Starfield Review
Starfield. This could very well be the vast universe I've been searching for all this time. Clearly, the sci-fi space genre has never been short of games, and it's no surprise that this genre has its fair share of masterpieces. I've played titles like Mass Effect and The Outer Worlds before, and I've often wondered if Bethesda Game Studios would ever venture into this territory. After 5 years of waiting, the answer came in the form of Starfield. However, this has left me with a significant dilemma, making me believe that this will be the most challenging game I've ever reviewed. Why, you ask? It's because I'm unsure of the perspective I should adopt when reviewing it. Should I approach it as an outsider, experiencing Bethesda objectively, or should I be a fan of Bethesda to truly understand the essence, the DNA of Bethesda that only fans of this studio comprehend when it comes to making RPGs and what makes them subjective in a certain way?
Of course, any game review will always be subjective, as it represents one's personal opinion. However, I believe that what I've experienced with Starfield is an unforgettable experience that leads me to think that this game, while not for everyone, will always find its rightful place. After spending over 120 hours with it, I came to the realization that Starfield is Bethesda's finest effort after years of attempting to surpass the shadow of Skyrim.
"We always define ourselves by our ability to overcome the impossible. And we always cherish those moments. It's the moments where we dare to aim higher, break down barriers to reach for the stars, to turn the unknown into the known. We consider those moments as achievements to be proud of. But we may have lost all of that. Or perhaps, we forget that we are still pioneers. And as it turns out, after all, we are just beginning. So, the greatest achievements we thought we had are not behind us because our destiny is not limited by ourselves."
Cooper in Interstellar said this, and when I recall his quote, I immediately think of Starfield. Starfield is undoubtedly a mission that Bethesda has nurtured for a long time, over the course of their 25-year existence. Therefore, they have considered how to depict this universe in a game and were determined to do it at any cost. It's not surprising when Todd Howard mentioned that the sci-fi movie Interstellar was one of their inspirations for creating this game. Yes, Bethesda aims to be pioneers, creating an unprecedented scale space RPG.
Indeed, Starfield is vast in scope, and it's no surprise that its world-building operates on a grand scale. Starfield is set in The Settled Systems. It's no longer a post-apocalyptic wasteland like Fallout or a medieval continent like Elder Scrolls; this is an entire region within a galaxy.
Starting the game, you play as an ordinary person with the extraordinary ability to communicate with ancient artifacts of the cosmos. It's this ability that allows players to escape from a mundane life with no future and determine their own destiny.
And this brings us to the first faction, Constellation. The Constellation organization is an independent group specializing in archaeology and exploring the mysteries of the universe. Inadvertently, players can communicate with the enigmatic ancient artifacts they are researching, leading them on an adventure of change and destiny. When it comes to Constellation, I find it to be an intriguing organization with truly standout individuals. Among them are Sarah Morgan, Sam Cole, Andreja, and Barrett. Bethesda has done a great job in character development, as the core members of Constellation play significant roles in the game. Companion characters have deep dialogues, engaging storylines, and useful support skills in gameplay.
If I were to summarize these standout companion characters, I can say that Sarah Morgan is a leader, always responsible and putting her teammates above herself. Sam Cole is indeed a single dad, placing principles and emotions above all else because for him, being a good father to his daughter is his top priority. Andreja is reserved, seeming like a tsundere girl, appearing aloof and having a mysterious background. Her family never believed in any political system, and she believes in living independently, but hidden beneath are emotions waiting for the player to uncover. And finally, there's the cheerful Barrett, always optimistic even in the direst circumstances, bringing hope to Constellation, despite knowing the dangers of exploring this universe.
Completing the main storyline is truly worthwhile, as it not only lies in the narrative value but also changes how you perceive the world of Starfield in the future. However, Constellation is not the only reason why you should explore Starfield.
FACTION QUEST
It can be said that with the thorough construction of the Constellation faction, we can trust that Bethesda will do well with the other factions. And indeed, the factions that follow, while not part of the main storyline, are something you'd miss out on if you don't delve into their faction quests.
