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Bethesda Game Studios, a name synonymous with open-world RPGs, has ventured into the cosmos with their latest title, Starfield. This space exploration game is Bethesda’s first new IP in nearly three decades and has been one of the most anticipated releases in recent years. Developed under the guidance of veteran game director Todd Howard, Starfield aims to be the next big thing in the realm of open-world gaming.

Starfield: The Next Skyrim in Space?

Dubbed as “Skyrim in space” by Todd Howard himself, Starfield carries the weight of one of the most commercially and critically successful RPGs of all time. The game is designed to offer a sprawling, role-playing spectacle driven almost entirely by player choice, much like its fantasy predecessor. However, does it live up to the high expectations set by Skyrim? The answer is a complex one.

The Legacy of Skyrim

Skyrim, released in 2011, set a new standard for open-world RPGs. Its expansive world, rich lore, and endless possibilities for exploration and customization made it a cultural phenomenon. To this day, Skyrim enjoys a vibrant community, thanks in part to modding and regular re-releases. Any game that aims to be the “next Skyrim” has a high bar to clear.

The Promise of Starfield

Starfield comes with the promise of a vast, explorable universe filled with planets, moons, and space stations. Its setting in space naturally offers a level of scale and freedom that even Skyrim couldn’t provide. The game also aims to offer a similar level of player choice and customization, from your character’s skills and abilities to the design and functionality of your spacecraft.

Storytelling and Lore

One of Skyrim’s strengths was its deep lore and storytelling, which drew players into its world. Starfield has the potential to offer a similarly rich narrative experience, given its setting in a universe filled with various factions, alien species, and cosmic phenomena. However, early reviews suggest that the game’s storytelling may not be as compelling as Skyrim’s, which could be a significant drawback.

Gameplay Mechanics

Skyrim’s gameplay mechanics, from combat to crafting, were deep yet accessible. Starfield aims to offer a similar balance, with a variety of gameplay mechanics related to space travel, combat, and exploration. However, the game’s complexity and lack of tutorials have been cited as barriers to entry, which could deter some players.

Modding Community

One of the factors that have kept Skyrim alive for so long is its active modding community. While it’s too early to say how mod-friendly Starfield will be, Bethesda’s history suggests that the game will likely support a wide range of mods, potentially extending its lifespan.

Bugs and Technical Issues

Both Skyrim and Starfield share the Bethesda quirk of launching with various bugs and technical issues. While these are often patched post-launch, they can impact the initial reception of the game.

Story and Side Missions: A Universe Yet Unfilled

In Starfield, you play as a miner in the year 2330, working on the Moon of Vectera. Your life takes a dramatic turn when you discover a mysterious artifact, thrusting you into a larger narrative involving an organization called Constellation. The game offers a plethora of side missions and favors, especially in the massive city of New Atlantis. However, the lack of a mini-map and confusing geography can make navigation a challenge.

The Main Narrative

In Starfield, you are thrust into an expansive narrative that involves a mysterious organization called Constellation. You start as a miner on the Moon of Vectera, and a mysterious artifact sets you on a path of cosmic importance. While the premise is intriguing, the execution often falls flat. The story tends to unfold in a manner that feels more like a checklist of objectives rather than a cohesive narrative. This lack of emotional depth in the main storyline makes it hard for players to feel invested in the unfolding events.

Side Missions: Quantity Over Quality

Starfield offers a plethora of side missions, especially in the sprawling city of New Atlantis. However, the game suffers from what can be termed as “quantity over quality.” Many side missions feel like errands rather than meaningful quests, lacking the narrative depth or emotional stakes that make side quests memorable in other RPGs. 

The Issue of Navigation

Adding to the woes is the game’s complex geography and lack of a mini-map, making navigation a cumbersome task. This becomes particularly problematic in side missions where you are required to traverse through various neighborhoods of New Atlantis. The confusing layout often leads to players spending more time figuring out the map than engaging in the mission itself, diluting the overall experience.

Lack of Character Engagement

Another issue is the lack of memorable characters in both the main and side missions. Unlike other Bethesda games where side characters often steal the show with their unique personalities and compelling backstories, Starfield’s characters often feel like mere quest-givers. This lack of character depth makes the missions feel even more monotonous.

The Paradox of Choice

The game’s emphasis on player choice and freedom, while commendable, also contributes to the feeling of aimlessness in the missions. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult for players to feel the impact of their decisions. This dilutes the emotional stakes and makes the missions feel less engaging.

