This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:14:07
The video centers on the development progress of Skyblivion, a project aiming to recreate The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion using the updated Elder Scrolls engine from Skyrim. Key themes include the project's call for volunteers, particularly skilled 3D artists and modders, and a deep dive into the recreated environments and historical significance within the game. Specific areas like the Great Forest and its ancient oaks, the varied Aliad ruins, and the city of Coral, including its districts and Castle Coral, are detailed. The video also highlights technological advancements, including environmental integration, user interface improvements, animated menus, and a revamped lockpicking system. Overall, the development team emphasizes their progress, community support, and anticipation of the project's completion by 2025.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter introduces the fifth episode of the Skyblivion development diary, which documents the team’s effort to recreate The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion using the latest Elder Scrolls engine. The series aims to showcase this ambitious modding project’s progress and future direction. The team is actively seeking more volunteers, particularly 3D artists with experience in creating clothing or plants, as well as experienced Skyrim modders. Viewers with relevant skills are encouraged to apply via the Skyblivion website.
The segment also explores the geography within the game, focusing on the great Forest, a vast woodland extending from Coral to the outskirts of Bruma. The forest consists of three distinct areas, with the central region populated by enormous redwoods that have stood since ancient civilizations. These redwoods offer shelter and host various forms of life including rabbits, foxes, wolves, and trolls. Additionally, the video touches on the ancient oak forest near Coral, known for providing the lumber that contributed to the city’s development.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the historical and ecological significance of a forest that once featured mighty oak trees. These trees contributed to the construction of various structures, including old forts and mysterious hamlets. The forest, particularly a beautiful area near Orange Road, offers lush grass, clear lakes, and aspen trees, making it a picturesque but dangerous place. Hunters frequent the area, but they must be cautious of Scales, the protectors of the forest. The forest is home to many opportunities and dangers, including caves, mines, abandoned forts, shrines, and ancient Aliad ruins. The extinct Aliad elves once ruled over the region, and their ruins are now inhabited by various creatures such as undead, bandits, trolls, spirits, and goblins. Each Aliad ruin is designed to be unique, with different regions of Cadil offering varied styles of ruins, from traditional ones in the heartlands to overgrown structures in swampy areas like Blackwood.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses both the environmental integration and user interface updates for a game. Ruins and ancient structures are seamlessly blended into the landscapes of various climates, such as the sandy slopes of the Gold Coast and the snowy mountains in the north. The user interface has seen significant improvements since 2020-2021, including animated birth sign menus for character creation, a return and revision of the class menu allowing players to choose or create classes, and the restoration of attributes with specific buffs per race. The new level-up screen has been enhanced for real-time feedback, and new messages accompanying each level fit the game’s original tone, with unique messages for races and specializations to encourage replayability. The character menu encompasses progress, skills, fame, and more, featuring an improved perk screen and mastery perk system. Additionally, the lockpicking system has been completely revamped in Skyrim’s engine.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses various updates and changes to the lockpicking system in their project, highlighting a new replacement system that runs smoothly and supports complete controller functionality. The new system incorporates mechanics from The Elder Scrolls Online and Oblivion. Additionally, the user interface has been enhanced with new unique loading screens, hints, and a loading indicator. Future updates will include improved dialogue menus, inventory menus, and a paper map. The focus then shifts to the city of Coral and its surroundings, detailing its divisions into five districts: Fountain Gate District, Chapel Street, West District, Great Oak Place, and the city’s various landmarks such as the statue of St. Osler, the Cathedral of Stendar, and the Great Oak. The city’s features include resources like farms, notable institutions like the Fighters Guild and Mages Guild, and services including inns, general stores, and blacksmiths.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, Castle Coral, the seat of power and home to Countess Ariana, is discussed. The castle, which dominates the eastern end of the city, has been enhanced with more landscaping, vibrant plants, new fortifications, guard barracks, a training field, stables, and an additional castle blacksmith. These improvements aim to reflect the wealth and stature of its occupants and make the castle more immersive. The video emphasizes the team’s continual efforts in the monumental task of rebuilding Oblivion within Skyrim’s engine, noting that the project is closer to completion than ever and teasing more updates in future developer diaries. The team expresses gratitude for the community’s support and excitement for the planned release in 2025.