Skyblivion, the ambitious modding endeavor to revive The Elder Scrolls IV using Skyrim’s engine, recently showcased new quest gameplay at the Community Creations Con, affectionately known as C3. This sneak peek comes ahead of its anticipated 2025 release.
Initially planned as a 30-minute display, the gameplay stretch was around 40 minutes. Fun side note: this unexpected extension happened because an NPC decided to take an impromptu break from their usual spot.
Last week, the Skyblivion team hit a major milestone by completing the landscaping of Cyrodiil’s last region, the Niben Basin and Valley. The gameplay spotlight this time wasn’t just on the completion but mainly centered around the vibrant city of Cheydinhal.
During the presentation, two quests were highlighted. One involved a mission for the Fighters Guild, where players must sort out Biene Amelion’s debt. The other, ‘A Brush with Death,’ is a fan-favorite where you dive into the art world of dark elf Rythe Lythandas to rescue him using a magical brush.
Reflecting on both quests, what really shines through is the intricate detail and polish of Skyblivion’s terrain and its dynamic elements. Watching project lead Kyle “Rebelzize” Rebel stroll through Cheydinhal evoked a wave of nostalgia, showing the dedication in preserving the original essence while smoothing over the rough patches typical of its 2006 debut.
The painted world quest stood out distinctly. In vanilla Oblivion, this area might come across as a niche experience, only elevated by the game’s inherent artistic style. In Skyblivion, it transforms into a deeper, more comprehensive dungeon, maintaining its signature artistic impact even as Skyrim’s realistic graphics kick in, culminating in a room that resembles a blank canvas.
Additionally, the revamped interaction menu UI caught my eye, combining Oblivion vibes with Skyrim’s inventory, compass, and map designs. It even adds quirky details, such as skeletons designed uniquely for elves and beast races—something the original Skyrim didn’t delve into.
While there’s no exact release date beyond the 2025 target, the team is confident about launching this year.
So, how did this latest Skyblivion preview strike you? Share your thoughts below, and don’t miss our recent interview with Skyblivion’s lead, Rebel. It’s particularly enlightening for those curious about the swirling official Oblivion remake rumors.