Especially notable are the United Colonies and the Freestar Collective. 20 years before the game's setting, these two factions fought in the Colony War, a colonial conflict. Now, in times of peace, you have the opportunity to explore both factions from a neutral perspective. You will discover the bright and dark sides of both factions, as it becomes clear that in war, no one is entirely good, and no one is entirely evil.
The United Colonies represent a highly advanced civilization, exuding the superiority of an advanced human society, akin to a high-end cyberpunk version, where there is no vice, and people live as if they were in an upper-class world. However, it won't take you long to realize that wherever there is wealth, there will always be poverty. Beneath the surface of the capital city of the United Colonies, New Atlantic, lies a district of poverty, The Well, painting a picture of the yin and yang of the greatest human dependency in the universe.
On the other hand, the Freestar Collective has a more down-to-earth, rustic feel, lacking the glitz and glamour. Akila City, the capital of the Freestar Collective, evokes the American Wild West. This is something many hardcore Bethesda fans have long awaited, hoping that Bethesda would one day create an RPG that allows them to be space cowboys. But of course, if the Freestar Collective wants to stay relevant, they don't shy away from modernity, with Neon City, a true cyberpunk city where the city never sleeps. Underground activities always occur here, from bar fights to illicit substances, criminal gangs, or high-tech conglomerates waiting for an opportunity to eliminate their rivals.
Once you embark on the quests of these two factions, you'll be surprised at how meticulously Bethesda has invested in them. There are times when you'll be left in awe, realizing that faction quests can sometimes be even more well-crafted than the main quest. These missions have depth, detail, and logical complexity that far exceed the standards of JRPGs or even basic Western RPG side quests. While in some RPGs, having a good main quest and some side quests is acceptable, Bethesda goes above and beyond, never allowing themselves to be complacent. Therefore, immersing yourself in the Settled Systems is not limited to the main quest alone.
When you join the United Colonies (UC) faction, which appears orderly and disciplined, you might think you'll be playing the role of a peacekeeper, a police officer, or something similar. However, that's not the case. Conversely, when you join the Freestar Collective, you'll take on the role of a bona fide peacekeeper, following criminals, investigating, apprehending, or eliminating them. Both faction questlines revolve around the indirect consequences left by the war, concerning weapons capable of destroying entire worlds, soldiers sacrificed for a government that doesn't value them, and the secrets and conspiracies lying beneath it all.
The storyline of Starfield, or the lore of this game, is always vast and all-encompassing. Therefore, my advice is to complete some of the main quests first, and then try your hand at the faction quests. You'll discover the logical consistency and intricate details of the world in Starfield. And not to forget, there are other factions that also contribute to the colorful and non-boring world of Starfield. Especially the Crimson Fleet. OMG, that's all I can say about how I felt after completing the final mission of this faction. It would be a crime if I spoiled what the Crimson Fleet storyline is about. But believe me, if you skip this faction, you've missed out on at least 20% of what makes Starfield great, because the Crimson Fleet is one of the hidden gems of Starfield, even though it's not mentioned as much as the United Colonies or the Freestar Collective.
In fact, this storyline is so outstanding that after each mission, you'll feel like you've just watched an episode of a space TV show because the pieces begin to connect, and you understand the motives of the leaders. Yes, the villains have their own ideals and philosophies, the subordinates have their hardcore judgments on the weight of your decisions, and the setup of missions leading to the final conclusion, and the best part is that it's your choice, not anyone else's, it's you who gets to choose the ending. The Crimson Fleet questline revolves around a treasure in the game called the "Legacy," which ambitious individuals want to possess, while the weak ones see it as nothing more than a myth. From there, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Damn, Crimson Fleet just gave me an END GAME experience like in a Marvel movie."
