Our experience with Starfield has been mixed. As a company that has appreciated Bethesda’s previous single-player RPGs, particularly Fallout 4, we had high hopes for Starfield. This sci-fi universe filled with spaceships, lasers, and political intrigue seemed tailor-made for our interests. However, our initial impressions left us feeling somewhat lost in space.
Bethesda has undeniably crafted an expansive universe in Starfield, rich with intricate lore and a backdrop of humanity’s colonization of the galaxy by the 24th century. The setting is reminiscent of classic sci-fi works like The Expanse, Firefly, and Starship Troopers, drawing inspiration from these sources while offering a dense narrative filled with numerous engaging stories.
Character creation in Starfield is a noteworthy feature, allowing players to choose background stories, skills, and traits that provide a degree of replayability. The true potential of Starfield becomes evident when players receive their first spaceship, enabling them to embark on a variety of adventures and questlines. Interactions with other players have revealed a wealth of unique experiences within the game.
While the main quest offers choices with meaningful consequences, the side quests provide opportunities to explore moral dilemmas and diverse storylines. The companion characters in Constellation bring depth to the narrative, each possessing captivating backgrounds and quests. The facial animations in the game enhance the overall immersion.
However, our experience with Starfield has been marred by several notable issues. The early hours of the game can be challenging, with noticeable problems and frequent loading screens that detract from the sense of a vast universe. Navigation is hindered by the absence of maps, causing frustration. Inventory management is cumbersome, and the game lacks adequate explanations of its systems.
While the planets in Starfield are visually distinct, they often feel barren and lifeless, lacking the depth found in Bethesda’s previous titles. Some aspects of the main quest become repetitive, and the lack of variety in ancient structures is disappointing. Combat, both on foot and in space, provides engagement but lacks the innovation seen in other games.
Customizing and building spaceships is a standout feature, but the inability to respec skills and the slow introduction of essential game features can deter players. Bugs and performance issues have been present in our experience, though they have not been game-breaking.
Despite its issues, Starfield has the potential to grow on players over time, offering a compelling interstellar mystery story and improved combat as players invest more hours. While the game has its drawbacks, it rewards persistence with a vast universe filled with roleplaying quests and captivating characters, akin to Bethesda’s previous titles like Skyrim and Fallout 4.
You can download this awesome game here: https://bethesda.net/en/game/starfield