Oblivion Remastered’s Triumph Sparks Gamer Backlash Against The Last of Us Part II Remastered
The gaming community is buzzing with fervor in 2025, but not all the excitement is celebratory. The massive success of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has ignited a firestorm of comparisons, with gamers throwing shade at The Last of Us Part II Remastered for what many call a lackluster update. Fans have taken to forums, social media, and streaming platforms, proclaiming that Oblivion Remastered sets a new standard for remasters, while The Last of Us Part II Remastered falls short with “barely anything changes.” This unexpected feud between two vastly different titles reveals deeper truths about gamer expectations, the art of remastering, and the cultural moment surrounding these releases. Let’s dive into why Oblivion Remastered is basking in glory, why The Last of Us Part II Remastered is facing criticism, and what this rivalry says about the state of gaming today.
A Tale of Two Remasters: Setting the Stage
To understand this clash, we first need to look at the contenders. Oblivion Remastered, released by Bethesda in early 2025, is a revitalized version of the 2006 classic The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The remaster brings updated visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements to the iconic open-world RPG set in the fantasy realm of Cyrodiil. With its sprawling quests, quirky NPCs, and boundless freedom, Oblivion has long been a fan favorite, and the remaster has reignited its legacy with a vengeance.
In contrast, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, launched by Naughty Dog in late 2024, is an enhanced version of the 2020 action-adventure masterpiece. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game follows Ellie and Abby in a gritty, emotional tale of revenge and redemption. The remaster boasts improved graphics, faster load times, and a few new features, such as a roguelike mode called No Return. While The Last of Us Part II was a critical and commercial hit upon its original release, the remaster has drawn ire for not offering enough to justify its existence, especially when compared to Oblivion Remastered’s transformative glow-up.
The Power of Nostalgia: Oblivion’s Timeless Appeal
One of the key reasons Oblivion Remastered is dominating the conversation is its nostalgic pull. Originally released nearly two decades ago, Oblivion was a defining title for the RPG genre, introducing countless players to the joys of open-world exploration. Its memorable moments—whether it’s the haunting Dark Brotherhood quests, the chaotic Oblivion Gates, or the hilariously stiff NPC dialogue—have cemented its place in gaming history. The remaster capitalizes on this legacy, offering a visually stunning Cyrodiil with modernized mechanics that feel fresh yet faithful.
The nostalgia factor extends beyond veteran players. Younger gamers, drawn by Oblivion’s legendary status and its meme-worthy quirks, have flocked to the remaster. Social media platforms like TikTok and X are flooded with clips of Oblivion’s absurdities, from NPCs shouting “You’re the hero of Kvatch!” to accidental physics glitches. This viral energy has amplified the game’s reach, making it a cultural phenomenon in 2025. The remaster’s support for modding further enhances its appeal, allowing players to customize everything from textures to entire questlines, ensuring endless replayability.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered, however, lacks the same nostalgic leverage. The original game, while critically acclaimed, is only five years old, meaning it doesn’t carry the same generational weight as Oblivion. For many players, the 2020 version still feels modern, with its photorealistic graphics and cinematic storytelling. As a result, the remaster’s improvements—such as 4K visuals and haptic feedback for PS5 controllers—feel incremental rather than transformative. Gamers throwing shade at the remaster often point out that the original already looked and played beautifully, leaving little room for meaningful upgrades.
Gameplay Enhancements: Depth vs. Polish
The differences in gameplay enhancements between the two remasters further fuel the feud. Oblivion Remastered doesn’t just polish the surface; it reworks core systems to align with modern expectations. Combat, once clunky, now feels smoother, with better hit detection and animations. The magic system has been refined, and AI improvements make NPCs less prone to bizarre behavior (though enough quirks remain to preserve the game’s charm). These changes make Oblivion feel like a 2025 title while retaining its open-ended essence, where players can become a mage, thief, or warrior—or all three.
