The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has surprised many gamers, including myself, marking a release that few saw coming in 2025. The fact that this beloved title not only runs on contemporary hardware but has also received significant visual updates and gameplay enhancements is both astonishing and thrilling. Exploring the nostalgic landscapes of Cyrodiil once more is a delightful experience, and I eagerly await what innovations Virtuos and Bethesda will unveil in the future.
Despite my enthusiasm for Oblivion Remastered, it is not without its shortcomings. In particular, a significant flaw has detracted from my overall enjoyment of the game, although it hasn’t reached a level where I feel compelled to stop playing. This issue has sparked considerable debate within the gaming community, and while it undoubtedly hinders the remastered version, I believe Bethesda could leverage this in an upcoming remaster of Fallout 3, which seems likely.
The Art Direction in Oblivion Remastered
A Loss of Vibrancy
One of the most notable modifications in Oblivion Remastered is its revamped art direction. Built entirely in Unreal Engine 5, the game now showcases a photorealistic visual style that many players might prefer. However, I contend that this shift compromises the original’s enchanting aesthetic, as well as the mythical essence of a world beset by demonic forces.
The original titular game’s artistic vibrancy, marked by bright colors and an ethereal quality, created a serene and captivating exploration of Cyrodiil. The lush green scenery and rolling fields provided a stark contrast to the chaotic influence of the Daedra and the bleakness found in the dark Planes of Oblivion. With the muted color scheme introduced in Oblivion Remastered, the vivid landscapes of yesteryear feel replaced by a drab and lifeless environment reminiscent of Fallout 3’s desaturated Washington, D.C.
Gone are the radiant colors of the original game, replaced by uniformly dull environments and monotonous flora, which draw an unfortunate parallel to the lackluster impact of the live-action adaptation of The Lion King. While traces of the original’s odd charm persist, such as colorful character designs, these elements fail to reinvigorate the game’s entire atmosphere—a quality that once made it stand out.
Fallout 3 Could Reap Benefits from a Visual Revamp
A Call for a Refresh
The muted visual style in Oblivion Remastered is one of its numerous drawbacks; it stands out as particularly controversial. While some players may appreciate the effort towards realism, the identifiable sheen of Unreal Engine 5 suggests a trend that many gamers embrace. Nevertheless, the gradual removal of color in AAA titles is disheartening, especially when vibrant palettes defined earlier generations of gaming.
Conversely, Fallout 3—though released shortly after Oblivion—has weathered a palette characterized by muddiness and greyness. This adaptation to a drab post-apocalyptic narrative fits its gritty themes but could greatly benefit from a remaster that harnesses Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities, paving the way for a refresh that Oblivion Remastered lacked.
While we have yet to receive an official announcement, indications suggest that a remaster for Fallout 3 is on the horizon. As the franchise has been receiving less attention lately, coupled with the anticipation for new titles likely several years away, the demand for a high-quality remaster is palpable.
Fallout 3 Remastered: A Needed Visual Leap
Embracing Photorealism
While Fallout 3’s universe contains fantastical elements such as ghouls and super mutants, it exists within a retro-futuristic interpretation of our world, allowing for a more grounded adaptation of Unreal Engine 5’s photorealistic capabilities. This warrants an update to its original aesthetic without compromising the essential qualities that made the game beloved.
My hope is that a remaster would respect the core features of Fallout 3, avoiding the pitfalls faced by Oblivion Remastered. I believe that a shift towards more realistic and subdued visuals would sit well with players—especially considering the original’s already subdued palette. With more color introduced in later titles within the franchise, Fallout 3’s stark urban landscape should accommodate a more muted tone.
I am genuinely excited about the prospect of a Fallout 3 remaster, notwithstanding that it will likely encounter some issues akin to those seen in Oblivion Remastered, particularly regarding familiarity with the original experience. I firmly endorse Bethesda and Virtuos continuing to explore the uses of Unreal Engine 5 in future Fallout titles. However, when it comes to potential Elder Scrolls remasters, I hope they prioritize artistic style and vibrancy rather than simply adhering to a muted realism.