"Oblivion Remastered: Original Dev Admits World-Scale Leveling Mistake"

Discover why a key developer from the original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion now admits that the game's world-scale leveling system was a misstep, and delve into his insights on the remastered version's significant updates.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Changes Applauded by Former Dev

World-Scale Leveling Remains in Oblivion Remastered

In a candid revelation, Bruce Nesmith, a designer of the original Oblivion, has admitted that the inclusion of the world-scale leveling system was a mistake. This feature, which allows enemies to level up alongside the player, has been retained in Oblivion Remastered. During an interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith expressed his belief that this system diminished the sense of progression for players, stating, "I think the world levelling with you was a mistake and that’s proven out by the fact it did not happen the same way in Skyrim."

Despite his criticism, Nesmith praised the other changes to the leveling system in the remaster, which now resembles the more user-friendly approach seen in Skyrim. He commended Bethesda for their bold decision to adapt the game to modern gaming standards, making it more enjoyable for contemporary players.

Oblivion Remastered is More Than Just a Remaster

The remaster of Oblivion goes beyond mere graphical enhancements. Nesmith, expecting only texture updates similar to Skyrim: Special Edition, was astounded by the extensive rework. In another VideoGamer interview, he described the remaster as "a staggering amount of remastering," suggesting that the term "remaster" might not fully capture the extent of the work done.

Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, Bethesda has rebuilt the world of Tamriel, overcoming the limitations of the original and delivering a high-quality experience that has been warmly received by the community. Here at Game8, we've awarded Oblivion Remastered a score of 90 out of 100, celebrating it as a heartfelt tribute to Cyrodiil, meticulously refined with modern technology. For more detailed insights into the game, be sure to read our full review below.