Introduction
Have you ever spent hours meticulously crafting a character in a video game, only to find their in-game representation falling short of your vision? For many players, character creation is the cornerstone of any role-playing game, and Oblivion, the beloved fourth installment in the Elder Scrolls series, is no exception. Released to critical acclaim, Oblivion immersed players in the vast and richly detailed province of Cyrodiil. However, its character creation system, while offering a degree of customization, was also a source of frustration for many. Now, with the prospect of an Oblivion Remastered on the horizon (though, let’s be clear, there’s currently no official announcement), it’s time to consider how this crucial aspect of the game could be reimagined for a new generation of players. Will Oblivion Remastered address the shortcomings of the original, or will we be stuck with those infamous “potato faces” once more? This article delves into the potential changes, improvements, and fervent hopes surrounding character creation in the potential Oblivion Remastered.
The Original Oblivion Character Creation A Look Back
Oblivion’s character creation process, while innovative for its time, now feels somewhat dated in comparison to modern RPGs. Players began by selecting a race, each with its own unique attributes, skills, and innate abilities. From the stoic Nords to the enigmatic High Elves, these choices impacted not only gameplay but also how the world perceived the player. Next, players chose a birthsign, which granted a special power or bonus. The Atronach, for example, offered a significant boost to magicka but made the player vulnerable to magic.
The class system provided another layer of customization. Players could choose from a selection of pre-made classes, each specializing in a particular playstyle, or create a custom class by selecting their own major and minor skills. These skill selections would dramatically impact how their character leveled up and progressed. The initial skill choices, combined with attribute allocation, set the stage for the entire game. These parameters are a character-defining decision, for better or worse.
The Morrowind vs Oblivion Discussion
A recurring debate among Elder Scrolls fans centers on the differences in character building philosophy between Morrowind and Oblivion. Morrowind offered a more complex and open-ended system, allowing players to experiment with different skills and build unconventional characters. Oblivion, on the other hand, streamlined the process, making it more accessible to a wider audience. However, this simplification came at the cost of depth and flexibility, leading some players to feel that their choices were less meaningful. In Morrowind you can literally create a God-like character with enough time and effort. The same could not be said for Oblivion, as the level-scaling somewhat negates the fun and thrill of becoming a super-powered character.
The Problem with Face Sculpting
Perhaps the most infamous aspect of Oblivion’s character creation was its face sculpting tools. Despite offering a wide range of sliders and options, many players struggled to create attractive or even remotely realistic-looking characters. The resulting “potato faces” became a running joke within the gaming community, highlighting the limitations of the original system. The lack of nuance and the difficulty in achieving subtle adjustments made it a challenge to create characters that truly reflected the player’s vision. Some would argue that the game itself tries to push you away from creating beautiful characters.
Character Leveling System
Oblivion’s leveling system, which dictates how your character progresses throughout the game, had an enormous influence on the character’s overall development. Players could improve stats by repeatedly using specific skills, but this led to situations where they would intentionally use skills to level up rather than to meet in-game needs. Min-maxing, or optimizing stats to achieve the most powerful build, became a popular pastime, but some players found that it detracted from the immersive experience. A character’s stats are only as good as the level-scaling, and many would agree that Oblivion’s implementation of level-scaling is one of the worst in the market.
Player Desires for Oblivion Remastered Character Creation
With the possibility of an Oblivion Remastered, players have a clear vision of what they want from a revamped character creation system.
Improved Face Customization
First and foremost, players crave improved face sculpting tools. More granular control over facial features is essential, allowing for the creation of more diverse and realistic-looking characters. The integration of modern face-sculpting technology, similar to that found in more recent games, would be a welcome addition. A complete overhaul is needed, with a more intuitive interface and the ability to fine-tune every aspect of the character’s face. This change alone would be a significant improvement.
Reworked Skills and Classes
A reworked skill and class system is also high on the wish list. Players desire greater flexibility in character development, with more meaningful choices that have long-term consequences. Addressing concerns about “min-maxing” and overpowered builds is crucial. The ability to specialize in multiple skill sets, with the option to change specializations later in the game, would add depth and replayability. Balanced starting stats that influence the early game would also be a welcome change. The old way is too limiting.
Enhanced Race Options and Lore Ties
Expanded race options and deeper lore integration are also desirable. More in-depth racial abilities and attributes would make each race feel unique and distinct. A deeper integration of race into the game’s world and story would enhance the immersive experience. Perhaps new racial quests or interactions that are specific to the player’s chosen race. Each race should feel like it has a unique place in Cyrodiil.
Enhanced User Interface
A better UI and user experience are also essential. A more intuitive and user-friendly interface for navigating character creation options would streamline the process. Clearer explanations of the effects of different choices would help players make informed decisions. A visual preview of how the character will look in different lighting conditions would also be a valuable addition. It’s never fun to find out that your character looks bad because the lighting in the initial room is misleading.
Freedom In Leveling
A rework of the leveling system would greatly improve the experience. Players crave more control over how their characters level up, with the ability to choose which attributes and skills to improve. A more balanced and rewarding system that encourages experimentation and exploration would be a welcome change. A system that rewards players for playing the game naturally, rather than forcing them to grind specific skills, would enhance the overall experience. Maybe even allow players to set a ‘preferred style’ when creating a character, allowing the system to automatically select skills and attribute upgrades according to the game style.
Improvements Potential and Avenues
To bring these desires to life, Bethesda could draw inspiration from other successful RPGs.
Learning from Other Games
Games like Fallout and Cyberpunk offer excellent examples of character creation systems that could be adapted for Oblivion Remastered. Cyberpunk’s detailed face sculpting tools and Fallout’s SPECIAL system both provide valuable insights. These systems could be integrated into Oblivion’s framework to create a more robust and engaging character creation experience.
Using Community Created Content
The Oblivion modding community has already created numerous mods that address the game’s character creation shortcomings. Incorporating elements from these mods into the official Remastered version would be a smart move. Mods like “Oblivion Character Overhaul” and “Robert’s Male Body Replacer” have significantly improved the visual quality of characters. Bethesda could also use these mods as a starting point for developing new features.
Facing Technical Roadblocks
Updating an older game engine to support more advanced character creation features presents technical challenges. Optimizing performance to ensure a smooth experience on modern hardware is crucial. Bethesda would need to carefully balance the desire for enhanced features with the need for a stable and optimized game. Ray tracing capabilities and DLSS would surely help to improve performance.
Feature Wish-list
Beyond the basics, players have a long wish list of additional features. More races, birthsigns, classes, and skills would add depth and variety. Visual previews of equipment on the character would help players make informed decisions about their gear. More character background options, such as a starting location or a unique backstory, would enhance the role-playing experience. The ability to alter skills and attributes during the game, perhaps through a respec system, would allow players to experiment with different builds.
Conclusion
Character creation is more than just a preliminary step in Oblivion Remastered; it’s the foundation upon which the entire gaming experience is built. The potential for significant improvements and enhancements is vast, and the community is eager to see what Bethesda can deliver. A revamped character creation system could breathe new life into Oblivion, attracting new players and satisfying long-time fans. By addressing the shortcomings of the original and drawing inspiration from other successful RPGs, Bethesda has the opportunity to create a truly memorable and immersive character creation experience. What are your hopes for the character creation system in Oblivion Remastered? Share your thoughts and expectations – the future of Cyrodiil may depend on it!
