Starfield – Xbox Series X Review

Officially revealed at E3 2018 after eight years in production, Starfield has been touted as an expansive science fiction RPG, offering a vast, intricate, and highly detailed playground that surpasses anything achieved by Bethesda Game Studios to date. With promises of an extensive single-player campaign, diverse side missions, intriguing factions, construction elements (including ships and outposts), and the allure of exploring a thousand planets, it quickly became one of the most highly anticipated titles in the genre. Developed by the team behind Skyrim, a game that left a significant mark on the world of video games, Starfield has often been likened to a fusion of No Man's Sky and Mass Effect. The controls are primed, the excitement is palpable, and the adventure begins.

The Enigmatic Beginning

The journey commences deep within the confines of a dark mine. Venturing across exotic planets in far-flung star systems proves to be a rewarding experience. As our protagonist places gloved hands upon a mysterious artifact, they are overcome by strange visions, setting the stage for a quest where choices bear significant consequences.

One Small Step for RPG, One Giant Leap for Sci-Fi

While the initial impression may appear straightforward, the Starfield storyline is far more intricate than expected. It delves into well-trodden dramatic themes, placing astronauts at the heart of a labyrinthine mystery where faith and science intertwine. The central question revolves around the role of religion in a world where science has pushed humanity beyond all known boundaries. The campaign holds its own in terms of quality, although it could have benefited from even more weighty choices and visible consequences based on players' actions, both good and bad. Often criticized for lagging behind the narratives of BioWare, CD Projekt, or Obsidian, Bethesda's writing quality takes a step forward with Starfield. The main characters are captivating and possess distinct personalities, leading to engaging and often humorous interactions. The members of the Constellation group exhibit diverse profiles, and it's refreshing to see Bethesda steer clear of typical character archetypes. It's not every day that you set out to vanquish space pirates with a nurturing figure as part of your team!

Before becoming a seasoned galactic explorer, mastering the basics is imperative. The latest creation from Todd Howard and his team offers both first-person and third-person perspectives. With a wide array of weapons (firearms, laser rifles, machine guns, etc.) and increasingly powerful equipment (helmets, suits, jetpacks, etc.), the game tasks players with navigating various locations in the universe to complete missions. The quests are categorized into five types: main, faction, miscellaneous, missions, and activities. They become accessible through exploration of the cosmos. In terms of its general structure, Starfield doesn't aim to reinvent the wheel in cosmic exploration.

Roleplaying in Space

Regarding its RPG elements, Starfield doesn't stray far from familiar ground. Character creation offers various attributes that bestow bonuses or penalties, as well as additional dialogue choices throughout the epic. The array of responses is extensive, allowing players to embody either the virtuous Samaritan or the cunning scoundrel. The customization of skills provides ample room for tailoring your character's abilities to align with your preferred playstyle and goals. For example, you might choose to specialize in economic and trade-related skills, reaping the benefits of discounts in stores and earning favor with influential CEOs in the game's systems.

Most conflicts can be circumvented through successful persuasion, with a probability-based minigame. Many actions yield skill points, such as dispatching innocent pedestrians in a sprawling city. Attempting to assassinate a plot-critical character is off-limits, as the game intervenes to prevent it. While Starfield doesn't offer the same level of freedom in role-playing actions as a game like Baldur's Gate III, its core mechanics function effectively.

The game's structure and RPG aspects exhibit a classic, even academic, approach reminiscent of other Bethesda and BioWare productions. While the adage suggests that the best preserves are found in old pots, the realm of video games demands constant innovation to keep players engaged. However, Starfield adeptly balances conventional RPG mechanics with a wealth of content, featuring well-crafted quests, unobtrusive procedural content, and a measured yet welcome sandbox element. Starfield is a love letter to science fiction enthusiasts who relish the idea of exploring and conquering the distant stars within the vast cosmos.

New, Yet Familiar Ground

While the graphics are good, they don't break new ground, falling behind top-tier games such as the Resident Evil series, Horizon Forbidden West, or the forthcoming Elder Scrolls VI. Nevertheless, the attention to detail in each environment elevates the overall experience. The game's immersive visuals are a sight to behold, showcasing astonishing textures and colors. The diversity in landscapes keeps exploration exciting. If you seek to experience the best the game has to offer, fast travel is discouraged, as it eliminates the chance of finding interesting locales, ruins, or remnants. The landscapes are truly breathtaking, from the shimmering waters of the moonlit sea to the burning sands of the desert. Each planet features distinct biomes and distinctive flora, flora, and wildlife. Notably, the animated environments exhibit various structures (e.g., factories, futuristic cities, and other remnants) teeming with life and history. The feel of the world is truly awe-inspiring.

Falling Stars

Sadly, Starfield suffers from performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Both console versions appear to struggle with frequent frame drops, and crashes may hinder progress. The situation is not dire, but it can occasionally result in the loss of 10 to 20 minutes of gameplay. Several bugs obstruct the smooth progression of missions. NPCs may fail to interact with objects or become stuck in the environment, while invisible walls and long loading times in certain instances frustrate players. These issues, while disruptive, do not overshadow the game's many qualities. The hope is that Bethesda will address these concerns via forthcoming patches to ensure a more seamless experience.

In addition to these technical hitches, Bethesda has introduced a cash shop. Starfield's microtransactions include various skins and cosmetic items. It is disappointing that this trend has been adopted, but the game does not heavily emphasize these transactions, and it is entirely possible to ignore them altogether. It is evident that microtransactions are gradually gaining prominence in triple-A games, but their presence does not mar the enjoyment of Starfield.

The Verdict

Bethesda's Starfield represents a giant leap forward in the realm of open-world sci-fi games. The extensive single-player campaign and myriad side quests offer a rich, immersive universe that invites players to explore, discover, and create their own stories. With its well-crafted narratives, memorable characters, and vast cosmos to explore, it caters to a wide range of science fiction enthusiasts.

Despite some minor bugs and performance concerns, Starfield is a standout title that delivers on its promises. Whether you are looking for thrilling space exploration, engaging combat, complex moral choices, or the sheer joy of uncovering alien civilizations, this game has something for everyone. It's a must-play for fans of open-world RPGs and science fiction lovers alike. So, pack your spacesuit and prepare for an unforgettable journey to the stars.

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