The final faction is the Ryujin Industrial Corporation, and this is likely to be the most beloved faction questline among Bethesda fans, as it evokes memories of Elder Scrolls. Essentially, you'll undertake this faction by submitting a CV for a job application. It's a humorous yet intriguing process. When you arrive in the city of Neon for the second stage, which is the interview, you might initially think you'll be doing paperwork, but you're in for a surprise. The Ryujin Corporation looks like a sci-fi version of the Yakuza, the kind of Yakuza that used to be portrayed as a professional debt-collecting company in Japan, but in Starfield, it's upgraded to a well-organized underworld as a corporation with clever tactics. You'll be amazed by the departments, hierarchical positions, internal power struggles, and even dealings with external criminal gang members.
However, the highlight that makes this faction quest truly impressive is its gameplay. Similar to the Thieves Guild in Elder Scrolls, the tasks revolve around corporate espionage. You'll have a wide range of choices to achieve your objectives: stealth, cunning deception, bribery, and even manipulating the enemy's minds. Of course, you can take out your guns and go on a rampage, but that wouldn't be as thrilling. All the missions in this faction are designed as immersive sims, elevating the depth of gameplay in Starfield. It can be said that this questline allows you the most creative freedom in how you approach your tasks.
In addition to the faction quests, the sidequests in Starfield are also well-rounded, and occasionally they have more connections than you might think. For example, a small sidequest when you first set foot in the city of Akila, where you're asked by the city police to negotiate with kidnappers, and if you successfully rescue the victim, you'll be invited to join the Freestar Ranger faction for their questline. It's a type of unexpected invitation and connection.
Therefore, when it comes to the storyline in Starfield, Bethesda has done an excellent job, from the main quest to the faction quests and even the sidequests. It's almost impossible to find fault with a studio that has a reputation for building worlds in such a way that allows players to create their own stories within that world.
GAMEPLAY
So, with a good story and world-building like that, Starfield must have gameplay to match its grand scale, right? How can I describe Starfield's gameplay? Well, Starfield's gameplay is very good, but you'll have to temper your expectations, or you might end up disappointed. It's clear that Starfield is not a perfect game, and it seems like it has never tried to be a game that does everything. So, what might disappoint some people?
That would be the exploration of the universe. Compared to the scale of No Man's Sky or Star Citizen, the world in the Settled System of Starfield is much smaller. As a result, the sense of exploration is more modest. And this could be seen as a weakness by many, but I don't entirely agree with that perspective.
In Starfield, you can't fly from one planet to another like in some other games. Todd Howard has never said that Starfield would allow players to do that. So, for those expecting to use their spacecraft to fly from A to Z, Starfield might not be the game for you. But remember, Starfield is an RPG, not a Space Simulator. It would be unreasonable to demand the same level of freedom of movement as those other games when the game design principles are completely different, not to mention the immense scale of Starfield.
Clearly, fans of Bethesda games are willing to accept the loss of interplanetary flight to preserve the RPG mechanics, as RPG is the core essence of the game. So, if you grasp this idea from the beginning, experiencing Starfield will be much more enjoyable.
In general, when it comes to exploring the universe or a specific planet, the game provides three types of maps: a planet map that shows where you can land, a larger planetary system map, and finally, a map of the entire Settle System, which includes many planetary systems where humans have established a presence. Starfield leans more towards science fiction than fantasy, so not every planet is accessible. What I mean is, don't expect to land on a gas giant. To better understand, exploration can be divided into two types: exploring the universe and exploring planets.
In the largest map, the Starmap, there are many planetary systems, and initially, you can't fly directly to any of them because the distance you can travel depends on your ship's capabilities. So, as you play more and earn better ships, you'll be able to explore more areas and confront stronger enemies in places you couldn't reach before. It sounds somewhat similar to the progression of upgrading your equipment in racing games.
As for exploring planets, you can essentially land your ship almost anywhere on the planet. At this point, the game will automatically generate a randomly generated map for you to explore. This type of content generation is known as procedurally generated content. Given the immense scale of the game, this approach is a smart way to create content. However, for more discerning players, you may find that some of it can become repetitive. Many of these procedurally generated locations may have similar structures with different content, such as outposts for civilians or scientific organizations, or enemy encampments, and so on.
