The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered vs Assassin Creed Shadows

• Perspective: First-Person, Third-Person
• Setting: Cyrodiil, Tamriel
• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Game Pass
• Included DLC: All original add-ons, including Shivering Isles
• Unique Feature: Hybrid engine approach, combining an Unreal Engine 5 visual layer with the original Gamebryo core for authentic gameplay.

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Single-player Only
• Setting: Feudal Japan (Azuchi-Momoyama period, late 16th century)
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC (Ubisoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store), Amazon Luna, Macs (Apple silicon)
• Unique Feature: Dual protagonists (Naoe - Shinobi, Yasuke - Samurai) with distinct playstyles, Feudal Japan setting, dynamic weather & seasons impacting gameplay, spy network, customizable hideout.

• Quest-Specific Followers: The game retains the original's approach to companions, where followers are temporary and tied to specific quests (e.g., Knights of the Nine). A permanent companion system was not added.
  Various (Human, Orc, etc.)

• Spy Network Recruits: Players can build a network of spies who act as eyes and ears across locations, unveiling new areas and helping to hunt down targets. Recruitable allies with specialized skills can assist in missions, though likely not as direct controllable companions in the style of some RPGs.
  Human (Spies, Allies)
• Hideout Crew Members: As players develop their customizable hideout for the shinobi league, they will likely recruit various individuals who offer services like gear crafting, training, information, or unique missions.
  Human (Artisans, Trainers, Informants)

• Daedric Artifacts: Earned by completing quests for the 15 Daedric Princes. Each artifact is a unique and powerful item with special enchantments.
• Ayleid Statues: Hidden statues found within the many Ayleid ruins scattered across Cyrodiil. Collecting them all results in a significant reward.
• Skill Books: Books found throughout the world that grant a free level-up to a specific skill when read for the first time.

• Historical Codex Entries / Data Fragments: Found by exploring, interacting with landmarks, or completing objectives. Provide lore about Feudal Japan, historical figures, locations, and the Assassin-Templar conflict.
• Viewpoints (Synchronization Points): High vantage points that, when synchronized, reveal parts of the map, points of interest, and unlock fast travel locations.
• Gear Schematics & Crafting Materials: Discovered in chests, looted from enemies, or earned as quest rewards. Used to craft and upgrade weapons, armor, and tools for both Naoe and Yasuke.
• Shinobi Texts / Samurai Scrolls (Skill Unlocks): Collectibles that might unlock new skills, abilities, or combat techniques for Naoe and Yasuke respectively.
• Treasures & Valuables: Hidden chests and stashes containing currency, rare materials, or unique items scattered throughout the open world.
• Kamon Crests / Origami Butterflies / Tea Bowls (Example Collectibles from IGN): Specific types of themed collectibles scattered across Japan, potentially tied to side quests, achievements, or unlocking cosmetic items.

• High Fantasy
• Hero's Journey
• Demonic Invasion
• Open World Exploration
• Political Intrigue
• Good vs. Evil

• Feudal Japan
• Shinobi (Ninja)
• Samurai
• Vengeance
• Honor
• Duty
• Cultural Clash
• Political Intrigue
• Assassin vs. Templar
• Unification of Japan
• Espionage
• Dual Perspectives

• Blade: Swords, Daggers, Katanas
  One-handed and two-handed bladed weapons. Remastered with high-quality models and textures.
• Blunt: Maces, Warhammers, Axes
  Heavy-hitting weapons that are effective against skeletons and heavily armored foes.
• Bow: Bows and Arrows
  Ranged physical combat. Features modernized archery mechanics for a better feel.
• Magic Staffs: Destruction, Conjuration, etc.
  Staves that allow non-magic users to cast powerful spells without using their own Magicka.

• Naoe's Arsenal (Shinobi): Stealth, Agile Combat
  Includes the iconic Hidden Blade for assassinations, a Kusarigama (chain-sickle) for versatile melee and ranged attacks, Tanto, Shuriken, Kunai, Smoke Bombs, and a grappling hook for enhanced mobility and infiltration.
• Yasuke's Arsenal (Samurai): Direct, Powerful Combat
  Wields a variety of traditional samurai weapons including Katana, the heavy Kanabō (club), Odachi (greatsword), Yari (spear), Naginata (polearm), Bows (Yumi), and potentially early firearms (Teppo). His combat style is focused on parries, powerful strikes, and battlefield control.
• Environmental Weapons / Tools: Situational
  Players can likely utilize elements of the environment for combat or distraction, such as explosive barrels, cutting down bamboo, or using natural cover provided by the dynamic weather and lighting.