Key Takeaways

In summary, while Starfield offers an expansive universe with a multitude of missions, it often fails to provide the narrative depth and emotional engagement that make for a compelling RPG experience. The issues range from lackluster storytelling and uninspiring side missions to cumbersome navigation and lack of character depth. These factors contribute to a sense of boredom and detachment, making the missions feel more like chores than exciting adventures.

Would you like to explore more about any other aspect of the game? Feel free to ask!

NPCs and Companions: Friends or Fodder?

In Starfield, NPCs serve various roles, from quest-givers to vendors and random inhabitants of the universe. While they add life to the game’s sprawling cities and remote outposts, their depth often leaves much to be desired. Many NPCs in Starfield feel like mere quest dispensers rather than fully realized characters. This lack of depth can make interactions feel transactional rather than meaningful.

Companions: A Mixed Bag

Starfield does offer a companion system, allowing players to recruit certain characters to accompany them on their cosmic adventures. These companions have their own skill sets, preferences, and sometimes, personal quests. However, the likability of these companions is a subject of debate. Some players find them to be engaging and well-written, while others feel they lack the charm and complexity of companions from other Bethesda games like Fallout and Skyrim.

Dogmeat in Space?

As for the presence of a companion similar to Dogmeat from the Fallout series, Starfield does not offer an animal companion as iconic as Dogmeat. While the game does feature various fauna on different planets, none serve as a companion in the way Dogmeat did in Fallout. This absence is something that fans of Bethesda’s previous titles might find disappointing.

Emotional Connection

The emotional connection with NPCs and companions in Starfield is a hit-or-miss affair. While the game attempts to create meaningful relationships through dialogue choices and personal quests, it often falls short due to the lack of emotional stakes or compelling backstories. This makes it challenging for players to form a strong attachment to these characters, reducing their impact on the overall experience.

Key Takeaways

In summary, while Starfield offers a range of NPCs and companions to interact with, their impact on the game is inconsistent. The lack of depth in NPC interactions and the absence of an iconic animal companion like Dogmeat may leave some players wanting more. However, those who enjoy the mechanics of companion systems may still find some value in the characters that Starfield has to offer.

Gameplay

The gameplay loop involves getting quests, exploring solar systems, landing on planets or moons, and engaging in combat. While the game offers freedom in terms of exploration, this freedom can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the game’s sheer size and lack of tutorials. The combat mechanics are more aligned with Fallout 4, offering a variety of ballistics and melee options. However, the absence of a strategic system like V.A.T.S. from the Fallout series is noticeable.

Combat and Leveling: A Symphony of Lasers and Skill Trees

Starfield’s combat mechanics are more closely aligned with those of Fallout 4 than Skyrim, offering a variety of ranged and melee options. Players can wield an array of futuristic firearms, energy weapons, and even traditional melee weapons like space axes and laser swords. The combat is real-time and aims to offer a balance between strategy and reflexes.

Absence of V.A.T.S.

One notable absence in Starfield’s combat system is a strategic targeting system akin to Fallout’s V.A.T.S. (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System). This absence is felt particularly during intense firefights, where the ability to slow down time and target specific enemy body parts would have added a layer of tactical depth.

Space Combat

Starfield also introduces space combat, allowing players to engage in dogfights with enemy spacecraft. While the mechanics are relatively straightforward, they add a new dimension to the game’s combat, offering a break from ground-based skirmishes.

Leveling System: A Galaxy of Choices

Starfield employs a leveling system that is somewhat reminiscent of Skyrim’s skill-based progression. Players earn experience points (XP) by completing quests, defeating enemies, and achieving various milestones. Upon leveling up, players can invest points into a skill tree that offers various paths for specialization.

Skill Trees and Specializations

The skill tree is divided into various branches, each corresponding to a different aspect of gameplay. For example, you could invest points into “Ballistics” to improve your proficiency with firearms, or “Astrogation” to enhance your spacecraft’s capabilities. This allows for a high degree of customization, letting players tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle.

Perks and Abilities

In addition to basic skills, the leveling system also offers various perks and abilities that can significantly impact gameplay. These range from passive bonuses like increased damage resistance to active abilities like special combat moves or hacking skills.

The Grind

While the leveling system is generally well-designed, it does come with a degree of grind, especially at higher levels. Players may find themselves repeating certain activities to earn enough XP for their next level-up, which could become monotonous over time.

