Owing to the wonderful work done by Nexus Modding, we now have the possibility of customizing our game's landscapes with excellent OBLighting and Landscapes with Terrain Shader Support. We have seen a number of modders launching some amazing mods over the years but the Nexus Modding crew has really outdone this time. The Oblivion 2021 Retexture Project is in my opinion one of the most comprehensive, creative and most beautiful overhauls we have seen for an Elder Scrolls Mod ever. Not only does the mod feature a massive overhaul of the game's interior, but it includes all-new islands to explore, new dungeons to trek through, overhauled cityscapes including the ruins of the Imperial City, brand new environments to travel to, and several other tweaks and improvements. Some of the best parts of the project include the ground map scenery overhaul and the boat house island, both of which were noticeably improved upon from the original version, and the floating island procedural generator is so much better now than it was in the beta.

The OBLighting system within the OBlivion 2021 retexture project has been completely revamped, now offering more accurate sky color and reflections, as well as smoother skies. The Landscape Engine has also been greatly improved, with better shadows, reflections, bump maps, and lighting to name a few tweaks. The world map itself is redesigned, including large improvements in the appearance of High Hrothgar, Markarth, Whiter Tooth, and the Sleeping Isle. There are also several brand new dungeons to explore, including the Throatsoil Caverns, Dark Brotherhood, Ayleidworks, and Instance Dungeon, which are all detailed and fully furnished.

The main reason I like the OBlivion 2021 retexture project so much is that it brings back the feeling of real adventure, without being too linear. Playing as a dark skinned Elder Scroll, I got the sense that I was part of something larger than myself, that the other players in the game didn't even realize, and it made the entire experience so much more interesting. The whole sand box concept is really interesting, and this newest version really taps into that, while still maintaining the freedom to roam wherever you want, do whatever you want and choose whatever quests you want to do.