• Light Armor: Includes Leather, Elven, Glass, and other sets. Offers less protection but allows for faster movement and less stamina drain.
• Heavy Armor: Includes Iron, Steel, Dwarven, Orcish, Ebony, and Daedric sets. Offers maximum protection at the cost of movement speed and weight.
• Shields: Used for blocking. Can be either Light or Heavy Armor. Features enhanced blocking and staggering mechanics.

• Naoe's Shinobi Attire: Lightweight, flexible armor and clothing designed for stealth, agility, and silent movement. Offers customization options and likely provides bonuses to stealth-related abilities. Can be upgraded.
• Yasuke's Samurai Armor: Heavier, more protective samurai armor (yoroi) providing significant defense for direct combat engagements. Offers customization options and likely provides bonuses to combat prowess and resilience. Can be upgraded.
• Cosmetic Outfits & Gear Sets: Various outfits and gear pieces will be available for both Naoe and Yasuke through progression, exploration, or as part of special editions (e.g., Sekiryu Character Pack from Deluxe Edition). These can alter appearance and provide different stat bonuses or perks.

• Common Clothing: Various sets of non-protective clothing like robes, shirts, pants, and shoes, used for aesthetic purposes or for characters who do not wear armor.
• Enchanted Robes & Jewelry: Clothing and accessories (rings, amulets) that provide magical enchantments, such as Fortify Magicka or Resist Magic. Features high-resolution models for these items.

• Shinobi Outfits (Naoe): Naoe will have access to various shinobi shozoku and lighter armor sets designed for stealth and agility. Customizable through dyes, patterns, and individual gear pieces.
• Samurai Armor (Yasuke): Yasuke can equip different sets of samurai armor (yoroi), ranging from lighter to heavier configurations, affecting defense and appearance. Customizable through different armor parts, materials, and insignias.
• Casual / Civilian Attire: Both characters may have options for less conspicuous attire for blending in or for use in the hideout and non-combat scenarios.
• Special Edition Outfits (e.g., Sekiryu Pack): Exclusive cosmetic outfits and weapon skins available through Deluxe, Gold, or Ultimate editions, such as the Sekiryu Character Pack.

The remaster features a reworked progression system. While the 21 classic skills return, the controversial level-scaling of the original has been redesigned to be more akin to Skyrim's system, where the world has a mix of static-level and level-scaled enemies. This provides a more balanced difficulty curve. The core mechanic of improving your seven chosen Major Skills to level up remains.

The game world is a remastered version of Cyrodiil from the original game, a 16 square mile (41 km²) map. It features diverse regions, including the Great Forest, the swamps of Blackwood, the snowy Jerall Mountains, the Gold Coast, and the Nibenay Valley, all surrounding the massive Imperial City at its center.

The open world of Feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows is described as comparable in size to that of Assassin's Creed Origins (approximately 80km²). It features diverse regions including spectacular castle towns, bustling ports, peaceful shrines, and pastoral landscapes across central Japan. The world is designed with a more realistic scale for mountains and castles, and features dynamic weather systems and changing seasons that can affect gameplay (e.g., ponds freezing over).

• Horse: Mount / Land Traversal
  Horses will be available for faster travel across the large open world of Feudal Japan, a staple in the Assassin's Creed series.
• Small Boats / Skiffs: Water Traversal
  Given Japan's geography with rivers and coastlines, small boats or skiffs will likely be available for navigating waterways and reaching certain locations.

• The Hero of Kvatch: Playable Protagonist
  The player's custom character. A prisoner who becomes embroiled in the Oblivion Crisis and is eventually named the champion of Cyrodiil.
• Martin Septim: Primary NPC
  The last surviving heir to the Septim throne, initially living as a priest in the city of Kvatch. Voiced by Sean Bean in the original.
• Mehrunes Dagon: Primary Antagonist
  The Daedric Prince of Destruction, Change, and Ambition. His goal is to merge his realm of Oblivion with Tamriel, destroying the mortal world.
• Sheogorath: Key Character (Shivering Isles)
  The charismatic and dangerously unpredictable Daedric Prince of Madness, who rules over the Shivering Isles and tasks the player with stopping the Greymarch.

