Article: Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Being Overshadowed by Oblivion Remastered
The gaming world is no stranger to surprises, but the recent buzz surrounding Oblivion Remastered outshining Assassin’s Creed Shadows has left fans scratching their heads. One vocal Assassin’s Creed fan, in particular, has sparked conversations across forums and social media, expressing bewilderment over why Ubisoft’s latest stealth-action epic isn’t capturing the same fervor as Bethesda’s remastered classic. To understand this phenomenon, we need to dive into the factors driving the popularity of both titles, from gameplay mechanics and cultural reception to nostalgia and market timing. Let’s explore why Oblivion Remastered is stealing the spotlight and what this means for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The Tale of Two Games: A Quick Overview
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, released in late 2024, takes players to feudal Japan, a setting long requested by fans of the franchise. The game introduces dual protagonists—Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a historical African samurai—offering a blend of stealth and combat in an open-world environment. With stunning visuals, a rich historical backdrop, and Ubisoft’s signature parkour mechanics, Shadows promised to be a flagship title for the series.
On the other hand, Oblivion Remastered is a modernized version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, originally released in 2006. Bethesda’s remaster, launched in early 2025, brings updated graphics, improved mechanics, and quality-of-life enhancements while preserving the charm of the original. Set in the fantasy world of Cyrodiil, Oblivion offers a sprawling RPG experience with unparalleled freedom, quirky NPCs, and a timeless narrative.
At first glance, these games cater to different audiences: Assassin’s Creed Shadows appeals to action-adventure fans, while Oblivion Remastered targets RPG enthusiasts. Yet, the latter’s dominance in conversations, sales charts, and streaming platforms has sparked curiosity. Let’s break down the reasons behind this unexpected rivalry.
Nostalgia: The Power of a Classic
One of the biggest drivers of Oblivion Remastered’s popularity is nostalgia. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion holds a special place in gaming history as a groundbreaking RPG that defined the genre for a generation. Its open-world design, memorable quests like the Dark Brotherhood storyline, and quirky elements (like the infamous “Stop right there, criminal scum!”) have become cultural touchstones. For players who explored Cyrodiil nearly two decades ago, the remaster is a chance to relive those memories with a fresh coat of paint.
The remaster’s appeal isn’t limited to returning players. Younger gamers, who may have missed Oblivion’s original release, are drawn to its legendary status, fueled by memes, YouTube retrospectives, and recommendations from older siblings or friends. The game’s eccentricities—such as its awkward yet endearing NPC animations—have found new life in 2025’s social media-driven gaming culture, where clips of Oblivion’s bizarre moments go viral on platforms like Twitch and TikTok.
In contrast, Assassin’s Creed Shadows lacks the same nostalgic pull. While the Assassin’s Creed franchise has a loyal fanbase, Shadows is a brand-new entry, competing in a crowded market without the emotional weight of a beloved classic. For the fan wondering why Shadows isn’t resonating as strongly, this difference in emotional connection is a key factor.
Gameplay and Innovation: Old Meets New
Another reason Oblivion Remastered is stealing the show lies in its gameplay, which feels both familiar and refreshed. Bethesda didn’t just slap new textures on Oblivion; the remaster includes smoother combat, refined magic systems, and updated AI, making it accessible to modern players while retaining its soul. The game’s open-ended nature—where players can join guilds, explore dungeons, or simply wander the countryside—offers a level of freedom that feels liberating even in 2025.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, meanwhile, sticks to the franchise’s tried-and-true formula: a vast open world, stealth missions, and cinematic storytelling. While the dual-protagonist system and Japanese setting are innovative, some players feel the game doesn’t push the boundaries as far as expected. The Assassin’s Creed series has released numerous titles over the years, and for some, Shadows feels like an evolution rather than a revolution. Critics have praised its visuals and historical accuracy, but repetitive mission structures and familiar mechanics may not stand out in a year packed with bold releases.
