Excitement is building among fans as Bethesda is reportedly gearing up to announce a remake of the beloved classic, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. According to insider NatetheHate, who previously accurately predicted the announcement date of the Nintendo Switch 2, the reveal is expected to happen either this month or next month. This information has been corroborated by VGC, adding credibility to the buzz.
While the exact release window remains a bit hazy, NatetheHate suggests it could be before June, whereas VGC hints at a possible launch as early as April. This eagerly anticipated remake promises to breathe new life into the iconic RPG, which first captivated gamers back in 2006.
Back in January, gaming news outlet Mp1st reported on what seemed to be accidentally leaked details about the Oblivion remake from a former employee at video game support studio Virtuos. When IGN reached out for comment, Microsoft opted to stay silent on the matter. According to Mp1st, Virtuos has utilized Unreal Engine 5 to completely revamp Bethesda's cherished open-world role-playing game, hinting at a comprehensive remake rather than a simple remaster. Gameplay enhancements are rumored to include significant changes to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD).
The reported changes to the gameplay mechanics aim to modernize the experience. For instance, the Blocking system has been redesigned with action games and Soulslikes in mind, addressing the original's perceived "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons will reportedly be highlighted, with damage calculations reworked. The mechanic of knocking down enemies when their Stamina is depleted is said to be more challenging to activate. Additionally, the HUD has been streamlined for better clarity, and hit reactions have been added to enhance visual feedback. Archery is also rumored to have been updated for both first and third-person viewpoints.
Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 when documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) versus Microsoft trial over the acquisition of Activision Blizzard unveiled a list of unannounced Bethesda projects slated for future release. Compiled in July 2020, ahead of Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, the list included an Oblivion Remaster scheduled for financial year 2022. However, many of these projects faced delays or cancellations, with some titles like Doom Year Zero evolving into Doom: The Dark Ages, now set for a May release, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launching in December 2024.
Interestingly, the document referred to the project as a remaster, but it seems the scope may have expanded into a full-blown remake. As we await Bethesda's official announcement, it's clear that this project has become one of the gaming industry's worst-kept secrets.
As for the platforms, with Microsoft now focusing on multiplatform releases and the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the Oblivion remake might not be exclusive to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. If the Switch 2 launches around June, Oblivion could be part of its launch lineup, offering fans even more ways to explore Cyrodiil's vast landscapes.
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