In a galaxy not so very far away, Bethesda Game Studios has once again transported players to a mesmerizing universe filled with wonder, danger, and boundless adventure. Starfield, the latest offering from the purveyors of the genre-defining Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, has landed like a meteor, leaving players across the cosmos reeling from the impact. With its impeccable blend of breathtaking visuals, intriguing storytelling, and boundless exploration, Starfield propels itself to the forefront of the RPG genre.
From the moment you step into Starfield’s universe, the game’s sense of spectacle is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Bethesda’s creation of vast interstellar vistas, colossal space stations, and meticulously detailed planetary cities is a testament to their mastery of crafting immersive worlds. Traversing the game’s mesmerizing celestial bodies and charting a course through the heavens in your own personal starship truly makes the player feel like an intergalactic pioneer. Even NPC character models – which in past releases the likes of 2015’s Fallout 4 pushed the company’s proprietary Creation Engine to what appeared to be its limits – are surprisingly well crafted, despite the occasional janky facial animation. Whether you’re navigating asteroid belts, exploring uncharted planets, or simply gazing at the stars, Starfield consistently astounds with its visual prowess.
Exploration is at the heart of Starfield, and is where the game’s greatest strengths and most glaring weaknesses stand out in stark contrast. Barren worlds and repetitive environments may tax your engagement, but with scores of star systems and thousands of planets to discover, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the sheer scope of the universe. Ultimately, the freedom to choose between myriad ways of engaging with the game world, from trading cargo between worlds, to building a network of planetary outposts, to uncovering hidden mysteries on the fringes of space provides players with plenty of incentive to dive deep into “the Blackest Sea.”
The game’s main narrative unfolds with a sense of mystery and grandeur, and together with a series of faction quests (the UC Vanguard’s being a particular standout) weaves together a rich tapestry of fascinating lore, memorable characters, and daunting moral choices. As a member of the explorer group Constellation, the player joins four central companions – Sarah Morgan, Barret, Sam Coe, and Andreja – in a quest to unlock the mysteries of the universe. Each of these characters boasts a unique backstory discovered by degrees throughout their travels with the player. The voice acting for these four is top-notch, bringing the cast to life in a way that makes the game’s universe feel truly alive.
Starfield’s character customization system allows you to tailor your spacefaring protagonist to your liking, from choosing your character’s background to customizing their skills to match your stye of play. The progression system is equally satisfying, rewarding players for their and accomplishments with a diverse toolkit of powerful abilities and perks. The game’s spaceship customization options are particularly impressive, allowing players to acquire an array of pre-made vessels, or to craft their very own from the ground up. Whether you prefer to be a master trader, a ruthless space pirate, or a fearless explorer, Starfield accommodates the path you chart through the stars.
In a gaming landscape filled with sky-high expectations, Starfield not only meets but exceeds them. Bethesda’s venture into the vastness of space is nothing short of remarkable, delivering an often awe-inspiring experience, combining stunning visuals, immersive exploration, engaging storytelling, and technical excellence into a package that’s nothing short of stellar. If you’re ready to embark on a galactic odyssey like no other, Starfield is your launchpad to a compelling new adventure.