Rumors are swirling that Bethesda is gearing up to unveil a much-anticipated remake of *The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion* in the coming weeks, with a release slated to follow soon after. The buzz started when NatetheHate, a source known for correctly predicting the announcement date of the Nintendo Switch 2, took to Twitter to claim that the Oblivion remake would be revealed either this month or next month. This information was further validated by VGC, adding credibility to the exciting news.
While the exact release window remains somewhat ambiguous, NatetheHate suggests a launch before June, whereas VGC hints at a potential release as early as April. This has set the gaming community abuzz with anticipation for what could be a transformative reimagining of the beloved classic.
Back in January, Mp1st shed light on what appeared to be prematurely disclosed details about the Oblivion remake, courtesy of a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft, when approached by IGN for comments, opted to remain silent on the matter. According to Mp1st, Virtuos has leveraged Unreal Engine 5 for the remake, suggesting a deep overhaul rather than a simple remaster. Noteworthy gameplay changes include revamped mechanics for Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD).
The changes to Blocking draw inspiration from action games and Soulslikes, aiming to address the original's perceived monotony and frustration. Sneak icons have been made more prominent, and damage calculation has been updated. The Stamina depletion mechanic leading to knockdowns is now reportedly harder to trigger, and the HUD has been streamlined for clarity. Hit reactions have been added to enhance feedback, and Archery has been modernized for both first and third-person gameplay.
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Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023, when documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) versus Microsoft trial, concerning the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, inadvertently revealed a list of unannounced Bethesda games planned for future release. Compiled in July 2020, ahead of Microsoft's purchase of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, the list included an "Oblivion Remaster" slated for the 2022 financial year. However, it's clear that the project's scope may have evolved into a full-fledged remake, a testament to Bethesda's commitment to reimagining their classics for modern audiences.
As we await the official announcement, speculation also surrounds the platforms on which the Oblivion remake will debut. With Microsoft embracing multiplatform releases and the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, there's a possibility that the game could extend beyond PC, Xbox, and PlayStation to include the new Nintendo console. If the Switch 2 launches around June, the Oblivion remake might just be part of its launch window, offering players a chance to explore Cyrodiil in stunning new detail across even more platforms.