To sum it up, there are times when you might discover interesting things during exploration, like new species or beautiful scenic spots, but I think this gameplay element might not appeal to everyone. However, considering the scale of the game, it is still impressive. At least, based on what I've mentioned above, Starfield manages to create a sense of truly exploring the universe.
That's why I've never thought that Starfield loses its immersive feel, even though the game's design creates a sense of fragmentation rather than seamlessness. This title still manages to provide that deep immersion, especially when you're exploring different planets. It's akin to the feeling of getting lost in Skyrim at 3 a.m., just wandering and forgetting what you're supposed to do.
Don't think that Starfield becomes dull just because it allows you to set foot on up to 1000 planets in the game. Yes, there are many lifeless planets, but they aren't entirely useless. As promised, the creation of these numerous planets is to provide a stage for modders, so Bethesda simply does what they need to do while leaving room for the community to create what they want. Consequently, you don't really need to visit all 1000 planets. It's a choice, not a requirement. There have been times when I forgot about my main quests and simply wanted to immerse myself in the vastness of space. I'd head to the moon of Tau Ceti 8 to build an outpost and then admire the meticulously crafted environment. It's like a way to pass the time when you temporarily set aside political conflicts and the strategic decisions of an RPG to become someone who just wants to free themselves and enjoy the experience.
Moreover, don't forget that while flying and exploring planets are restricted by fast travel, it doesn't mean Starfield lacks handcrafted content. In fact, it's the Bethesda game with the most handcrafted content to date. There's plenty to do in the cities or locations that BGS has built. From shopping for items to buying spaceships or even houses, changing your character's appearance, and encountering interesting characters, there's always something to engage with in this world. This ensures that you won't doubt the exploration capabilities of Starfield, as there's a wide variety of things to discover beyond what you might initially think.
So, what really hooks me into Starfield for hours on end is its gunplay. The game offers both third-person and first-person perspectives, and as a die-hard FPS fan, I tend to lean towards the first-person view. However, even from a third-person perspective, Starfield's gunplay is quite solid, giving me a sense of competence. It's reminiscent of titles like Uncharted or Gears of War within the framework of an RPG. In this review, I'd like to delve deeper into the first-person perspective, specifically the comprehensive gunplay upgrades compared to what I experienced in Fallout 4, the most recent game directed by Todd Howard before Starfield.
But why does Starfield still excite me? It's because the game boasts a wide variety of weapons, and the shooting mechanics feel powerful and satisfying. While it's true that the time to kill (TTK) is longer, as is common in RPG first-person shooters, Bethesda manages to create a fast-paced feel in gunfights, ensuring that battles maintain a quick and engaging pace.
Furthermore, many quests in the faction storylines come with expansive maps, akin to standalone missions you'd find in renowned first-person shooter games like Call of Duty or Battlefield. Sometimes, it's almost unbelievable that these are just faction quests rather than main quests. The level design for these missions is exceptional, setting up environments that are perfect for thrilling shootouts and maneuvering. Enemies can appear from unexpected places, creating interesting combat scenarios. The map areas are so large that completing faction quests can take up to 20 to 30 minutes, making them equivalent to levels in AAA FPS games. Bethesda's ingenuity in level design deserves applause.
Therefore, there's no decline in the FPS experience in Starfield; the shooting sensation and enemy encounters are thrilling and captivating. Plus, the game offers a multitude of weapons and numerous upgrade options, allowing for freedom in tackling challenges rather than a linear approach. Whether you prefer using a silenced sniper rifle for stealthy approaches, a powerful six-barrel firearm for a blaze of glory, or sci-fi energy weapons, Bethesda has got you covered. And if you're into melee combat, there are some seriously cool knives and katana-style swords to choose from.
