Starfield Review

The most anticipated Xbox exclusive of the year is here: Starfield. After 80 hours of gameplay, here’s an in-depth look at Bethesda’s ambitious space RPG.

The History of Starfield

Development for Starfield began in 2015 after Bethesda’s success with Fallout 4. Announced in 2018 as a new IP, excitement only grew after Microsoft acquired Bethesda in 2021, promising a large-scale project with cutting-edge technology. Now, Starfield is ready to deliver on its promises.

What is Starfield?

Starfield is a massive open-world RPG set in space. Players can explore over 100 star systems, engage in combat both on foot and in spaceships, and interact with richly developed characters. The game emphasizes choice, with branching storylines and character customization impacting gameplay significantly.

Is Starfield Good?

Starfield is one of the most addictive games of the year, especially for RPG fans. While not without flaws, the game offers a groundbreaking space exploration experience with engaging storytelling, detailed customization, and thrilling combat.

Gameplay and Features

Starfield introduces a “NASA-punk” aesthetic, blending realism with science fiction. The story follows your character in the Settled Systems in 2330, where humans have colonized various star systems. You’ll explore, customize ships, battle pirates, and uncover the mystery of ancient artifacts.

Players can allocate ship power to different systems like engines, shields, or weapons, adding depth to ship combat. The RPG mechanics also shine with personalized character attributes that unlock unique storylines and missions.

Exploration and World Design

Starfield offers both bustling cities like New Atlantis and barren planets. Not every planet is filled with life, but each visit brings a sense of wonder. While some may find the loading screens between planets frustrating, the diverse environments and opportunities for exploration keep the experience fresh.

Performance

The game runs smoothly, offering around 40 FPS on recommended PC settings. The detailed graphics, from character designs to spaceship lighting, are impressive. While there are minor glitches, they don’t detract from the overall experience, and updates continue to address these issues.

Final Thoughts

Starfield is an ambitious RPG that sets a high bar for space exploration games. While it has some flaws, its vast world, deep mechanics, and engaging story make it a must-play for fans of the genre. It’s a significant milestone for Bethesda and Xbox, and a game worth experiencing.

Rating: 9.5/10