The remaster’s biggest strength is its depth. Oblivion offers hundreds of hours of content, from guild quests to random dungeon crawls, all within a world that feels alive and responsive. This depth resonates in an era where gamers crave immersive, choice-driven experiences, as seen in the success of titles like Baldur’s Gate 3. For fans, Oblivion Remastered isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a fully realized RPG that stands toe-to-toe with new releases.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered, by contrast, focuses on polish rather than reinvention. The game’s core mechanics—stealth, crafting, and visceral combat—were already polished in 2020, leaving little room for overhaul. The No Return mode, which pits players against waves of enemies in randomized encounters, adds some replayability, but many see it as a side dish rather than a main course. Other additions, like director’s commentary and accessibility options, are appreciated but don’t significantly alter the experience. For gamers comparing the two remasters, Oblivion’s sweeping upgrades outshine The Last of Us Part II’s modest tweaks, leading to accusations that Naughty Dog played it too safe.
Timing and Market Context
Release timing also plays a crucial role in this rivalry. Oblivion Remastered arrived in early 2025, during a relatively quiet period in the gaming calendar. This gave it ample space to dominate headlines, streaming platforms, and community discussions. Bethesda’s marketing leaned heavily into the game’s legacy, with trailers showcasing both its grandeur and its quirks, resonating with both old fans and new players. The remaster’s price point, lower than a full-priced new release, also made it an attractive option in a year filled with expensive blockbusters.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered, released in late 2024, faced a tougher landscape. Launched amid the holiday rush, it competed with heavyweights like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws. The timing was further complicated by the fact that The Last of Us Part II had already been re-released as a PS5 update in 2021, making the 2024 remaster feel redundant to some. For gamers who already owned the original or the PS5 version, the remaster’s $50 price tag (or $10 upgrade fee) sparked skepticism, especially when compared to Oblivion Remastered’s value proposition.
Community Sentiment and Cultural Impact
The gaming community’s response has amplified the shade thrown at The Last of Us Part II Remastered. On platforms like X, fans of Oblivion Remastered share glowing reviews, mod showcases, and hilarious in-game moments, creating a positive feedback loop that boosts the game’s visibility. The remaster’s modding community, in particular, has been a game-changer, with players creating everything from photorealistic textures to new quests, ensuring the game stays relevant for months.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered has its defenders, particularly among fans of its narrative and gameplay. However, the remaster hasn’t sparked the same level of community-driven content. The game’s linear structure, while perfect for its story, doesn’t lend itself to the emergent, shareable moments that Oblivion thrives on. Additionally, The Last of Us Part II’s original release was polarizing due to its bold narrative choices, and some of that lingering divisiveness has carried over to the remaster, dampening its hype.
The Bigger Picture: What Makes a Great Remaster?
This feud highlights a broader question: what makes a remaster successful? Oblivion Remastered succeeds by balancing respect for the original with meaningful updates, transforming a dated classic into a modern masterpiece. Its open-world nature and modding support ensure it feels alive and relevant, appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers. The Last of Us Part II Remastered, while technically impressive, struggles to justify its existence when the original is still fresh and accessible. For gamers, the contrast between a transformative remaster and a conservative one is stark, fueling the shade thrown at Naughty Dog.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Legacies
For The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Naughty Dog may respond with updates or DLC for the No Return mode to win back skeptics. The game’s core experience remains a masterpiece, and as the initial backlash fades, its remaster may find a dedicated audience, particularly among new PS5 owners. However, the criticism underscores the challenge of remastering a recent title in an era of high expectations.
Oblivion Remastered, meanwhile, is poised to remain a juggernaut in 2025, with its modding community and viral moments keeping it in the spotlight. Bethesda’s success sets a high bar for future remasters, proving that a well-executed revival can outshine even the biggest new releases.
Conclusion: A Feud Rooted in Passion
The shade thrown at The Last of Us Part II Remastered reflects gamers’ passion for quality and value. Oblivion Remastered’s triumph isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about delivering a remaster that feels essential, expansive, and alive. While The Last of Us Part II Remastered offers polish, its incremental changes pale in comparison to Oblivion’s bold reinvention. This feud, while heated, is a testament to the gaming community’s high standards and love for the medium. Whether you’re exploring Cyrodiil or surviving the apocalypse, one thing’s clear: gamers want remasters that respect the past while embracing the future. And that’s why this debate has everyone talking.
