In a candid reflection, a key developer behind The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has openly acknowledged that the inclusion of the world-scale leveling system was a misstep, a feature that has stirred debate among fans since the game's original release. Dive into this article to discover more about the developer's insights on the game's evolution and its enduring popularity.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Changes Applauded by Former Dev
World-Scale Leveling Remains in Oblivion Remastered
Bruce Nesmith, a former designer of Oblivion and a veteran in the gaming industry with contributions to titles like Fallout 3, Skyrim, and Starfield, recently shared his thoughts in an interview with VideoGamer. He admitted that the world-scale leveling system, which adjusts enemy levels in tandem with the player's progression, was a mistake. Despite this, the feature has been retained in the remastered version of Oblivion.
Nesmith praised the adjustments made to the leveling system in the remaster, noting that it now resembles the more player-friendly system introduced in Skyrim. He commended Bethesda for their bold move, describing it as a "brave" decision that enhances the game's playability for modern audiences.
However, Nesmith expressed regret over the world-scale leveling system, stating, "I think the world leveling with you was a mistake and that’s proven out by the fact it did not happen the same way in Skyrim." This sentiment echoes the long-standing criticism from the Oblivion community, which has led to the creation of numerous mods aimed at altering this aspect of the game. With the remaster retaining this feature, fans have once again taken it upon themselves to address the issue through modding.
Oblivion Remastered is More Than Just a Remaster
The remastering of Oblivion has exceeded expectations, surprising even Nesmith, who initially anticipated only minor texture updates akin to those seen in Skyrim: Special Edition. In another interview with VideoGamer, he lauded the extensive efforts of the development team, stating, "[It’s] a staggering amount of remastering. It almost needs its own word, quite frankly. I’m not sure remaster actually does it justice."
Bethesda's commitment to the remaster is evident in their use of Unreal Engine 5 to rebuild the world of Tamriel, overcoming the limitations of the original game. This dedication has been met with widespread acclaim from the gaming community, appreciating the high-quality result. At Game8, we awarded Oblivion Remastered a score of 90 out of 100, celebrating its meticulous recreation of Cyrodiil with modern technology. For a deeper dive into our review, explore our detailed article below!
