Starfield Review: An Ambitious Voyage Beyond the Stars

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Action RPG, Space Exploration
Release Date: September 6, 2023

Score: 8.5/10

Introduction

“Starfield,” Bethesda’s first new IP in over 25 years, promised to be the ultimate space-faring RPG. Following in the footsteps of iconic franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, the game aimed to bring Bethesda’s signature open-world storytelling and exploration to the cosmos. Expectations were sky-high (no pun intended), and the game delivers in many areas, though it doesn’t entirely escape the gravitational pull of its own ambitions. Starfield is undoubtedly a technical marvel, brimming with content, but it stumbles in key areas that keep it just shy of being an instant classic.

Story: A Classic Bethesda Journey

At the heart of Starfield is its main narrative about Constellation, a group of explorers hunting for mysterious artifacts scattered across the galaxy. These relics are tied to larger existential questions about humanity’s place in the universe. The story borrows elements from 2001: A Space Odyssey and Mass Effect, blending philosophical themes with personal storytelling. The stakes escalate in typical Bethesda fashion, leading to a satisfying (if somewhat predictable) conclusion.

While the main story is compelling, it’s the side quests and faction storylines that steal the show. Joining factions like the United Colonies or the Crimson Fleet adds layers of moral ambiguity, political intrigue, and personal choice. One standout quest involves infiltrating the Crimson Fleet as a double agent—a masterclass in branching narratives. However, not all storylines maintain this level of quality; some side quests feel like generic fetch missions, a recurring Bethesda flaw.

Gameplay: Vast but Familiar

If you’ve played Fallout 4 or Skyrim, Starfield’s gameplay will feel familiar, though with a significant space-age twist. The core mechanics revolve around exploration, combat, crafting, and dialogue.

Exploration is both a highlight and a mixed bag. The game boasts over 1,000 planets to explore, but many of them are procedurally generated, leading to repetition. While landing on a new planet for the first time feels awe-inspiring, the excitement fades when you realize many planets lack meaningful content. That said, handcrafted locations like New Atlantis and Neon are rich with detail, bustling with life, and offer the immersive world-building Bethesda is known for.

Combat is solid but not groundbreaking. Gunplay is tighter and more refined than in Fallout 4, with an impressive arsenal of futuristic weapons. Zero-gravity combat is a standout feature, adding a unique tactical layer. However, melee combat feels underwhelming and clunky, lacking the fluidity found in other RPGs.

Space Travel is where Starfield shines. Piloting your ship, engaging in dogfights, and customizing your vessel are some of the game’s most satisfying systems. Upgrading your ship feels rewarding, and the level of detail in ship design is astonishing. However, the game relies heavily on fast travel between star systems, which undermines the sense of scale. Instead of seamless transitions between planets, you’re met with loading screens—disappointing for a game that markets itself as a space exploration epic.

RPG Mechanics are a double-edged sword. The skill tree is expansive, offering meaningful ways to specialize your character. However, the pacing of progression feels uneven, with skill points trickling in too slowly. Dialogue options are robust, allowing for meaningful role-playing, but the persuasion system feels too easy to exploit once mastered.

Graphics and Performance: A Visual Spectacle

Starfield is a visual feast. Its planets, cities, and space vistas are stunning, showcasing some of Bethesda’s best art direction to date. Lighting effects, particularly during planetary sunrises and space battles, are breathtaking. Character models have also improved compared to previous Bethesda titles, though animations can still feel stiff and awkward during conversations.

Performance, however, is a mixed bag. On high-end PCs and Xbox Series X, the game runs smoothly most of the time, but occasional frame drops and bugs mar the experience. Bethesda’s games are infamous for their glitches, and while Starfield is more polished than Fallout 76 or Skyrim at launch, it’s far from bug-free. Issues like NPCs clipping through objects or quest triggers failing to activate can disrupt immersion.

Sound Design and Music: A Galactic Symphony

Starfield’s sound design is exceptional. The hum of your ship’s engines, the crackle of distant radio chatter, and the echoes of footsteps in space stations create a rich auditory landscape. In particular, the game nails the silence of space, where the absence of sound amplifies tension during exploration.

The musical score, composed by Inon Zur (Fallout, Dragon Age), is a standout feature. The sweeping orchestral soundtrack perfectly captures the grandeur and mystery of space, enhancing key moments in the story. It’s a soundtrack that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Vast, immersive universe with stunning visuals.
Engaging faction storylines and side quests.
Deep ship customization and space combat.
Excellent sound design and music.

Cons:

Procedural planets feel repetitive and empty.
Over-reliance on fast travel breaks immersion.
Uneven pacing in skill progression and main quest.
Occasional bugs and performance issues.

Source:

https://bethesda.net/en/game/starfield

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

What is Starfield?

Starfield is an action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios, released on September 6, 2023. Set in a space-themed open world, players explore the Milky Way galaxy, engaging in various missions and uncovering mysteries.

On which platforms is Starfield available?

Starfield is available on Windows PCs and Xbox Series X/S consoles. It is not available on PlayStation platforms.

Does Starfield support multiplayer?

No, Starfield is a single-player game with no multiplayer components.

How does space exploration work in Starfield?

Players can pilot customizable spaceships to explore over 1,000 planets, moons, and space stations. The game features both procedurally generated and handcrafted content, offering a vast universe to discover.

Are there expansions or downloadable content (DLC) for Starfield?

Yes, the first DLC, titled “Shattered Space,” was released on September 30, 2024, expanding the game’s story and content.

Verdict

Starfield is a bold, sprawling RPG that showcases Bethesda’s strengths as a world-building powerhouse. It delivers unforgettable moments, from piloting your ship through asteroid fields to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. However, its ambition occasionally outpaces its execution. The repetitive nature of procedural content, reliance on fast travel, and lingering technical issues prevent it from reaching the same heights as Skyrim or Fallout 3.

That said, for fans of space exploration and Bethesda’s storytelling, Starfield is an experience worth embarking on. It’s not a flawless journey, but it’s one that will stay with you as you gaze up at the stars.

Final Score: 8.5/10

– DGP Corner