For the Assassin’s Creed fan puzzled by Shadows’ lukewarm reception, it’s worth noting that Oblivion Remastered benefits from being a one-off project. Bethesda hasn’t remastered Oblivion before, so the release feels special, whereas Assassin’s Creed titles arrive almost annually, diluting the hype.
Cultural Reception and Timing
The cultural context surrounding both games also plays a role. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced scrutiny for its portrayal of feudal Japan, particularly regarding the inclusion of Yasuke as a protagonist. While Ubisoft’s decision to highlight a historical figure of African descent was praised for diversity, it sparked debates about historical accuracy and representation. Some players questioned whether the game leaned too heavily into creative liberties, while others celebrated its bold narrative choices. These discussions, while not inherently negative, have created a polarized reception, diverting attention from the game’s strengths.
Oblivion Remastered, by contrast, faces fewer cultural controversies. As a fantasy title, it operates in a fictional world unbound by historical expectations, allowing players to focus purely on the experience. The remaster’s release in early 2025 also aligns perfectly with a quieter period in the gaming calendar, giving it room to dominate headlines and streaming platforms. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, released amid a flurry of 2024 holiday blockbusters, struggled to maintain momentum into the new year.
Community and Content Creation
The gaming community’s response to both titles further highlights their differing trajectories. Oblivion Remastered has become a darling of content creators, with streamers and YouTubers diving into its world to showcase hilarious bugs, epic quests, or modding potential. The remaster supports a robust modding community, allowing players to customize everything from graphics to gameplay, which extends its replayability. This has created a feedback loop where community content fuels interest, drawing in new players.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has its share of streaming moments, particularly for its breathtaking visuals and cinematic cutscenes. However, its linear mission design and lack of modding support limit the kind of emergent, shareable content that Oblivion thrives on. For the fan wondering why Shadows isn’t trending as much, the answer lies partly in Oblivion’s ability to generate endless player-driven stories, from accidental NPC murders to absurd role-playing scenarios.
Market Trends and Expectations
The broader gaming market in 2025 also sheds light on this rivalry. RPGs, particularly those with deep world-building, are experiencing a renaissance, driven by successes like Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Witcher series. Oblivion Remastered taps into this trend, offering a classic RPG experience at a time when players crave immersive, choice-driven adventures. Its remastered status also makes it more accessible price-wise compared to a full-priced new release like Shadows.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, while ambitious, competes in the action-adventure space, where it faces stiff competition from titles like Spider-Man 2 and Star Wars Outlaws. The Assassin’s Creed fan’s confusion may stem from underestimating how market saturation and genre trends influence a game’s reception. Shadows isn’t a failure by any means—it’s sold well and received solid reviews—but it’s not the cultural juggernaut Oblivion Remastered has become.
What’s Next for Both Titles?
For Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft is likely to support the game with DLC, updates, and community events to maintain engagement. The game’s stunning world and unique protagonists offer plenty of potential for expansion, and as debates about its historical choices fade, its strengths may shine brighter. Fans of the series, like the one voicing their confusion, can take heart knowing that Shadows is a bold step forward, even if it hasn’t captured the zeitgeist.
Oblivion Remastered, meanwhile, is poised to remain a staple in 2025’s gaming scene, especially as modders and content creators continue to breathe new life into it. Bethesda’s decision to revisit a classic has paid off, proving that a well-executed remaster can rival even the biggest new releases.
Final Thoughts
The Assassin’s Creed fan’s bewilderment reflects a broader truth about gaming in 2025: popularity isn’t just about quality—it’s about timing, nostalgia, and community. Oblivion Remastered has tapped into a perfect storm of retro charm, modern upgrades, and cultural relevance, while Assassin’s Creed Shadows navigates a more competitive landscape with less emotional baggage to leverage. Both games are excellent in their own right, but Oblivion’s remastered magic has cast a spell that’s hard to break. For fans of Shadows, the journey through feudal Japan is still worth taking—just don’t expect it to outshine a remastered legend.
So, why is Oblivion Remastered stealing the show? It’s a mix of nostalgia, freedom, and community love, perfectly timed for today’s gaming world. And that’s why everyone’s talking about it.
