(Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered has arrived with its enhanced visuals and subtle enhancements. Yet, as someone who’s been playing this beloved classic for nearly two decades, I sought a way to truly rejuvenate the experience. To break away from my usual habits, I adopted a fresh perspective and embraced what I call Tourist Mode.
This mode essentially means playing on Adept difficulty with distinct rules: fast travel is reserved for emergencies like excessive backtracking, my character must sleep in an actual bed each night, and I strive to explore organically without rushing from one quest to another. This unusual approach opens up an adventurous, freewheeling style of exploring.
I’ve taken to wandering about Cyrodiil’s cities, making the most of each visit. Often, this leads to delightful side quests or simply enjoying a quiet evening at a local inn. Yesterday, I even strolled along Anvil’s beautiful coastline because a local resident mentioned how stunning the views were. And they truly are!
A major highlight of my Tourist Mode journey has been intertwining the Dark Brotherhood questline with efforts to join the Mages Guild. This quest requires visiting every major city’s guild branch to earn their recommendation. It’s akin to a traveling salesman doubling as a covert assassin, tasked with obtaining a license to master spells that even make creatures like rats vanish.
A memorable encounter amidst this exploration involved being pursued by a bloodthirsty unicorn. As dawn breaks, I leave my room at the Imperial City’s Tiber Septim Hotel and head toward Skingrad. The journey is scenic, passing through hills and ancient caves, allowing time to explore Skingrad’s medieval charm and cleanse its shops of treasures collected along the way.
Although Skingrad might not top my list of favorite cities, its architectural design is impressive. After immersion in games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, I now view its strongholds and winding structures with newfound respect for their medieval authenticity. They support both the practical realities of a real medieval town and the strategic challenges of combat and siege.
As the evening draws near and a thunderstorm rolls in, my favorite quest, Whodunit?, unfolds in Skingrad’s Summitmist Manor. Within its walls, I must assassinate five guests as a Dark Brotherhood agent without arousing suspicion.
The next morning finds me completing another task for Skingrad’s Mages Guild, embarking on a quest to rescue a lost wizard from a nearby cavern. With missions accomplished, I’m back en route to Cheydinhal, contemplating new goals but savoring the journey so far.
Embracing over 20 hours of this slow-paced playstyle, I’ve come to realize the depth and vibrancy of Cyrodiil exceed even the remaster’s guise. Delving into this experience, I encourage all adventurers to attempt Tourist Mode.
Instead of sprinting toward known landmarks and nostalgia, embrace the unknown and create fresh memories. Take in Anvil’s breathtaking coastlines, venture through mysterious dungeons, or book a haunted stay at the Benirus Manor. Seek new adventures in Cheydinhal or enjoy a restful stay at Cheydinhal Bridge Inn. Ultimately, the choice is yours to shape your journey.
The remastered journey invigorates and reimagines my treasured RPG, balancing the curious quirks of 2006 nostalgia with a newfound appreciation for exploration and discovery.