In an exciting development for gaming enthusiasts, Bethesda has officially unveiled The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, just days after the games details leaked online. This remaster of the iconic nearly 20-year-old RPG is being developed by Virtuos, a studio known for its work on various high-profile gaming projects.

Starting today, players can get their hands on Oblivion Remastered for $49.99. It is currently available on popular platforms including Steam, PlayStation 5, and both versions of Xbox Series X and S. Additionally, subscribers to Xbox Game Pass will have the opportunity to enjoy the game as part of their subscription.

Oblivion was a real defining moment in the series and for how we make games as a studio, stated Todd Howard, the studio head at Bethesda. This assertion highlights the significant impact Oblivion had on the gaming landscape and Bethesda's development philosophy.

The remastered version boasts an impressive upgrade in graphics to meet the standards of modern gaming hardware. Notably, it includes beloved expansions like Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles, enhancing the breadth of content available to players.

In an intriguing twist, despite the name suggesting a simple remaster, Virtuos has completely rebuilt the game using Unreal Engine 5. This state-of-the-art engine allows for stunning visual enhancements, and Virtuos has published several comparisons showcasing the stark differences between the original 2006 release and the newly remastered version. Every single asset has been meticulously recreated from the ground up, resulting in significantly improved textures and more realistic lighting effects, including enhanced shadow rendering.

Another notable upgrade can be seen in the games lip-sync technology, which has been enhanced through the advanced capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. This attention to detail helps immerse players deeper into the narrative experience. Furthermore, gameplay has seen a modern twist with updates to audio, user interface (UI), and leveling systems. The new leveling system is touted as the best of both worlds, blending elements from both Skyrim and the original Oblivion. Adjustments have also been made to encumbrance mechanics, non-combat perks, and various gameplay systems.

As part of the modernization effort, Bethesda and Virtuos have revamped the third-person perspective view, which brings a fresh look to gameplay. Players can now also enjoy a sprinting feature, enhancing movement dynamics within the expansive world of Oblivion. Improvements have been made to numerous gameplay systems, including the Persuasion and Clairvoyance mechanics, and there are significant reworks to the HUD, menus, and maps to provide a more intuitive user experience. Additionally, all character animations have received updates, contributing to smoother and more fluid gameplay.

Weve modernized a lot, but its still the same incredible adventure and the same carefully crafted world, remarked Tom Mustaine, Bethesdas external projects and studio director, during the reveal stream. This statement reassures long-time fans that while enhancements have been made, the core essence of Oblivion remains intact.

Moreover, Bethesda is releasing a special edition, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition, which includes additional content such as bonus quests, unique armor sets, weapon skins, and horse armor, along with a digital artbook and the official soundtrack of the game. This deluxe package aims to provide fans with a comprehensive and enriched gameplay experience.