"Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Set for Imminent Reveal and Release"

Exciting news for fans of the iconic role-playing series: Bethesda is reportedly gearing up to announce a remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion in the coming weeks, with a release expected shortly thereafter. The insider NatetheHate, known for accurately predicting the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share that the reveal could happen this month or next, a claim supported by VGC. While the exact release window remains a bit unclear, NatetheHate suggests a launch before June, whereas VGC hints at a potential April release.

Earlier this year, Mp1st stumbled upon details of the Oblivion remake, seemingly released by mistake by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft, when reached out to by IGN, chose not to comment on the matter. According to Mp1st, Virtuos is using the powerful Unreal Engine 5 to completely overhaul Bethesda's beloved open-world RPG, suggesting a more extensive project than a simple remaster. Reports also hint at significant gameplay changes, including adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the user interface's HUD.

The changes to Blocking were inspired by action games and Soulslikes, aiming to make the original system less "boring" and "frustrating." Sneak icons are now reportedly more visible, with revamped damage calculations. Triggering a knockdown from Stamina depletion has allegedly become more challenging, and the HUD has been redesigned for better clarity. Additionally, hit reactions have been added to enhance feedback, and Archery has been updated for both first and third-person views.

Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023, sparked by documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) versus Microsoft trial over the Activision Blizzard acquisition. These documents listed several unannounced Bethesda projects, including an Oblivion Remaster slated for the financial year 2022. However, the project mentioned in these documents was labeled as a remaster, which might indicate a shift in scope towards a more ambitious remake.

As for the platforms on which the Oblivion remake will be available, Microsoft's current strategy leans towards multiplatform releases. With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, it's possible that Oblivion will not only be accessible on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation but also on the new Nintendo console. If the Switch 2 launches around June, the Oblivion remake might just make it into the console's launch lineup.

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