Oblivion Remastered’s Character Creation Tease for Elder Scrolls 6

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Upon the announcement of the remastered version called “Oblivion Remastered“, a significant portion of the spotlight was on visual enhancements and technical improvements. However, hidden within the familiar introductory scene lies a potential key element that could outweigh its initial impression: character creation. Despite the fundamental mechanics staying consistent with the original “Oblivion“, the rerelease subtly polishes this early phase of the gameplay, which might hint at it preparing the ground for “The Elder Scrolls 6“.

In Oblivion Remastered, players can select a character and adjust facial features, presenting a revamped yet recognizable system. Although it may not offer the extensive customization options found in some modern RPGs, the remaster showcases the series’ ongoing effort to harmonize player liberty with traditional idiosyncrasies. These idiosyncrasies, particularly the deliberately odd-looking characters, have been a source of both criticism and affection among fans.

Elder Scrolls 6’s Character Creation Must Learn From its RPG Peers

In the remastered version of “Oblivion”, character creation doesn’t use conventional gender labels, instead offering a variety of body types. This is a significant departure from its original release. Although this change provides a more inclusive beginning, it falls short of contemporary customization expectations. On the other hand, “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” takes things to another level by giving players extensive control not just over body and facial features, but also the properties of elements like hair. To keep up with modern trends, “The Elder Scrolls 6” might need to adopt similar changes, perhaps even going beyond them.

In simpler terms, The Veilguard boasts hair styles that adjust based on movement and surroundings, a significant upgrade from the static and restricted options found in Oblivion Remastered. This level of interactivity can help bring a game world to life, potentially making The Elder Scrolls 6 just as revolutionary in immersion as Skyrim was for open-world games.

Todd Howard has likened The Elder Scrolls series to a collection of “books,” suggesting each installment expands upon its predecessor. If Oblivion Remastered is an exploration of self-restraint and nostalgia, then The Elder Scrolls 6 could be the chapter that boldly extends the customization possibilities.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Shows the Other Path

If The Veilguard represents a well-honed, somewhat serious customization in fantasy realms, Dragon’s Dogma 2 serves as a blueprint for unrestrained creativity through absurdity in character creation. In Capcom’s sequel, players can craft colossal giants or miniature adventurers, emphasizing that not every hero must conform to the fashion ideal. This design philosophy mirrors what Morrowind (Oblivion) initially offered: a quirky, occasionally awkward world where the humor was just as integral a part as the narrative itself.

In “Dragon’s Dogma 2,” players often post amusing or eerie character avatars online, thanks to the game’s extensive customization options. This player-generated creativity, which has become quite viral, could fit seamlessly into “The Elder Scrolls 6.” Given how deeply “Skyrim” is embedded in the meme culture, Bethesda might find it beneficial to offer players a choice between creating chaotic or aesthetically pleasing characters in “The Elder Scrolls 6.” Instead of eliminating the quirky appeal of “Oblivion,” they simply need to provide more customization options.

Capcom is welcoming the creative twists the community has given to the customization system of Dragon’s Dogma 2. It would be advantageous for Bethesda to follow suit by adopting a more open attitude towards the peculiarities surrounding their games, rather than trying to suppress them.

Skyrim’s Legacy Demands Something More Flexible

Skyrim casts a long shadow over everything Bethesda creates. Its achievement went beyond the gaming realm, captivating players who were new to RPGs. Consequently, The Elder Scrolls 6 faces immense pressure, not just in terms of narrative and scale, but in allowing players to craft their own tale through their character. The initial step for this is the character creation process, as a lackluster or shallow experience could set an unfortunate precedent for the rest of the adventure.

It would be great if we could modify some decisions made during character creation in a game like Oblivion Remastered. Having the option to reconsider one’s race, birthsign, or class later on would make the game feel more contemporary. Given that this game is expected to take hundreds of hours to complete, providing flexibility is not just a luxury; it’s essential for an enjoyable experience.

The truth is, The Elder Scrolls 6 requires more than just a character creator. It necessitates a dynamic character identity system that grows with the player. A system that acknowledges the advancements in RPGs since 2011 and the direction Bethesda’s future should take.

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2025-05-25 06:04