However, one downside is the imbalance in the number of weapons available. Energy and melee weapons are relatively scarce compared to conventional firearms, and melee weapons tend to have lower damage output. Therefore, focusing on skills related to regular firearms seems to be more advantageous.
What's great about the gunplay is the recoil of the firearms. It strikes a balance between being too casual with low recoil as seen in ADS-style FPS games. Starfield maintains a sense of challenge for players, as a longer time to kill (TTK) and higher weapon recoil create an experience that isn't overly easy. Even with TTK being longer and the guns having higher-than-average recoil, Starfield provides a balanced experience, offering a challenge, especially for those not well-versed in Western RPGs. To truly feel the weight of the game, you might need to set the difficulty level to Very Hard.
Now, speaking of AI, how do the enemies behave? They can be described as competent but not exceptional, falling into the middle ground. They can accurately return fire and engage you in combat, rather than simply taking turns to attack. They even know how to revive fallen comrades temporarily. Besides human enemies, there are also creatures that can attack you, and some are even more dangerous than humans. However, if you possess powerful weapons, you may find that the enemies' attacks are relatively weak, and you can easily dispatch them before they can retaliate. In jest, if you want to maintain a challenging combat experience, perhaps you shouldn't upgrade or equip your character too quickly.
Additionally, the game equips players with special cosmic powers. I won't delve too deep into them as many are related to the storyline, but in essence, these powers are quite enticing. They include time dilation, wall penetration, and even shooting supernovas. These powers consume mana and have cooldown periods. I believe that these power mechanics are a nod to the fantastical abilities found in the Elder Scrolls series. So, alongside the weapons you can use, combining these powers can be highly beneficial and can save your character in the most intense combat situations.
Furthermore, the skill tree system in the game is quite robust. It's divided into several branches, including Physical, Combat, Social, Technology, and Science. Within each branch, there are four skill levels, and each level provides you with 3 to 4 specific skills. Having such an extensive skill tree system is a good thing because it makes upgrading your character feel like a time-consuming process, preventing players from getting bored too quickly by upgrading everything at once.
The skills within the skill tree system are intricate and serve distinct purposes, making each upgrade enhance your character's capabilities. As an FPS player looking to delve into RPG mechanics, I initially focused on upgrading three branches: Physical, Social, and Combat. This allowed me to have various options for completing missions. For instance, enhancing your Physical skills can increase your health and oxygen capacity for longer runs, as well as stealth capabilities to avoid detection more effectively. Social skills can improve your negotiation skills and increase your chances of success in negotiations, or even enable you to mesmerize enemies. Combat skills, on the other hand, boost damage dealt when using firearms. Overall, Starfield's skill tree system is expansive and valuable, similar to the Perk system in Fallout or the Skill Tree in Elder Scrolls.
It's worth noting that at each skill level, there are four tiers, each offering something substantial if you invest in all four tiers. For example, if you max out the Boost Pack skill, you gain the ability to incapacitate enemies and set them on fire using the boost pack on your back. Therefore, unlike many other games where skills primarily increase success rates or damage output, Starfield adds interesting twists to these skills if you seriously invest skill points into them. This enhances character personalization because with the multitude of individual skills, you'll need a high level to accumulate enough skill points and upgrade these skills in the future. This means that throughout your gameplay, you'll discover that you have plenty of time to find the playstyle you want to invest in most, and from there, find the skills that support it most naturally.
Of course, engaging in battles with enemies isn't limited to just planetary combat; when it comes to space exploration, space battles become an exciting new aspect of Bethesda's gameplay.
Regarding the ship battle system, I'm pleased to say that it's not at all lackluster or poorly executed. On the contrary, it's quite polished and offers a certain level of depth. First, let's talk about ship controls. I found ship piloting to be smoother and more straightforward than I initially expected, without any clunky feeling. I was worried at first that Bethesda might disappoint me in this aspect, as they have a reputation for needing a few iterations to get things right, but no, piloting a ship in the game feels excellent and truly makes you feel like a captain.
