“I’ve been playing Starfield since early access and i’m a huge Bethesda RPG fan, there’s a lot of weird things about Starfield, but I don’t know if a lot of the critics have it right…”
In this video, the speaker, who is a fan of Bethesda games and works in game development, shares their thoughts on Starfield. They believe that the criticism the game has received may stem from people’s expectations of what the game should be, rather than its actual merits. They describe Starfield as a natural progression for Bethesda, combining elements of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series with a science fiction setting. They recommend it to fans of Bethesda RPGs and science fiction, but caution that it may not satisfy those expecting a deep space simulation experience like Starfield or Elite Dangerous.
The speaker begins by discussing what Starfield is not. They explain that the game employs techniques to hide its limitations, such as generating new maps for different locations on a planet rather than allowing players to freely explore the entire planet. They argue that this design choice does not break the player’s suspension of disbelief, unless they are actively looking for it. They also note that space flight in Starfield is limited, with players only able to fly above planetary bodies, which has disappointed some space simulation fans.
The video then delves into the speaker’s criticisms of the game. They feel that the piloting and crewing of the player’s ship feels inconsequential, with crew members and ship facilities having no noticeable impact. The outpost-building mechanic also falls short, as it requires unnecessary resource investments and does not offer substantial gameplay benefits. The lack of gear diversity is another point of contention, with the Mantis gear overshadowing other options. The inclusion of various powers in the game is also criticized, as they lack functional significance and are often redundant.
Lastly, the speaker addresses the new game plus mechanic and the ending of the main questline, which they find disappointing. While they expected a more complex and challenging experience in different dimensions, they find that the narrative is mostly reset and dialogue options lack consequence. The mechanic of Unity, which allows players to replay the game with retained skills, also leaves much to be desired. The speaker suggests that there could have been significant changes and consequences based on the player’s actions, as well as the opportunity to bring companions into different universes.
In conclusion, the speaker considers Starfield a fun game that is worth playing, but they believe that the major complaints surrounding it are not crucial to determining one’s enjoyment. They express disappointment in the implementation of the new game plus mechanic and feel that the game could have done more with the concept. They acknowledge the potential for future DLC or modding to improve the game’s offerings.