Back in 2006, Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion captured the hearts of gamers with its sprawling open world, rich array of adventures, and the freedom to shape characters using magic, melee, and archery. These features immediately set it apart from other games of its time. Yet, what also etched Oblivion into memory were its endearing quirks—awkward NPC dialogues, quirky behaviors, amusing voice acting, and the kind of wacky physics that led to some unforgettable glitches.
Over the years, the RPG has become a nostalgic touchstone for fans. Many have fondly revisited Oblivion, to the point where some of its eccentric moments have evolved into popular memes, thriving on platforms like the YouTube channel Bacon_. So, naturally, when Bethesda unexpectedly released Oblivion Remastered earlier this week, I felt a twinge of anxiety. Would Bethesda and their partner Virtuos Games attempt to iron out the delightful absurdities that made the original so entertaining?
Relief washed over me just hours post-launch when it became evident that Oblivion Remastered upgraded visuals and gameplay mechanics while preserving its amusing oddities. Anyone visiting the Oblivion subreddit can see this for themselves, but one standout example is a meme by Bacon_ that’s been reimagined seven years later in the remaster.
That original meme, which exploded to 18 million views on YouTube since its 2018 release, showcases a spontaneous scene from Oblivion. In it, a thief threatens the player and takes 100 Gold, only to nonchalantly dismiss its worth when the player steals it back. It was a classic comedy moment highlighting the game’s whimsical nature, and to my delight, Bacon_ managed to recreate this scene in the exact location within the new remaster. Despite the polished Unreal Engine 5 visuals and smoother combat, Oblivion Remastered retains the original’s charm at its core.
Bacon_ didn’t stop there. They’ve also reworked another fan-favorite meme, involving Rena Bruiant passionately declaring her love for dogs right before her husband bizarrely attacks one. While his triumphant “YEEHAUGH!” from the older video has been toned down to a simpler “Hough!” in the remake, the whimsy remains.
It’s this unwavering fidelity to the original source that likely fuels Oblivion Remastered’s current success. Newcomers might see it as a fresh entry in The Elder Scrolls saga, and it certainly shows in its booming presence on Steam. Plus, it’s available on Xbox and PC via Xbox Game Pass, though not for the PS5. While the regular price is set at $49.99, keen buyers can snag the Steam version for $41.49 on Fanatical.
In digesting these moments, it’s clear that Bethesda and Virtuos maintained the unique spirit of Oblivion while providing players—old and new alike—a welcoming adventure that echoes with nostalgia. Whether it’s news, reviews, or in-depth guides for Windows and Xbox enthusiasts, the gaming world can’t wait to see what continues to unfold for Oblivion Remastered.