The recent launch of the Oblivion Remaster has stirred excitement among gamers, especially with its unexpected shadow drop. While the remaster was not entirely a secret, the extent of its visual overhaul comes as a pleasant surprise. Developed by Virtuous using Unreal Engine 5, this remaster aims to retain the core essence of the original 2006 title while significantly enhancing its visual fidelity.
Creative Director Todd Howard has described the remaster as a project that keeps the “bones” of the original game intact. The enhancements include cutting-edge features like Lumen technology, which brings a new level of realism to lighting, global illumination, and reflections. Additionally, character models, materials, and effects have been completely redesigned, alongside a revamped locomotion system that addresses the awkward movement mechanics of the original game.
In this review, we will delve into the performance of the remaster on Xbox Series X and S, focusing on the latest patch that aims to improve frame rates and overall gameplay experience.
Performance Overview on Xbox Series X
The remaster performs admirably on the Xbox Series X, showcasing the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. The game offers two graphics modes: a 30 FPS quality mode and a 60 FPS performance mode. Both modes exhibit impressive graphical fidelity, but they come with their own sets of trade-offs.
30 FPS Quality Mode
In the 30 FPS quality mode, the game achieves a peak resolution of 1620p, although most gameplay runs at a native 1440p. This mode enhances the details in lighting and shadows, particularly in enclosed spaces, but does not escape the frame pacing issues that affect the overall experience. Some players may find the uneven frame pacing distracting, with fluctuations between 16 and 50 milliseconds.
60 FPS Performance Mode
Switching to the 60 FPS performance mode, players can expect a resolution of up to 1440p, with the highest performance seen during static inventory screens. However, in typical gameplay, the resolution tends to drop to around 1760×990. While this mode generally meets the 60 FPS target, it is not without problems; players often experience stuttering and hitching, particularly during open-world exploration.
- Performance issues often occur during fast-paced movement.
- Hitches are noticeable during auto-saves and when interacting with NPCs.
- Frame rate drops can occur in open-world areas, especially when galloping on horseback.
Performance Insights on Xbox Series S
For those playing on the Xbox Series S, the experience is less favorable. The Series S only supports a single 30 FPS mode without the option for 60 FPS. As a result, players encounter similar frame pacing issues found in the quality mode of the Series X.
The resolution on Series S is capped at 900p, which significantly lowers the visual quality compared to the Series X. Additionally, the game suffers from cutbacks in shadow quality, environmental textures, and overall detail, leading to a more barren appearance in some areas.
Patch Updates and Improvements
The recent 1.9 GB patch, released on April 25th, has brought some much-needed improvements to the Xbox versions. This patch aims to address frame rate performance and overall stability, although many issues persist. Testing has shown improvements in frame rates by up to 16 FPS in certain areas compared to the launch build.
Overall, the patch enhances the experience for players using Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) displays, allowing the game to maintain a smoother frame rate range between 40 and 60 FPS during gameplay.
Visual Quality Comparison
It’s important to note that while the remaster showcases impressive visuals, there are signs of potential visual downgrades between patches. Some tests indicate a drop in global illumination settings in performance mode, though results remain largely inconclusive. Overall, the enhancements made are more about optimization rather than a complete visual overhaul.
Conclusion
The Oblivion Remaster is a visually striking update to a classic title, but it is not without its flaws. Players on Xbox Series X are faced with a choice between two compromised modes, each with its own set of performance issues. Meanwhile, Series S owners must contend with a singular, less satisfying experience. The latest patch has made strides in improving performance, but significant stuttering and hitching issues remain, particularly in open-world scenarios. As Virtuous continues to refine the game, players may hope for further updates that will enhance the overall experience, making this remaster a truly worthy homage to the beloved original.
Credit: Digital Foundry
