Ex-Bethesda Dev Eyes Fallout 3 Remaster for Gunplay Boost

Following the positive reception of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, fans are now speculating which Bethesda title might receive the remaster treatment next. With many pointing to a potential Fallout 3 remaster (which was reportedly leaked in 2023), how could Bethesda enhance its 2008 post-apocalyptic RPG?

Bruce Nesmith, one of the designers of Fallout 3, highlighted the game's "subpar" gunplay, anticipating significant improvements in a potential remaster.

In an interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith suggested a Fallout 3 Remaster would likely feature shooting mechanics more aligned with Fallout 4.

“Look at the changes implemented in Fallout 4—they indicate what the developers considered essential improvements over Fallout 3,” Nesmith stated.

“I’m aware that Fallout 4 involved extensive refinements to gun combat. Fallout 3 was Bethesda’s first attempt at a shooter-style system, and while the foundation was there, the enhancements in Fallout 4 were remarkable.”

Oblivion Remastered, developed by the specialist studio Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, introduces numerous visual and gameplay upgrades. It supports 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, alongside more impactful changes. Key improvements span leveling mechanics, character creation, combat animations, and user interface. The remaster also features expanded dialogue, a fully realized third-person perspective, and advanced lip-syncing technology. These substantial updates have led some fans to argue that Oblivion Remastered feels more like a full remake. Bethesda has since clarified its decision to label it a remaster.

Nesmith expects Fallout 3 Remastered to undergo similar levels of enhancement as seen in Oblivion Remastered.

“The combat in Fallout 3 didn’t measure up to contemporary shooters, even at the time,” he noted. “It's an RPG with shooter elements, not a pure run-and-gun experience. However, the team made substantial progress with Fallout 4, so I’d expect those advancements to carry over, assuming a similar approach.”

“They didn’t just update Oblivion to match the 2011 version of Skyrim,” he continued. “They elevated it to a level that, at least visually, appears to surpass even the most recent graphical updates for Skyrim.” According to Nesmith, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is so impressive it could rightly be called “Oblivion 2.0.”

It’s a bustling period for Bethesda, currently developing The Elder Scrolls VI and potentially more Starfield content. Combined with ongoing remaster projects, continued support for Fallout 76, and the upcoming second season of the Fallout TV series set in New Vegas, fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.

We offer a detailed guide covering everything in Oblivion Remastered, featuring an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Quest and all Guild Quests, character optimization tips, essential early-game activities, a full list of PC Cheat Codes, and much more.

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