’s a staggering amount of remastering,” Nesmith remarked. “It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice.” He further attempted to categorize the remaster as "Oblivion 2.0," reflecting the extensive changes it brings to the table.

As the gaming community celebrates the remaster's release, Bethesda has shared its rationale for naming the RPG re-release. In a social media statement, the studio clarified that their goal was not to remake Oblivion but to modernize the beloved experience for both returning players and newcomers, imperfections and all.

“We know many of our longtime fans will be thrilled to revisit Oblivion and the land of Cyrodiil,” Bethesda's statement read. “But there are also so many who have never played it. We can’t thank you enough for all the support you have given us and our games over the years. Our hope with this remaster is that, no matter who you are, when you step out of the Imperial sewer – you feel like you’re experiencing it for the first time.”

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was unexpectedly released across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy it at no additional cost. The modding community's response to this surprise launch has been enthusiastic, further reinvigorating the Elder Scrolls community.

For those eager to dive into the remastered world, we offer a detailed guide covering everything from an expansive Interactive Map to complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and Guild Quests, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, and Things to Do First, ensuring players can fully explore and enjoy the revamped Cyrodiil.