Skyblivion First 15 Minutes Showcase: A Sneak Peek into Oblivion Remade in Skyrim’s Engine

Skyblivion, the highly anticipated fan-made remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion using Skyrim’s powerful engine, has recently shared a sneak peek into its progress with the release of the first fifteen minutes of gameplay. The iconic tutorial section, where players first meet the legendary Emperor Uriel Septim, unfolds in a beautifully revamped world.

In this early scene, the protagonist begins his journey imprisoned, alongside the emperor, as they attempt a daring escape from the deadly Mythic Dawn assassins. This sequence is a pivotal moment for any Oblivion fan, and Skyblivion’s creators have ensured it’s more engaging than ever before.

The video showcases several notable improvements over the original Oblivion, starting with character models that are significantly more detailed. The textures are sharper, and the characters’ hair has been upgraded to look far more realistic. The narrator of the video also points out how ingredient collection has evolved. In the original Oblivion, ingredients were picked up without much fanfare. In Skyblivion, they are visually removed in real time, adding a layer of immersion and realism that was previously absent.

Every single item, from armor and weapons to clothing and miscellaneous objects, has been painstakingly remade to fit the enhanced visuals of Skyrim’s engine. In a nod to modern gaming, the lockpicking mechanic combines elements from both the original Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls Online, offering a familiar yet fresh experience. The sound design has been revamped as well, with weapons now delivering a more impactful feel when striking enemies, and new ambient music that adds atmosphere to each environment.

In the tutorial dungeon, one particularly striking detail is the new environmental storytelling. As players navigate the dark, claustrophobic corridors, the Imperial Isle is visible through an opening in the ceiling, and the sounds of chirping birds can be heard – an effective touch that ties the location back to the larger world of Oblivion.

Another impressive addition is the new loading screens, which feature interactive layered art, giving each transition a more dynamic feel. The team also worked on revamping the game’s tooltips, blending the original with updated elements that provide better guidance for players unfamiliar with the mechanics of Oblivion. The birth sign UI and class selection menu have been completely redesigned, now boasting a much sleeker and more intuitive interface.

Though this video is just a small taste of what’s to come, it’s clear that Skyblivion is shaping up to be a stunning tribute to the original game. However, the team isn’t resting on their laurels just yet. They continue to search for volunteers, particularly those with experience in nav mesh, quest implementation, and UI design, to help bring the project to completion. The team has set their sights on a 2025 release, following the initial announcement in early 2023. They’re working hard to make this ambitious remake a reality, and the progress so far is nothing short of impressive.

In other exciting Elder Scrolls modding news, InfernoPlus has managed to successfully port The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind to the Elden Ring engine, though the project is still far from complete. As with Skyblivion, this ambitious undertaking shows the continued passion and creativity within the modding community.