Key Takeaways

Starfield’s combat and leveling systems offer a blend of familiarity and innovation. While the combat mechanics are more aligned with Fallout 4, the absence of a strategic system like V.A.T.S. is noticeable. The leveling system offers a high degree of customization but comes with its own set of challenges, particularly the grind at higher levels. Overall, these systems add depth to the game but also present areas that could be improved in future updates or sequels.

Graphics

Starfield is visually stunning, offering a significant upgrade from Bethesda’s last single-player release, Fallout 4. The game’s graphics are particularly mesmerizing when you step out to see the moon’s surface and the ethereal sky for the first time. However, the beauty often contrasts with the emptiness of many planets, which can feel barren and lifeless.

Audio

The game’s audio design complements its visual grandeur. The sounds of space, the hum of your starship, and the ambient noises on various planets contribute to an immersive experience. However, the game could benefit from a more dynamic musical score to elevate emotional moments.

Bugs

While Starfield is mostly bug-free, it does share Bethesda’s infamous reputation for minor glitches. These are not game-breaking but can sometimes take you out of the immersive experience. 

Bugs: The Ghosts in the Machine

Bethesda games are often known for their charming quirks and minor glitches, and Starfield is no exception. While the game is mostly stable, it does have its share of bugs that can sometimes disrupt the gameplay experience.

Graphical Glitches

One of the most commonly reported bugs involves graphical glitches. Players have noted instances where textures fail to load properly, leading to odd visual anomalies. For example, the surface of a planet may suddenly appear pixelated or blurry, breaking the immersion.

AI Behavior

Another issue pertains to the AI behavior, particularly of NPCs (Non-Playable Characters). There are instances where NPCs would act erratically, either freezing in place or walking in circles. While not game-breaking, these AI bugs can be distracting and sometimes amusing.

Quest Bugs

Some players have reported bugs related to quest progression. For instance, a quest marker might not update after completing an objective, leading to confusion. In some extreme cases, this can prevent players from completing a quest, forcing them to reload an earlier save.

Audio Issues

While the game’s audio design is generally well-received, there are occasional bugs that affect the audio experience. This includes abrupt changes in volume levels or certain sound effects failing to trigger at the appropriate times.

Collision and Physics

Starfield also has its share of collision and physics-related bugs. Players have reported being able to walk through certain objects or getting stuck in the terrain. While these are rare, they can be particularly frustrating when they occur.

While none of these bugs are game-breaking, they do serve as minor annoyances that can take players out of an otherwise immersive experience. Bethesda is known for its active post-launch support, so it’s likely that many of these issues will be addressed in future patches.

Technical Requirements: A Glimpse into the Future

Starfield is a demanding game, requiring a robust system to fully experience its graphical splendor and intricate details. While the specific requirements can vary depending on your desired settings and resolution, here are some general guidelines:

Minimum Requirements

– OS: Windows 10 64-bit

– Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600

– Memory: 8 GB RAM

– Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580

– DirectX: Version 12

– Storage: 100 GB available space

Recommended Requirements

– OS: Windows 11 64-bit

– Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

– Memory: 16 GB RAM

– Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT

– DirectX: Version 12

– Storage: 100 GB available space

It’s worth noting that these are general guidelines and your experience may vary based on your specific hardware configuration.

Average Gameplay: A Journey Through Time and Space

Starfield is a massive game, offering a plethora of activities and missions that can easily consume hundreds of hours if you’re a completionist. However, the average gameplay duration can vary significantly based on your playstyle.

Main Story

If you’re focusing solely on the main story, you can expect to spend around 30-40 hours to reach the conclusion. This includes essential side missions that are directly related to the main narrative.

Side Missions and Exploration

If you’re the type who loves to explore every nook and cranny, engage in all side missions, and complete all favors, you’re looking at an additional 60-80 hours, bringing the total to well over 100 hours.

Replayability

The game’s emphasis on player choice and multiple quest outcomes adds a layer of replayability. You can easily spend another 30-40 hours exploring alternative paths and choices, making Starfield a game that offers substantial value for its price.

Starfield is a demanding yet rewarding experience, both in terms of system requirements and gameplay duration. Whether you’re in it for the long haul or just want to experience the main story, the game offers something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Starfield is an ambitious project that mostly delivers on what a reasonable person’s expectations for the next Bethesda game should be. It offers a visually striking, mostly bug-free experience that scratches a very special open-world itch. However, it also suffers from issues like overwhelming player choice, lack of intuitive navigation, and occasional emptiness. If you can get past its initial complexities, Starfield promises a universe of possibilities and hundreds of hours of gameplay.