Back in 2006, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion took the gaming world by storm. Bethesda’s sprawling open-world fantasy RPG won players over with its sheer size, engaging quests, and the freedom to shape your character through magic, melee, or archery. It was these qualities that set it apart from rivals of its time. But it wasn’t just these elements that captured gamers’ hearts; Oblivion became just as well-known for its endearing quirks. From awkward NPC conversations and bizarre behaviors to eccentric voice acting and funny physics glitches, the game was a treasure trove of hilarious moments.
Fans have looked back on this two-decade-old gem with affection for years, so much so that countless memes have emerged from its legendary quirky moments. Popular YouTube channels like Bacon_ have immortalized these scenes for new and old audiences alike. With Bethesda’s surprise launch of Oblivion Remastered just this week, I couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious. Would they, along with their partner Virtuos Games, attempt to “refine” all the amusing oddities that made the original so beloved?
Thankfully, my concerns were quickly put to rest. Just hours after its debut, it was clear that while Oblivion Remastered enhances the visual and mechanical aspects of the original RPG, it has beautifully retained its whimsical charm. Browsing through the top posts on the Oblivion subreddit reveals this preservation, but my personal favorite is seeing Bacon_ recreate one of their classic memes seven years later, now in the remastered world.
Reflecting on their original video from 2018, which has amassed an impressive 18 million views, is an absolute delight. It captures a priceless Oblivion moment where a thief NPC demands gold from the player—but hilariously couldn’t care less when they steal it back, dismissing it as “worthless.” This humorous back-and-forth epitomizes the kind of delightful absurdity that characterized the game, and seeing it remain untouched in the remaster was a joy. Even with its stunning Unreal Engine 5 graphics and refined combat mechanics, Oblivion Remastered is steeped in the quirky essence of its predecessor.
Bacon_ didn’t stop there. They’ve already given us another updated meme: Rena Bruiant expressing her love for dogs, only for her husband to hilariously turn and attack one of them moments later. It’s an iconic moment that has been slightly toned down in the new version, with the original’s animated “YEEHAUGH!” reduced to a more subdued “Hough!”
This commitment to authenticity seems to be powering Oblivion Remastered’s success, resonating with both seasoned fans and a new generation discovering The Elder Scrolls for the first time. It’s making waves on Steam and can also be enjoyed via Xbox Game Pass on Xbox and PC, though it’s absent from the PS5 lineup. Typically priced at $49.99, savvy shoppers can find it on Steam for a better deal at $41.49 at Fanatical.
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