• Naoe Fujibayashi: Protagonist / Shinobi Assassin
  A kunoichi (female shinobi) from the Iga Province. She is agile, resourceful, and driven by a quest for vengeance after her home is destroyed. Specializes in stealth, parkour, assassination, and using an array of shinobi tools. Daughter of a legendary shinobi master.
• Yasuke: Protagonist / Samurai Warrior
  A powerful samurai of African origin, based on the historical figure who served Oda Nobunaga. He is skilled in direct combat, wielding heavy weaponry with brutal precision. His story explores themes of identity, honor, and his place in a foreign land.
• Oda Nobunaga: Major Historical Figure / Antagonist / Ally (Complex Role)
  The powerful daimyo aiming to unify Japan. He is a central figure in the narrative, influencing both Naoe (as a target of vengeance) and Yasuke (as his lord). Portrayed as a complex character with both ruthless and progressive aspects.
• Fujibayashi Nagato (Implied): Naoe's Father / Legendary Shinobi
  Mentioned as Naoe's father and a legendary shinobi master, his fate likely fuels Naoe's motivations.
• Templar Order Members: Antagonists
  The recurring antagonists of the Assassin's Creed series, operating behind the scenes in Feudal Japan, seeking to impose their vision of order and control, likely influencing various daimyos and factions.
• Assassin Brotherhood Members: Allies / Faction
  Naoe is an Assassin, implying the presence and activities of the Brotherhood in Japan, fighting for freedom against Templar control. Players will likely interact with and build up the local Assassin cell.

• Main Quest
  Find Martin Septim, protect him, recover the Amulet of Kings, and stop Mehrunes Dagon's invasion by closing the gates to Oblivion.
• Guild Questlines
  Rise through the ranks of the various guilds: The Fighters Guild, The Mages Guild, The Thieves Guild, and the Dark Brotherhood. Each has its own extensive and unique story.
• Daedric Shrine Quests
  Locate the hidden shrines to the 15 Daedric Princes and complete their often bizarre and morally ambiguous tasks to earn powerful Daedric Artifacts.

• Dual Protagonist Main Story Quests
  A series of narrative missions following the intertwined stories of Naoe and Yasuke. Players will experience key historical events, pursue personal vendettas (Naoe) and duties (Yasuke), and uncover the Templar conspiracy in Japan. Many quests can be approached with either character, offering different gameplay solutions.
• Assassination Contracts & Infiltration Missions
  Missions focused on Naoe's shinobi skills, requiring stealthy infiltration of enemy strongholds, gathering intelligence, and eliminating key targets using a variety of tools and assassination techniques.
• Samurai Battles & Stronghold Assaults
  Missions emphasizing Yasuke's samurai prowess, involving direct combat against groups of enemies, duels with skilled warriors, and potentially leading small skirmishes or assaulting fortified positions.
• Spy Network Operations
  Developing and utilizing your network of spies to gather information, identify targets, reveal hidden locations, and potentially trigger unique side missions or opportunities.
• Hideout Development & Crew Quests
  Building and upgrading your customizable shinobi league hideout, which may involve recruiting specialized allies and undertaking quests for them to improve the hideout's capabilities and unlock new resources or gear.
• Exploration & World Activities
  Discovering and completing various activities throughout the open world, such as synchronizing viewpoints, finding collectibles, clearing enemy outposts, and engaging with dynamic world events influenced by weather and seasons.

The game is available in a Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game and all DLC, plus new exclusive quests that reward players with Akatosh and Mehrunes Dagon themed armor and weapon sets, a digital artbook, and the official soundtrack.

Multiple editions are available: Standard Edition ($69.99 USD), Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99 USD - includes Sekiryu Character Pack for Naoe and Yasuke, Sekiryu Hideout Pack, 5 skill points, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter in Photo Mode), Gold Edition (includes base game and Season Pass with two upcoming expansions), and Ultimate Edition (includes base game, Season Pass, Ultimate Pack with Sekiryu Character/Hideout Packs, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter). A Collector's Edition ($299.99 USD for PS5/Xbox) includes Ultimate Edition content, steelbook, Naoe & Yasuke diorama statue, artbook, Naoe's katana tsuba replica, world map, and creed wall scroll.

