When The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion debuted in 2006, players were captivated by its massive open world, engaging quests, and numerous character customization options involving magic, melee, and archery. These features set it apart from other games of the era. Yet, beyond its gameplay, Oblivion gained fame for its amusing quirks, including awkward NPC interactions, nonsensical behaviors, peculiar voice acting, and hilarious physics glitches.
As the years rolled on, fans kept the magic alive, often sharing fond memories and creating popular memes from some of the game’s more comedic moments. A notable example is the clips found on channels like Bacon_ on YouTube. So when Bethesda surprise-released Oblivion Remastered recently, many, including myself, were eager but hesitant. Would the remaster smooth out the peculiarities that gave Oblivion its distinctive charm?
Almost immediately, any worries evaporated. Oblivion Remastered managed to keep intact the hilarious moments that endeared the original to so many players while enhancing its graphics and mechanics. A quick look at the bustling Oblivion subreddit demonstrates this beautifully, with my favorite being the recreation of a classic meme by Bacon_ that perfectly mirrors the original, even seven years later.
One video from 2018, now with a whopping 18 million YouTube views, showcases a classic Oblivion scene: a thief insists on stealing 100 Gold from the player, only to dismiss its value moments later when the player nabs it back. It’s these goofy scenarios that capture the essence of Oblivion’s unique charm, and it was delightful to see Bacon_ replicate this exact exchange in the new version, precisely executed in the same map location.
While Oblivion Remastered dazzles with Unreal Engine 5 graphics and smoother combat, it has maintained the whimsical soul of its predecessor. Bacon_ has also updated another meme featuring Rena Bruiant declaring her love for dogs, even as her husband inexplicably attacks their pet. The original’s “YEEHAUGH!” is a standout moment that’s hard to beat, though.
This commitment to the original’s spirit is a significant factor in the remaster’s success. It’s attracting a new generation of players who see it as a fresh entry in The Elder Scrolls series. Currently, it’s gaining traction on Steam and is accessible via Xbox and PC through Xbox Game Pass, albeit not on PS5. Priced at $49.99, Steam enthusiasts can snag it for $41.49 via Fanatical, making it a tempting purchase.
