6 Things Oblivion Remastered Still Does Better Than Modern Open-World Games
Oblivion Remastered overhauled the original game with more modern graphics and even some system changes, which improved the popular title. Despite this, the game is still old when compared to modern games, so how well does it hold up? Fans believe Oblivion Remastered is still one of the best RPGs, and they even have things that they claim modern RPGs canât do. Here are some of the things Oblivion Remastered does better than modern open-world games.
1. Unpredictable NPC Behavior
Oblivion Remasteredâs NPCs are one of its strong elements because of how unique each interaction with them is. Amusie, a recurring NPC, meets you multiple times during the Thieves Guild quests, and it will be under different circumstances each time. Random NPCs will change their behavior based on their disposition towards you and whether you seem suspicious or have your weapon drawn.
Each NPC also has a set routine; they eat, sleep, walk around completing tasks, and also have jobs. This adds realism to the game, making them feel like real individuals rather than scripted characters. These small systems that make NPCs unpredictable arenât a priority in modern games, as they focus more on crowds rather than individual characters.
2. Memorable Quest Designs
The game has numerous quests, and progression can even let a novice thief take on the mantle of The Gray Fox. The Dark Brotherhood questline is a fan favorite because of the number of options it gives you. The main objective is always the same: to assassinate someone. But you can stage an accident, manipulate someone to kill them for you, or go in swords drawn.
What makes the quests stand out even more is the fact that you can play the game multiple times and still find a new way to complete them. Modern games typically have a set template or format that doesnât allow as much freedom. They offer players a more linear path that guides them towards their goal, restricting them from adapting or being spontaneous. Many fans believe this quest mechanics is a strong reason why Oblivion Remastered is better than modern open-world games.
3. Exploration Without Handholding
Oblivion Remastered doesnât guide you in the modern sense, and you can get lost in the world or explore previously uncharted areas. There is always some new dungeon for you to find, enemies to fight, and treasures to loot. The game has a quest marker, but it doesnât force you to stick to a particular route, letting you pave your own path.
Modern games, on the other hand, typically expect you to follow the quest marker and avoid straying from the set path. This ruins exploration for you if you want the game to feel like an adventure rather than a checklist. Oblivion allows you to explore with curiosity rather than the hurry of completing tasks.
4. Freedom to Exploit or Break the Game
This is an unintended element in the game that players abuse to do unexpected things. You can create overpowered spells to take down the toughest enemies or use the paintbrush glitch to climb inaccessible heights. Bethesda addresses some of these issues in updates, but players still find more ways to cheat the system.
This imbalance makes things fun, and the exploits can change the world drastically. You could use console commands to turn your character into a tank or use painbrushes to glitch your way to inaccessible higher locations. Modern games, in comparison, have a tighter environment that encourages balanced gameplay and a fair system.
5. Leveling Choices That Make or Break Your Build
Leveling up isnât a joke in Oblivion Remastered, and veteran players know this well. The skills you advance can either leave you weak or overpower you substantially. This is why it’s important to know how to shape your character, to build effectively. Oblivionâs level-up system was massively criticized by players, and the Remaster also uses similar mechanics.
Modern games typically have simpler progression systems that canât break your builds. You can still be weaker than youâd like, but not like Oblivion Remastered, where youâd be fighting an enemy and die instantly. Love the system or hate it, thereâs no doubt it’s a challenging way to progress.
6. Actions Have Unexpected Ripple Effects
RPGs are the best when it comes to actions having consequences, but Oblivion Remastered takes this up a notch. Your smallest action can affect your relationship with an NPC, which can then make it impossible for you to complete a quest. This would be unintended on your end, but the game is known to have ripple effects.
You may not even know the full impact of a choice until progressing substantially, which can make it almost possible to rectify your mistake. Modern games, on the other hand, have more visible consequences, with you knowing what a choice leads to and being able to decide more easily. This saves you from messing up something without meaning to.
