Review in Progress - Starfield
"By Vectera By Vectera By Vectera! I Can’t Believe It!"
Publisher - Bethesda (Microsoft Gaming)
Developer - Bethesda Game Studios
Director - Todd Howard
Contributor - Emil Pagliarulo
Composer - Inon Zur
Genre - Action RPG
Platform - Xbox Series S/X, PC
I have never felt more mixed about a game like Starfield. On one hand, I come away disappointed at many mechanics and user interface options, plus there’s the added feeling like I’m just playing Fallout in space. On the other, every hour I add to playing Starfield, I come away happier and feeling like an explorer with the added feeling that I’m playing FALLOUT IN SPACE! That’s the thing with this game, it’s a Bethesda RPG in an exciting setting, but with rough edges that can’t be ignored.
I will take a slight break from Starfield (though I will dabble occasionally) to finish off the rest of the big games I want to play for the year. So, I wanted to give my first-ever Review In Progress to talk about how I feel, and then when I roll credits early next year, I’ll do a full review. So, let’s get started.
Story and Characters
One common opinion I’ve seen people say is that the main campaign is mediocre when it comes to the story. I slightly disagree. I’m intrigued by the search for these mysterious artifacts, and I even think the surrounding cast of characters are interesting once you understand their lore and backgrounds. The one area I will be critical of is the pacing of the story. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel the main missions are flying by with almost no tension. The romance options and steps are just as lazy as past Bethesda titles as well. I’ve done some side missions with solid stories and their own interesting cast. As long as you know this isn’t going to be Mass Effect, you’ll be okay with the story beats.
Gameplay
Every time I boot up Starfield, it takes just minutes for me to compare it to Fallout. The biggest surprise for me with this game is how similar it is to that series. You have the same look, feel, and even sound effects. You have the same wacky names and branding for food and worldbuilding. It’s literally Fallout in space. But that means if you love Fallout, like me, you’ll get comfortable right away.
I know I’m in the minority opinion here, but I don’t like space combat (I’m getting better with it, but I mostly tolerate it) and I find the actual steps to go to a planet busy and confusing. I wanted to go to Akila City recently, but when I went to the star map, I realized I didn’t know what planet to go to and had to use the mission screen to travel to it. There’s also no mini-map or local map to help you find places, which also contributes to confusion. The inventory system is without a doubt the worst part of the game. The carry limit is atrocious and shouldn’t exist in a game that wants you to explore and loot. I know it’s a part of Bethesda titles, but it feels like a parody here with how limiting it can become. If Bethesda asked me to patch one thing, it would be to either do away or massively raise the carry limit. I also am not feeling the whole oxygen mechanics, but that’s subjective.
But I don’t want to be completely negative here. The gunplay is phenomenal. I had to use the VATS system in Fallout constantly, but I’m comfortable without it here. Each weapon feels different and has a different purpose that mixes things up during combat. The lockpicking system is a godsend. We have been asking for a new lockpicking mechanic in games for so long, and this one feels new and accessible. The dialog options are solid, going from buttoned-down responses to witty and even to just being a straight-up a-hole. Since I want to be a space version of Indiana Jones, I use witty responses from time to time, and it helps me feel like I’m making the character come to life. Finally, there is exploration. While not perfect, I do feel like a legit explorer when I land on a planet and can go off the beaten path to find cool, small things. Something about finding a crashed ship and farmers in need of help against pirates tickles the storyteller and adventure part of me.
Visuals
Starfield is not the prettiest game you’ll find in the next generation of consoles. It’s still a looker when it wants to be. While some of the facial animations need help, the landscapes and most of the main characters look good. There are some areas I’ve been to that are just gorgeous and show that the Creative engine can do special things, warts and all. The colors and different geographies are a far cry from Fallout's dull palette. There’s some simple beauty too when looking out a ship’s windows and seeing the cosmos. Like a theme park, the big areas truly come to life at night with the stars or neon lights. It’s not Final Fantasy XVI pretty, but it can be a beautiful game most of the time.
Final Thoughts
The thing about Starfield is that I, like many others, went in with too high of expectations. Because of that, my awareness of its faults is heightened, specifically the inventory and my confusion on how to get to places half the time. However, there’s something interesting about Starfield – the more you play it, the more you like it. I think it’s because you learn to tolerate the rough edges and get into explorer mode. As the story rolls and you let things play out, it plays like a top-tier Fallout-style game. I will not be shocked if, after another 30+ hours and rolling credits, I walk away with a better rating and like the game a lot more than today. I look forward to continuing to explore and seeing how much better this game gets. As for right now, I do RECOMMEND this game – especially to hardcore Bethesda fans. It has some annoying mechanics and disappointing parts, but you feel like an explorer who can truly roleplay as a character. Either way, it’s a consequential game for the Xbox brand and an exciting new franchise from Todd and the company.
Pros
The best gunplay in a Bethesda title I’ve experienced
Lore and worldbuilding are just as good as Fallout
Side missions and events are interesting and make you feel like an explorer/adventurer
Diverse landscapes and cities depending on the planet you’re in; nothing feels too similar
Character options and variety are good enough to truly roleplay as the character you want to be, whether truly good or bad
Most of the time, it’s a beautiful game that reminds you about the simple beauty of the cosmos
Cons
While it’s great that it feels like Fallout, I wanted something fresh
Not a fan of space combat and had to learn to tolerate it
User interfaces on maps and traveling are confusing
The inventory system is HORRIBLE and feels like a parody of past Bethesda titles. Just let me loot and carry stuff!
Sometimes, the game bugs out and disappoints visually (especially facial animations).
What I am most loving at the moment
The more I play and explorer, the more fun and interesting missions I can have
Verdict - RECOMMENDED 👍
I suggest you check this game out and you may even like it more than me. Good, solid fun experience.