The shadow drop of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is a pleasant surprise for fans of Bethesda’s classic RPG franchise. After numerous rumors and leaks stretching back months suggested this release would happen, seeing Oblivion Remastered finally be released in all its glory is a momentous occasion. However, the nature of its shadow drop release puts the release plans for three other titles between a rock and a hard place, as they suddenly have to compete with the hype around Oblivion Remastered.
Regardless of Oblivion Remastered‘s release, this week has been looking strong for gaming for some time. Several highly anticipated titles from new IPs were slated for release, each generating promising buzz from initial previews and demos, with some potential Game of the Year contenders among them. However, such a beloved franchise as The Elder Scrolls releasing a remaster of a popular entry runs the risk of taking the wind out of these games’ sails with its unfortunate release timing.
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Three Releases Can’t Be Overshadowed by Oblivion Remastered
- Post Trauma – April 22
- The Hundred Line – Last Defense Academy – April 23
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – April 24
Highly Anticipated Indie Horror Title Post Trauma Dropped the Same Day as Oblivion Remastered
There’s been a renewed interest in Silent Hill-inspired games after last year’s Silent Hill 2 remake released to critical acclaim. Post Trauma wears its Silent Hill inspiration on its sleeve, channeling the puzzle horror gameplay and surreal aesthetic of the series. While the game was initially slated for a March 31 release, it was delayed until April 22, which happened to align with the same release date as Oblivion Remastered.
With Oblivion Remastered‘s release date being kept secret leading up to its surprise launch, it would have been impossible for the team behind Post Trauma to anticipate this overlap. Even though the fan base for indie horror games like Post Trauma may not necessarily line up with the fan base of The Elder Scrolls, any discussion of this game is still likely going to be eclipsed by Oblivion Remastered since it launched on the same day.
The Hundred Line – Last Defense Academy Has to Follow Up Oblivion Remastered’s Release
Next in line in this stacked week for gaming is the latest title from Danganronpa creator Kazutaka Kodaka, The Hundred Line – Last Defense Academy, launching the day after Oblivion Remastered. The game is set to feature a mixture of Danganronpa and Fire Emblem-like gameplay, as players see 15 students defend their academy from monsters for 100 days in tactical, turn-based combat. Despite the generally positive reaction to the game’s demo, the minimal marketing the title has received could cause it to slip through the cracks created by Oblivion Remastered‘s Earth-shaking release.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Release Day Buzz Risks Being Drowned Out By Oblivion Remastered
Arguably, the game with the most to lose by being overshadowed by Oblivion Remastered is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The title has been touted as a Western take on the turn-based JRPG formula, boasting deep gameplay systems amid stunning visuals inspired by Belle Epoque France. Previews of Expedition 33 paint the game as an early Game of the Year contender, so it not receiving the proper recognition due to the Oblivion Remastered hype would be a shame.
Luckily, Expedition 33 may still be able to find a voice in this crowded gaming release week thanks to the talent behind its cast of characters. Notable actors like Charlie Cox of Daredevil: Born Again fame, and Baldur’s Gate 3‘s Jennifer English star in the game’s lead roles, with Final Fantasy 16 lead Ben Starr and the prolific Andy Serkis of Lord of the Rings and Black Panther fame also among the cast. Still, this all-star voice cast may struggle to pull Elder Scrolls fans away from Oblivion Remastered as the debut IP from a brand-new studio.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
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April 24, 2025
- Developer(s)
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Sandfall Interactive
- Publisher(s)
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Kepler Interactive
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5
- PC Release Date
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April 24, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
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April 24, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
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April 24, 2025
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