The flexibility of ship controls means that space battles now depend entirely on your skills and tactics. This is where Bethesda strikes a good balance between casual and hardcore gameplay. The game features an energy grid with six ship stats, and you have the freedom to allocate energy to these stats. For example, you can invest in gun, laser, missile firing, or increase your acceleration or shield protection capabilities. Despite the variety of stats, redistributing energy is easy through the D-pad on controller, allowing you to adjust your ship's power efficiently and conveniently.
Therefore, space combat with your battle cruiser remains engaging. I've become adept at piloting my ship and knowing how to allocate my ship's energy during space encounters, and it's a thrilling experience when you manage to destroy enemy ships. The AI of enemy ships is quite intelligent and even somewhat more challenging compared to the AI NPCs in ground combat. They follow clever flight paths and relentlessly fire back at you. Even at higher difficulty levels, enemy ship damage is significantly increased, which can lead to intense moments and frequent sweating. So, even if you think you've mastered your ship, it doesn't necessarily mean you've mastered the entire space battle. Therefore, I highly praise this ship battle aspect, as it's a new game mechanic that Bethesda introduced, and they executed it exceptionally well right from the start.
So, what do you do if your ship keeps losing to enemy vessels no matter how hard you try? Well, the shipbuilding feature is your solution to this problem. I believe shipbuilding will be a much-discussed gameplay mechanic in the Bethesda fan community because, quite simply, anything that allows players to be creative and experiment will always yield incredibly imaginative and appealing results.
I didn't spend too much time on this aspect myself, but I managed to invest quite a bit in upgrading and equipping my beloved ship with state-of-the-art gear to be ready for space combat. Additionally, you can even seize enemy ships and continue upgrading them, as long as you have the funds. The ship upgrade system is quite extensive, offering a plethora of choices. I haven't played enough Sci-Fi RPG games to know if any other title offers ship customization and upgrades in such detail, but I can say that in Starfield, you can achieve a level of detail that's comparable, if not more intricate, to what you might find in games like Armored Core's mecha customization, especially with your ship.
The final highlight in gameplay is the construction of outposts. Similar to gunplay, the outpost mechanism is a significant improvement over the settlement building in Fallout 4. For me, it's even challenging and requires a lot of time to master. Building outposts on any planet in Starfield truly offers freedom but also comes with the complexity of making it work efficiently. It's not just about aesthetics; you need to strategize on how to achieve maximum efficiency. If you only care about aesthetics and don't mind spending money, then there's not much to say. But if you want your outpost to operate smoothly and efficiently, then you'll need to put a lot more thought into it. You have to consider the structures, resource extraction equipment, and even choose the right people to manage it. Like ship customization, I didn't invest a lot of time in outpost construction because it deviates a bit from my RPG preferences, but I was fortunate enough to build a few smartly functioning outposts that brought in valuable resources. So, if you're someone who enjoys city simulation aspects, the outpost mechanic is something you shouldn't overlook.
In addition to a gameplay rich in various feature mechanics, Starfield's game design also has noteworthy aspects. Firstly, the game doesn't provide a map in the game world, making you rely on memorizing locations. This might be seen as a drawback by some, but I don't think so. Especially in a gaming era where many developers are trying to hold your hand and guide you, exemplified by open-world games from Ubisoft, limiting hand-holding can be a refreshing change. Take Elden Ring, for instance, a challenging RPG that doesn't give you explicit directions on how to play or where to go. Even the tutorial can be skipped without players realizing it. And Elden Ring's map? I don't think I need to say much more about that. So, do we need a map to explore New Atlantis, Cydonia, Akila, or Neon in Starfield? I believe we don't. The absence of a specific map, similar to the days of The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind, actually makes it easier for me to immerse myself and want to figure things out on my own to discover new and interesting aspects of the game.
