Cyrodiil Reborn: Oblivion Remake Review Roundup & First Impressions
I. Introduction
“The wait is finally over, and Cyrodiil has never looked this good!” The long-anticipated The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remake officially launched on April 22, 2025. Available now on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S—with Day One access via Xbox Game Pass—this reimagining of Bethesda’s beloved 2006 RPG brings players back to the heart of Tamriel with a stunning new presentation.
Developed in partnership with Virtuos and powered by Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Reborn delivers a full graphical overhaul, modernized gameplay mechanics, and streamlined UI updates aimed at both longtime fans and a new generation of adventurers.
In this article, we’ll share our hands-on first impressions of the remake and summarize early reviews from gaming outlets and players alike. We’ll explore visual enhancements, gameplay feel, story presentation, technical performance, and the broader reception across platforms.
II. First Impressions: Stepping Back into Cyrodiil
Visual Overhaul
Oblivion Remake stuns at first glance. From high-resolution textures and dynamic lighting to realistic character models and sweeping landscapes, the visual fidelity has been dramatically enhanced. Nighttime in Cyrodiil, in particular, shines—torches now cast real-time shadows and flickering light across ancient ruins and cobblestone streets.
That said, some players noted a shift in tone—the color grading leans toward a darker, more desaturated palette, lacking the vibrant saturation that defined the original. It’s a clear visual departure that may divide fans depending on personal taste.
Gameplay Feel
The remake remains faithful to the original’s core systems while introducing key modernizations. Sprinting is now a standard feature, third-person perspective feels smoother and more natural, and combat animations have been overhauled for a more responsive and visceral experience.
The updated UI is cleaner and more intuitive, especially for inventory and quest tracking. While some classic mechanics like level scaling are still present (for better or worse), overall control and movement are vastly improved.
Story & Characters (Early Game – Spoiler-Free)
In terms of narrative, the remake retains the original story and dialogue—albeit enhanced by improved facial animations and newly recorded voiceovers. Fan-favorite lines are still intact, and character models now emote more believably.
Memorable early moments, like the opening prison escape and first steps into the open world, deliver a nostalgic thrill with a fresh coat of polish.
Technical Performance (Initial Observations)
On a high-end PC, the game runs smoothly with short loading times and stable frame rates. However, minor issues such as occasional texture pop-ins or slight stuttering during open-world traversal were observed—nothing game-breaking, but worth noting. Console performance is equally solid, particularly on PS5 and Xbox Series X.
III. Early Review Roundup: What Critics and Players Are Saying
Aggregate Scores & General Sentiment
So far, the remake has been met with strong critical and player acclaim. Here's a snapshot of the early reception:
- Steam: “Very Positive”
- PlayStation Store: 4.96/5
- Xbox Store: 4.9/5
Most outlets agree: this isn't just a remaster—it’s a full-fledged remake that reintroduces Oblivion with modern sensibilities and technical prowess.
Key Praises
- Stunning Visuals: Vastly improved environments and character models
- Faithful Recreation: Keeps the soul of the original while modernizing where it counts
- All DLC Included: Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles bundled at launch
Common Criticisms
- Color Grading Shift: Less vibrant than the original, more muted tones
- Legacy Systems: Level scaling remains controversial
- Minor Technical Hiccups: Some texture streaming and performance dips
Platform-Specific Notes
The game runs beautifully on next-gen consoles and high-end PCs. Steam Deck users report solid performance, though some visual effects are scaled down. Xbox Game Pass users appreciate the value and ease of access.
IV. Conclusion: Early Verdict & What’s Next
Our early hours with Oblivion Reborn have been overwhelmingly positive. The remake balances nostalgia and innovation beautifully, creating a familiar yet refreshing return to Cyrodiil. Whether you’re a veteran fan of the original or a newcomer curious about The Elder Scrolls, this release is well worth diving into.
In upcoming articles, we’ll take a deeper look at faction quests, character builds, mod support, and long-term gameplay systems. There’s plenty more to explore.
Final Thoughts
Oblivion Remake isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a bold revival of one of gaming’s most iconic open worlds. As more players venture into Cyrodiil, one thing is clear: the gates of Oblivion are open once again, and this time, they look incredible.