Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Solid Gunplay | Lack of Gore and Mutilitation |
Vast World to Explore | Many world means frequent travel loading |
Deep Mechanics | ​Cities can feel lifeless |
Tons of Contents and Sidequests | Menus and user interfaces can feel unintuitive |
Standalone Spaceship Mechanics | ​ |
Starfield is a single-player science fiction role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.
Starfield takes place within the Settled Systems, a space region densely colonized by humans. It is the year 2330, and technological progress has enabled a flourishing interstellar civilization. However, unity remains elusive for humanity, as a multitude of Starfield factions are scattered throughout the cosmos. Your character steps into the world as a worker for a mining company called Argus Extractors, When the player stumbles across an alien artifact and experiences a vision, they cross paths with Constellation, the last group of space explorers, who are endeavoring to solve the greatest mystery of all: what is out there? and from here, your journey starts.
Character Creation
The game commences with character customization, presenting a multitude of customization from hairstyle to neck. Character creation in this game is less complex compared to most others because it utilizes numerical inputs rather than a shader bar. The duration required for character creation will not be as extensive as in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Baldur's Gate 3
There are many interesting backgrounds to choose from, and each background will grant you three unique starting skills based on your selection. Since I'm an ENFP who lives like a free spirit, I chose Pilgrim as my starting class. I especially love the quote they have included: 'The journey is the destination'.
Following the background, players get to choose three unique traits. Some traits specify your affiliation with a particular faction, but since I just started the game for the first time and have no idea, I skipped those. There are traits like Introvert or Extrovert to match your personality, and even some humorous ones, like the trait below that Batman would dream of having.
Menu and Interaction
At the outset of the game, you take on the role of a miner armed with a versatile 'Cutter' tool, for harvesting rocks and essential materials in the game world. Notably, players have the flexibility to seamlessly switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, simply by utilizing the middle mouse button. Of course, feel free to bind it to another key if it is inconvenient for you..
In the game's user interface, the equipment tab truly shines with its remarkable tidiness and improved organization. This stands in stark contrast to the often cluttered inventory systems seen in Bethesda's earlier titles. The current design of the equipment tab even mirrors the sleek and streamlined layout reminiscent of Destiny 2's inventory interface. This enhanced user experience not only simplifies the process of managing your gear but also adds a touch of modernity and efficiency to the game's overall presentation, making it a welcome change for both new and returning players... except it takes a little bit more time to access the items you just picked up.
NPC Interaction
The conversation here resembles the camera style of Fallout: New Vegas. The character models however occasionally exude an eerie quality, as if they are staring deep into your very soul, while at other times, they come across as rather plain and unexciting, lacking the body movement and detail one might expect. Despite its quirks, the game offers a wealth of exciting and intricate side quests waiting to be explored. Once you become accustomed to it, you'll find that the storytelling in this game is truly superb. These side quests not only contribute to the overall narrative richness but also provide players with a compelling and immersive gaming experience, making it well worth delving into the game's world to uncover its hidden gems.
Combat
The combat is surprisingly satisfying and enjoyable. The shooting mechanics are reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077, and the game also offers a selection of melee weapons. However, a major drawback for me is the absence of mutilation effects in the game. Whether I score a headshot or use an axe to take down opponents, there are no signs of gore in the game, which gives it a very family-friendly vibe that sacrifices some of the satisfaction typically associated with killing.
Looting and Resources
During the farming phase, the game's mechanics bear a striking resemblance to No Man's Sky, particularly in the way players gather minerals and resources for crafting and various in-game activities. This similarity might evoke a sense of familiarity for players who have ventured into the vast, as both games share a common theme.
Much like Bethesda's previous games, players have the freedom to thoroughly loot their defeated enemies until they are stripped bare of their belongings. Alongside the classic looting mechanic, players can also engage in a variety of mini-games, such as hacking and lockpicking, to gain access to new resources or unlock hidden areas. Surprisingly, the lockpicking mini-game has proven to be really fun!
Battleships
Moving on to the next phase of the game, it's an entirely different experience when you step into the realm of spaceship gameplay. Here, players have the opportunity to delve into the intricate world of spaceship customization, where a plethora of complex systems awaits exploration. Immersing yourself in this facet of the game becomes essential as you gradually unravel and master the intricacies of your spacecraft. From customizing the ship's appearance to navigating its various systems, this part of the game offers a deep and engaging experience that adds a new layer of depth and challenge to your adventure.
Music and Soundtracks
The music and soundtracks of the game are amazing. It helps to completely immerse you in the game's world, creating an atmosphere that enhances the overall gaming experience. Interestingly, the music in this game bears a striking resemblance to that of Fallout 4. While it's reminiscent of the iconic tunes from the Fallout series, it manages to bring its own unique charm to the table, adding depth and emotion to every moment of gameplay.
Early Verdict
There is a lot to do... perhaps even too much. It appears to be a highly suitable game for hardcore gamers to immerse themselves in, given the multitude of elements to engage with, including traits, perks, unique equipment, quests, factions, planets, and even an entire spaceship to manage. However, this level of complexity might prove overwhelming for casual players looking to unwind after a long day of work. The game's vision appears to align with the direction of next-generation gaming, but it currently lacks polish. Nevertheless, being a Bethesda game, modders are likely to enhance and refine it in the future, potentially transforming it into one of the best games for years to come, much like Skyrim and Fallout 4.
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