The base remaster includes all original DLC. The major expansions are Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles. It also includes the smaller add-ons: Fighter's Stronghold, Spell Tomes, Vile Lair, Mehrune's Razor, The Thieves Den, Wizard's Tower, The Orrery, and the Horse Armor Pack.

A Year 1 roadmap has been revealed, featuring free content like new story quests (e.g., 'The Works of Luis Frois'), parkour system enhancements, Photo Mode updates, and New Game+. A major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' is planned for late 2025, offering over 10 hours of new content on the island of Awaji with new enemies and a Bō staff weapon for Naoe. This expansion is included in the Gold and Ultimate Editions (via Season Pass) or can be purchased separately. Ubisoft is not using a traditional season pass model but focusing on standalone expansions and free updates.

• Q: When was The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered released?
  A: It was released on April 22, 2025.
• Q: What platforms is the remaster on?
  A: It is available on PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S (including Game Pass), and PlayStation 5.
• Q: Is this a full remake or a remaster?
  A: It is a comprehensive remaster. It uses the original game's foundation and code (Gamebryo engine) but features a complete visual overhaul using Unreal Engine 5, along with significant gameplay and quality-of-life updates.
• Q: Does the remaster include the DLC?
  A: Yes, it is a complete package that includes all original DLC, most notably the 'Knights of the Nine' and 'Shivering Isles' expansions.

• Q: When will Assassin's Creed Shadows be released?
  A: Assassin's Creed Shadows was released on March 20, 2025.
• Q: What is the setting of Assassin's Creed Shadows?
  A: The game is set in Feudal Japan during the late 16th century, specifically the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
• Q: Who are the main playable characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
  A: There are two protagonists: Naoe, a female shinobi from Iga, and Yasuke, an African samurai based on a historical figure. Players can switch between them.
• Q: How do Naoe and Yasuke play differently?
  A: Naoe focuses on stealth, agility, parkour, and assassination using tools like the hidden blade, kusarigama, and shinobi gadgets. Yasuke excels in direct, powerful samurai combat with weapons like katanas, kanabo, and naginatas.
• Q: Is Assassin's Creed Shadows an open-world game?
  A: Yes, it features a large open world of Feudal Japan, comparable in size to Assassin's Creed Origins, with dynamic weather and changing seasons.
• Q: Does Assassin's Creed Shadows have multiplayer?
  A: No, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a single-player experience. Ubisoft is developing a separate standalone multiplayer Assassin's Creed title.
• Q: What historical figures appear in the game?
  A: Oda Nobunaga is a central historical figure. Others from the period are likely to appear, influencing the story and the protagonists.
• Q: Will there be DLC or post-launch content?
  A: Yes, Ubisoft has announced a Year 1 roadmap including free story updates, gameplay enhancements, and a major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' set for late 2025.

Powered by an updated version of the Anvil engine, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims for a visually stunning depiction of Feudal Japan. Features include detailed environments, realistic character models, dynamic weather systems, changing seasons impacting the world, and advanced lighting. Supports Ray Traced Global Illumination and Reflections, ultra-wide resolutions, uncapped framerate, and various upscalers (DLSS 3.7, FSR 3.1, XeSS 2).

Features an original score that blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with orchestral arrangements to evoke the atmosphere of Feudal Japan. Sound design emphasizes environmental realism, weather effects, and distinct combat sounds for each weapon and character.

The UI is an evolution of modern Assassin's Creed games, providing clear information on quests, character status, abilities, and world interactions. Features an 'Immersive Mode' for reduced UI. Supports multilingual voice acting and subtitles. Includes a Photo Mode with various filters and customization options.

Ubisoft typically includes a range of accessibility options in their titles, such as customizable controls, subtitle and caption adjustments, audio cues, gameplay assists (e.g., aim assist, navigation aids), and visual filters. Specific details for Shadows include extensive customization options in the settings menu.

