Back in 2006, when Bethesda released The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, it quickly became a standout title in the gaming world. Its expansive open world, the vast array of engaging quests, and the numerous character-building options, from magic to melee, to archery, set it apart from other games of its time. Yet, one of the most endearing aspects of this fantasy RPG was the delightful chaos it brought along—awkward NPC conversations, bizarre behaviors, and hilarious glitches, all contributing to its charm.
Players have cherished these quirks for years, and memes capturing Oblivion’s wacky moments continue to amuse, particularly on YouTube channels like Bacon_. So, when Bethesda and Virtuos Games recently released Oblivion Remastered out of the blue, I was a bit apprehensive. Would they attempt to iron out the quirks that made the original so beloved?
Fortunately, those fears were unfounded. Shortly after its release, it became evident that while Oblivion Remastered gives the game a shiny new look and smoother mechanics, it retains the original’s comedic spirit to a tee. A quick glance at the top posts on the Oblivion subreddit confirms this. My personal highlight? Bacon_ recreating a classic meme from seven years ago, now remade using the remaster.
The original clip, which has amassed 18 million views since its 2018 release, showcases an NPC thief stealing 100 Gold from the player, only to ignore the player stealing it back, claiming the gold is “worthless.” This absurdity epitomizes Oblivion’s playful nature, and seeing Bacon_ orchestrate the same interaction in the remaster, in precisely the same location, was a joy. Despite the new game’s Unreal Engine 5 visuals and refined combat, it still pulsates with the same heart as the original.
Bacon_ didn’t stop there, though. Another memorable meme has been updated: Rena Bruiant’s declaration of love for dogs, followed by her husband’s unexpected attack on one. The new version isn’t quite as dramatic—his original “YEEHAUGH!” was much more animated than the new “Hough!”—but it’s another testament to the remaster’s fidelity to its roots.
It’s no wonder Oblivion Remastered is thriving, both nostalgic for long-time fans and a fresh experience for new players. The game is making waves on Steam and is also available on Xbox and PC via Game Pass, though it’s not on PS5. It retails for $49.99, but you can snag the Steam version for $41.49 at Fanatical. Whether you’re revisiting a beloved classic or diving in for the first time, Oblivion Remastered is bringing that enduring Elder Scrolls magic to a whole new audience.