Secondly, the game does have quite a few loading screens, which can be considered genuinely annoying. Given the scale of a game like this, one can understand why they exist to some extent. However, there are moments when I didn't think loading screens were necessary. For example, entering some buildings within the city, which aren't particularly large or explorable in their entirety. Fortunately, the loading speeds are relatively fast due to the game's requirement for an SSD. Therefore, while there are loading screens, they are generally acceptable when compared to the amount of time you invest in playing the game.
PRESENTATION
After all is said and done, Starfield is vast, and to encapsulate all that Bethesda has accomplished, Creation Engine 2 is the answer. As a completely new IP, developed on a relatively new graphical engine, it's clear that Starfield represents Bethesda's step into the next-gen era. In terms of presentation, I believe it has fully delivered on its mission. Of course, with a game of this scale, the largest in Bethesda's history, perfection is unattainable. However, in terms of the overall experience, Creation Engine 2 has shouldered Starfield well enough to put gamers at ease.
While Creation Engine 2 is a new engine, it's essentially an upgrade from the aging Creation Engine 1. So, looking objectively, the graphics in Starfield might not deliver the awe-inspiring feeling that graphics-focused games can provide. But does that mean they are bad? Not at all, especially in the cities that Bethesda has handcrafted, where the feeling is still lively.
The capital city of New Atlantis within the UC showcases an upscale cyberpunk vibe, with its blue color palette creating a fresh sci-fi atmosphere. The buildings here exude a corporate, high-society, and civilized atmosphere. However, descending underground and encountering The Well, everything contrasts sharply with a brownish-gray color scheme that depicts poverty and the lower echelons of society.
As for the Freestar Collective, the two cities of Akila and Neon also exhibit clear differences depending on the player's choices. The city of Akila feels like a remote, Wild West region of the United States, exuding a sense of wilderness. The streets are made of wood, or sometimes not even paved, and the buildings are typically not more than 5 stories tall. The architectural designs do not give off a sci-fi vibe, suggesting that the people of Akila prefer to embrace classic and traditional values, creating a sense of freedom and openness among its residents.
On the other hand, Neon is the hub of debauchery. It's a corrupted cyberpunk city, a sleepless metropolis with dazzling and colorful streetlights. Perhaps it's the most futuristic city in the game. The architecture here is distinctly contrasting, with small convenience stores tucked into alleyways, grandiose corporate facades, and flashy nightlife bars with bright lights. Neon feels like the red-light district, where indulgence and danger are just a fragile boundary apart.
Overall, when it comes to the handcrafted locations by Bethesda, everything feels vivid and truly alive. But what about the procedurally generated areas? Bethesda had previously stated that they were aiming for a realistic approach, which sometimes results in a sense of solitude. However, this doesn't mean a lack of diversity in the environments. From planets teeming with life, showcasing rich flora and fauna, to desolate and barren landscapes, each planet has its own unique character. However, in some moments, if you allow yourself to pause and immerse yourself in the game at any given time, you'll be genuinely surprised by the beauty and grandeur of these planets.
One aspect of the environmental graphics that I found slightly frustrating was the color palette. I understand that this is a creative choice by the studio to give Starfield a nostalgic, retro sci-fi look, similar to films like Blade Runner 2047, where black levels aren't high, and it leans towards a brownish-yellow color tone. I respect Bethesda's creative intention in this regard. However, the color palette is quite overdone, especially for those who experience this blockbuster on an OLED TV like myself; it disrupts the contrast that an OLED TV can provide. Having user-created mods to adjust the colors available online indicates that this is a problem not just for me but a broader issue in the game's presentation. Therefore, the game's lack of brightness or HDR adjustment options for players further added to my discomfort. While this might not be a critical issue for the majority of players, for someone who invests in the gaming experience, I believe Bethesda could have done better in this aspect.
