The much-anticipated remastering of the iconic 2006 role-playing game, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, has officially arrived, bringing with it a host of graphical and gameplay enhancements that breathe new life into this beloved classic. However, what truly stands out in this remaster is the outstanding revamp of the voiceover performances, which has garnered significant praise from both players and critics alike.

When the original Oblivion was released, it featured a surprisingly limited cast of voice actors given the vastness of the game world. This limitation was widely recognized as a primary area for potential improvement in the remastered version. Nevertheless, the challenge lay in maintaining the unique charm of the original while expanding the voice cast. The delicate balance between retaining the iconic performances of actors like Wes Johnson and Linda Carterwho became synonymous with their charactersand introducing new voices posed a significant risk of alienating long-time fans.

A brilliant solution to this dilemma was the decision to predominantly rehire voice actors from The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. This approach not only ensures continuity but also enriches the experience for players who have fond memories of Skyrim. Initial gameplay experiences indicate that approximately half of the dialogue has been re-recorded, and the familiarity of the returning actors makes their performances feel like a seamless fit within the revitalized world of Oblivion. This clever casting choice strikes a perfect balance, blending refreshing updates with a nostalgic reverence for the original material.

The returning actors from Skyrim include an impressive lineup, as detailed by their credits on IMDB. Other notable cast members include Jan Johns, Tommie Earl Jenkins, Nana Visitor (recognized for her role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Phillip Reich, and the highly regarded Debra Wilson. Many of these actors have lent their voices to other Bethesda titles such as The Elder Scrolls Online, Starfield, and the various Fallout games, providing a thread of continuity that resonates with fans across the studio's catalog.

It is heartening to see Bethesda nurturing long-lasting relationships with voice talent over the years, as their enduring contributions help craft a recognizable and immersive soundscape within the studios games. However, a point of contention arises among fans regarding the absence of one particular voice actor: Stephen Russell. His portrayal of characters has left an indelible mark on the gaming community, particularly for his memorable role as Garrett in the Thief series.

Russell also made a notable impact in Fallout 4 as the cyborg detective Nick Valentine and voiced various Breton NPCs in Skyrim, including the infamous Thieves Guild boss, Mercer Frey. Despite his absence in the remaster, Russell's ongoing collaborations with Bethesda in recent titles like Fallout 76 and Starfield hint at a promising future for fans hoping to hear his iconic voice in upcoming releases. Nonetheless, some players find his absence to be a notable drawback amidst an otherwise stellar cast, especially when faced with occasional surprises from Szarabajka Dark Elves that may lead to unexpected jumpscares.