The Elder Scrolls Online kicked off a year-long event early in March that will focus on a conflict familiar with veteran fans of the series. Gates of Oblivion, portals leading into the parallel dimensions controlled by the various Daedric princes, are opening across Tamriel. Players are looking forward to a year of content for Elder Scrolls Online that brings back elements of one of the franchise’s most popular titles. Some fans are hoping that this new focus might be hinting towards a remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.
Considered a masterpiece when its first released, Oblivion focused on an incursion by the Daedric prince, Mehrunes Dagon, in attempt to conquer Tamriel. Kicking off its foray into another similar event, ESO launched its Flames of Ambition chapter recently. Fans have generally enjoyed the event, but many are hoping it could lead to more. In the current era of popular remakes and remasters like the upcoming Mass Effect: Legendary Edition and Final Fantasy 7 Remake, a remake of Oblivion could be very successful and help fill the ever-increasingly large void before Elder Scrolls 6.
An Oblivion Remake Could Be a Good Move
Oblivion has an interesting reputation in the Elder Scrolls franchise. Long-time fans often consider it the franchise’s peak while panning Skyrim, and the newer fans that love Skyrim often find it difficult to take the step back, despite Oblivion’s masterpiece status. An Oblivion remake could make use of next-gen graphical fidelity much like ESO will once it hits the new consoles. An updated version of Oblivion would be a great way to both give veteran fans a fresh look at one of their favorite games, and give those who maybe began their Elder Scrolls fandom with Skyrim a chance to enjoy one of its predecessors in a new light.
With ESO focusing on a year of Oblivion-themed content like the new Blackwood chapter, some fans are wondering if it could be hinting at more. Bethesda is famously cagey about information regarding the iconic franchise, especially Elder Scrolls 6, which has started to almost feel like a red herring. But while that game is likely still very far away, capitalizing on the current infatuation with remakes and remasters would likely be a good move for Bethesda. Oblivion receiving a remaster would almost certainly be a financial success.
It’s worth noting though that fans of Oblivion would want more than just a fresh coat of paint so to speak, but would also be highly critical about certain changes. Striking that balance would be difficult and is one of the larger reasons to assume Bethesda is not planning an Oblivion remake or remaster. While in theory it’s easy to dream about a remake of Oblivion, in reality it would likely be difficult to keep fans happy with changes made, whether major or minor.
Elder Scrolls Online’s year of Oblivion content may or may not be pointing towards a remake of the classic Oblivion. Bringing one of many fans’ favorite Elder Scrolls games to new fans could go a long way in increasing excitement about Elder Scrolls 6 and the series at large. But for now fans will be able to enjoy ESO’s year of Daedric content and the various graphical mods for Oblivion.
The Elder Scrolls Online is available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One. PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions will release on June 8, 2021.