• OFFICIAL PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS from the game's release on Steam (April 2025). These specifications reflect the demands of the Unreal Engine 5 graphical overhaul layered on top of the original game's core logic.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of the listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance, which is heavily dependent on the laptop's TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling solution. A modern gaming laptop that meets or exceeds these specifications is recommended.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Sufficient TGP is essential for laptop GPUs to match the performance of their desktop counterparts and maintain stable framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling is crucial to prevent performance throttling during long gameplay sessions in the detailed open world.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A strong CPU is needed for handling the complex Radiant AI, physics, and maintaining performance in busy cities or large battles.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Recommended for bypassing the integrated GPU to reduce latency and maximize performance in first-person combat.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: The game includes support for NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS, allowing players to achieve higher framerates at demanding resolutions.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, God Rays, Foliage Density, and View Distance are the most performance-intensive settings.
• Game Name: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

• Official PC system requirements for 'Assassin's Creed Shadows'. An SSD is mandatory for all configurations. Performance will vary based on specific hardware, drivers, and in-game settings. Upscaling technologies (DLSS, FSR, XeSS) are supported and recommended.
• Laptop Performance Note: Assassin's Creed Shadows is a demanding open-world title. For a good laptop experience, a modern gaming laptop with powerful components, high TGP for the GPU, and excellent cooling is essential. Laptop GPUs often perform differently than desktop counterparts with the same name. **Always check specific laptop model reviews for thermal performance and sustained gaming benchmarks.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is a critical factor for laptop GPU performance. Higher TGP variants will deliver significantly better results. Verify TGP when choosing a laptop.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling (vapor chambers, multiple fans/heatpipes, good airflow design) is vital to prevent thermal throttling, which can drastically reduce performance during extended gameplay.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A modern, powerful mobile CPU (Intel Core H/HX, AMD Ryzen HS/HX series) that can maintain high clock speeds under load is necessary to avoid bottlenecking high-end GPUs and ensure smooth gameplay in this detailed open world.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB dual-channel RAM is the minimum. For higher settings and resolutions, 32GB is recommended. RAM speed (DDR4 vs DDR5 and specific MHz) also influences performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) and refresh rate (120Hz+). A high-refresh display requires a powerful GPU to be fully utilized.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: Laptops with a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can provide a noticeable performance boost by allowing the dedicated GPU to directly drive the display.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keep GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and Windows updated. Utilize game-specific driver profiles and OS settings like Game Mode for optimal performance.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3.7, AMD FSR 3.1, Intel XeSS 2. Frame Generation technologies are also supported. Essential for achieving target framerates at higher resolutions and settings, especially with Ray Tracing.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Clutter Density, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, World Detail, and Ray Tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) have a significant impact on performance.
• Game Name: Assassin Creed Shadows

• Upscaling Tech: The game includes support for NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS, allowing players to achieve higher framerates at demanding resolutions.
• Key Settings Impact: Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, God Rays, Foliage Density, and View Distance are the most performance-intensive settings.

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3.7, AMD FSR 3.1, Intel XeSS 2. Frame Generation technologies are also supported. Essential for achieving target framerates at higher resolutions and settings, especially with Ray Tracing.
• Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Clutter Density, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, World Detail, and Ray Tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) have a significant impact on performance.

• G P U T G P: Sufficient TGP is essential for laptop GPUs to match the performance of their desktop counterparts and maintain stable framerates.
• Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling is crucial to prevent performance throttling during long gameplay sessions in the detailed open world.
• C P U Power Limits: A strong CPU is needed for handling the complex Radiant AI, physics, and maintaining performance in busy cities or large battles.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Recommended for bypassing the integrated GPU to reduce latency and maximize performance in first-person combat.

• G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is a critical factor for laptop GPU performance. Higher TGP variants will deliver significantly better results. Verify TGP when choosing a laptop.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling (vapor chambers, multiple fans/heatpipes, good airflow design) is vital to prevent thermal throttling, which can drastically reduce performance during extended gameplay.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A modern, powerful mobile CPU (Intel Core H/HX, AMD Ryzen HS/HX series) that can maintain high clock speeds under load is necessary to avoid bottlenecking high-end GPUs and ensure smooth gameplay in this detailed open world.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB dual-channel RAM is the minimum. For higher settings and resolutions, 32GB is recommended. RAM speed (DDR4 vs DDR5 and specific MHz) also influences performance.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) and refresh rate (120Hz+). A high-refresh display requires a powerful GPU to be fully utilized.
• M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: Laptops with a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can provide a noticeable performance boost by allowing the dedicated GPU to directly drive the display.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keep GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and Windows updated. Utilize game-specific driver profiles and OS settings like Game Mode for optimal performance.