"Oblivion Remake Details Leak Online"

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is reportedly being remade, with a leaked list of details surfacing online. According to Mp1st, the unannounced project was accidentally revealed by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft declined to comment on the leak when approached by IGN.

Virtuos is said to have remade Bethesda's beloved open-world RPG using Unreal Engine 5, indicating a comprehensive overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The leaked details suggest numerous gameplay changes, including modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD).

Reportedly, the Blocking mechanic has been updated to be more engaging, drawing inspiration from action games and Soulslikes, as the original was deemed "boring" and "frustrating." Sneak icons are now allegedly more visible, and the damage calculation has been revamped. The effect of depleting Stamina leading to a knockdown is said to be harder to trigger. The HUD has been redesigned for better clarity, and hit reactions have been added to enhance feedback. Additionally, Archery mechanics have been modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.

The concept of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 during the Federal Trade Commission's trial against Microsoft regarding the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Documents from the trial, dated July 2020, listed several unannounced Bethesda games planned for release in the coming years, including an "Oblivion Remaster" slated for the 2022 financial year. However, many of these projects were delayed or canceled, with titles like Doom Year Zero rebranded as Doom: The Dark Ages and set for release this year, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launching in December 2024.

It's intriguing to note that the Microsoft document referred to the project as a "remaster," suggesting that the scope may have expanded into a full remake. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement to uncover the details of this highly anticipated project.

As for the platforms, Microsoft's recent strategy leans towards multiplatform releases. With the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the Oblivion remake could potentially launch on more platforms than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Leaker NateTheHate has speculated that the Oblivion remake might launch in June, coinciding with the rumored release window of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Developer Direct for next week, where id Software, owned by ZeniMax, will share more about Doom: The Dark Ages. While there is excitement about a new game reveal from a mystery developer, Jez Corden from Windows Central hints that it is unlikely to be Oblivion. Instead, it's expected to be a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with a long history, promising to delight many fans.