The Existing System in Oblivion
In the original *Oblivion*, the ability to directly craft weapons was a little more… restrained. While the game offers a vast array of weapons to find, loot, and buy, the process of creating them from scratch was, to put it kindly, basic. Unlike the more fully realized crafting systems found in later *Elder Scrolls* titles, *Oblivion*’s approach was more about modifying existing weapons than building them from the ground up. This difference is a crucial point when considering what a *Oblivion Remastered* might entail.
The primary means of altering your weapons revolved around two key areas: enchanting and smithing, though the latter was far less prominent than the former. Enchanting provided the ability to imbue weapons with magical effects, making them more potent in combat. Smithing, on the other hand, offered the chance to repair and improve the condition of your weaponry, which was crucial for maintaining their effectiveness.
Enchanting was a core mechanic for any aspiring weapon master. You could add powerful enchantments to your favorite blades, bows, and staves using soul gems and enchanting altars. The process required a source of power, a soul gem filled with the spirit of a creature you’d slain, and an enchanted item. The type and magnitude of the enchantment you could apply depended on the soul gem’s strength and your character’s skill in the school of magic associated with enchanting. The higher your skill, the more potent and lasting the effects of your enchantments.
Finding the right soul gems was often an adventure in itself. Empty soul gems could be found throughout Cyrodiil, but filling them required capturing a creature’s soul. Using a weapon enchanted with a soul trap effect was the key to this, allowing you to imprison the enemy’s essence within the gem upon their demise. These soul gems then formed the raw materials needed to imbue your weapons with life-saving, enemy-destroying, or stamina-recharging effects.
Weapon smithing was an often overlooked, but essential, part of weapon maintenance in *Oblivion*. While you couldn’t forge entirely new weapons, you could repair and maintain their condition. Damage was the enemy of any warrior, and a broken sword was useless in a fight. Visiting blacksmiths and using repair hammers were the main methods of keeping your equipment in top shape. Higher skill in armorer (which, strangely, covers weapon repair too) meant more effective and efficient repairs, allowing you to get more life out of your blades and bows.
The different weapon types also play a significant role here. Different weapon types had different damage types and repair methods. Knowing what type of weapon you were using, and the materials it was made of, was important when it came to properly maintaining it.
The limitations of the original crafting system are clear. You could modify, but not truly create. This lack of depth is something many players hope a *Oblivion Remastered* would address.
What a Potential Remastered Version Might Include
The question that burns in the minds of every *Oblivion* fan: what improvements will be made? A *Oblivion Remastered* would be an opportunity to revamp the weapon crafting system. While nothing has been officially announced, and all of this is speculation, the possibility of a major overhaul is certainly within the realm of expectation.
Considering modern gaming standards, the introduction of a more robust weapon crafting system is almost a given. This might include dedicated crafting skills, detailed crafting stations, and the ability to combine different materials to create custom weapons. Imagine the satisfaction of forging your own Daedric greatsword from scratch, or crafting a bow that perfectly complements your character’s skills and playstyle.
The user interface is ripe for improvement. A more intuitive and user-friendly interface would streamline the crafting process, making it less clunky and more accessible. Imagine clearly displayed crafting recipes, ingredient lists, and detailed information about the stats and effects of the weapons you’re creating.
Beyond those core changes, *Oblivion Remastered* could also look at expanding existing mechanics. Perhaps new enchantments, different crafting materials, or a more in-depth smithing system would enhance the player’s control over weapon customization. Imagine being able to further customize the appearance of your weapons. The possibilities are truly exciting.
Whispers and rumors of a potential *Oblivion* remaster have, of course, swirled for years. Leaks, speculation, and player wishes are common in the gaming community, but there’s always the hope for concrete news. The gaming community is passionate about what the future of *Oblivion* might look like. This is especially true of the crafting system.
Players are hoping for a fully realized and intricate system that gives them the freedom to shape their arsenal. The ability to create weapons that reflect their character’s personality and combat style would add a new dimension to the game. The demand for greater control over weapon creation is substantial.
Weapon Crafting in Similar Games
To understand what *Oblivion Remastered* might offer, it’s useful to look at what other similar games have achieved. *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim* is the obvious comparison. Its crafting system is a benchmark that set a new standard.
*Skyrim* introduced dedicated crafting skills for smithing, enchanting, alchemy, and other areas. These skills influenced the quality and complexity of the items you could create. Players could discover recipes, learn new techniques, and experiment with different combinations of materials.
*Skyrim* offered dedicated crafting stations for smithing (forging, grinding, and enchanting), each providing a specific function. Players could forge weapons and armor from various materials, improving their quality by refining the associated crafting skill. The system allows for vast customization, from the type of metal used to the specific enchantments applied.
*Skyrim’s* system empowered players to craft a diverse range of weapons, from simple iron swords to legendary dragonbone blades. This level of control over your gear enhanced the player’s sense of agency and added significant depth to the game’s progression system.
This change in design philosophy has had a big impact. The advancements in *Skyrim* were so significant, players have come to expect similar levels of depth and complexity in crafting systems of modern roleplaying games. The community has come to expect significant changes. The standards for a future *Oblivion* Remastered have been set.
How Weapon Crafting Deepens the Experience
More than just a gameplay mechanic, crafting plays an important role in the fabric of *Oblivion’s* experience.
The weapon customization aspect directly affects character builds and playstyles. The weapons you equip define how you approach combat. A heavy-armor-clad warrior wielding a massive two-handed greatsword will play differently from a stealthy rogue who prefers a poisoned dagger. A deep weapon crafting system would let players shape their weapons to maximize their combat effectiveness.
Weapon crafting dramatically affects the game’s sense of progression. The ability to create better, more powerful weapons gives players tangible rewards for their efforts. Discovering rare ingredients, leveling up crafting skills, and unlocking new recipes create a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Finally, crafting enhances the player’s roleplaying experience. Imagine crafting a weapon that perfectly reflects your character’s personality and backstory. Whether it’s a finely crafted elven blade or a brutal Orcish warhammer, the ability to create your own equipment adds a layer of personal connection to the world of *Oblivion*. It offers another level of immersion, making players feel like true heroes.
Final Thoughts
So, can you craft weapons in *Oblivion Remastered*? Based on the original game, the answer is, technically, no. You could modify, but not build from the ground up. If a *Oblivion Remastered* ever comes to fruition, the expectations are high. The best result would see weapon crafting become a deep and engaging system. This would include dedicated crafting skills, detailed crafting stations, and the ability to combine different materials to create custom weapons.
The possibility of a better crafting system would improve gameplay, player engagement, and role-playing experiences.
If you, like many others, are hoping for a revamped weapon crafting system in a *Oblivion Remastered*, let your voice be heard! What improvements would you want to see? What are your hopes for weapon crafting in Cyrodiil? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