Now, regarding NPCs, the ones playing central roles in the story or quests have well-crafted appearances. You might be disappointed when you see the classic fixed-camera RPG angle that Bethesda is known for, and notice that character movements aren't as fluid as in some other games on the market. However, it's essential to understand that this is what Bethesda fans expect. Most of them prefer non-voiced characters and a classic dialogue with a cinematic conversation style, as opposed to the fully voiced dialogue in games like Fallout 4. Bethesda respects this preference. Still, if you look at NPCs as a whole, it might not be very wise to pass judgment based on appearance alone. In practice, the time you spend interacting with NPCs usually feels better than it looks. Some NPCs you meet only once still look impressive. The uncanny feeling might exist, but it's clear that this is an improvement compared to Bethesda's previous titles. With a larger scale than any previous game, Starfield has more interactive NPCs, which is a commendable effort by Bethesda.
The game's performance has turned out to be better than expected. When you think of Bethesda, bugs and glitches are typically the first things that come to mind. However, surprisingly, Starfield has fewer bugs and glitches compared to their previous titles. After a year of waiting, it was worth it. In my 120 hours of gameplay, I encountered so few bugs and glitches that I didn't even recognize it as a Bethesda game at times. The game runs smoothly in most of its scenarios, including movement, NPC interactions, and combat, where many things are happening simultaneously. Occasionally, I experienced other issues, like save file crashes or the game freezing in specific areas. But overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly Starfield ran on both my PC and Xbox Series X.
Regarding sound and music, there has been a significant investment. Inon Zur, a familiar name among Bethesda fans for his work on the Fallout franchise, brings a fresh touch to the game's music. In my general impression while playing Starfield, the music seems more like a supporting element rather than intentionally taking the spotlight away from the game. Most of the tracks are designed to create an ambiance, adding a soothing background to help players immerse themselves in the game world rather than drawing attention to the music itself. The majority of the music is influenced by classical styles rather than full-blown sci-fi themes. However, the game still features some standout tracks, such as the Freestar Collective's theme music and the combat music for the Crimson Fleet faction, providing a sense of diversity.
The sound reproduction is also excellent, possibly the best so far. The voice acting is outstanding, making NPC dialogues sound authentic and emotionally engaging. Sound effects, from gunshots to environmental sounds in various space environments, are faithfully represented, enhancing the feeling of interacting with the game's world. Overall, in terms of audio and visual quality, I'm pleased that Starfield meets the standards of a large-scale RPG, and it seems that Creation Engine 2 is up to the task.
VERDICT
The vastness of outer space and Bethesda's ability to draw inspiration from it to create Starfield is truly remarkable. I believe that Starfield is one of the best games I've ever played, and it's even more surprising that it's Bethesda's first game to truly immerse me and make me take it seriously. Perhaps having experienced some of Bethesda's previous games helped me understand the DNA of this game and approach Starfield in the right way.
This is a game with depth in both its story and gameplay, but it's not perfect. It can be disappointing in terms of space exploration and quality of life elements such as NPC graphics or loading screens. However, it's been a long time since I found a game that hooks me for hours on end like this.
I can't stop thinking about this game, about what I'll do in the quests I haven't completed yet, and I'm excited to see what I can do to explore the outer space.
Starfield is truly a special game. It seems to be a game that divides players into two camps: those who love it and get completely absorbed by it, and those who find it dull and quickly abandon it after only a few hours of play.
If I had to find a concise statement to explain why Starfield feels this way, I can only say that it's a game where the more you play, the more you get out of it.
This game is not just an experiment; it's also a big dream of Todd Howard and his colleagues. It's a way for them to not only show appreciation to the fans after the painful failure of Fallout 76 but also to step out of their comfort zone. Now, there's no Fallout or Elder Scrolls to rely on; Starfield is an entirely new IP, and it must face the scrutiny of everyone, including those who have never played Bethesda's RPG games before.
Therefore, it's clear that Starfield is not a game for everyone. But that's what makes it special because it exists on the delicate boundary between being loved and hated. If you know what to expect from this game and can catch its vibe, you'll likely want to immerse yourself in the world of Starfield. After nearly 5 years of waiting, we are finally invited to a new world created by Bethesda, and once you're here, don't be surprised if you never want to leave this vast universe.
