Starfield Review: Is It Bethesda’s Best RPG Yet?

In Starfield, we get to explore the massive Milky Way – every star and planet is a chance to experience something new and exciting. Bethesda’s latest masterpiece, Starfield, promises a sprawling RPG experience like no other, but does it truly live up to the astronomical expectations? Let’s explore the universe through our Starfield review and find out just how amazing this cosmic adventure really is!

A Slow Start in the Stars

Starfield’s journey begins in the year 2330, as humanity has spread its wings across the galaxy. You step into the shoes of a humble miner who discovers an unusual artifact which leads you to the mysterious Constellation group. Unlike Bethesda’s previous RPGs, Starfield offers a surprisingly straightforward introduction, devoid of the iconic, jaw-dropping moments we’ve come to expect.

The initial hours may feel underwhelming, with the city of New Atlantis appearing mundane and unimpressive. Planetary exploration also initially lacks the wow factor, with randomly generated terrains and alien encounters that fail to captivate. Even the companions you meet aren’t as wacky and interesting as in other Bethesda titles.

Flashes of Brilliance

However, as you delve deeper into Starfield’s cosmic expanse, you’ll discover pockets of brilliance that redeem the experience. The traits you choose during character creation add a layer of depth and unpredictability to your journey. Family dynamics come into play, and the interactions with your ageing parents add a personal touch rarely seen in the genre. Moreover, the introduction of intriguing companions, like Andreja, injects much-needed depth into the game’s narrative. Her complex backstory and well-executed performance by Cissy Jones make her a standout character. The dynamic of travelling with companions who can wield a massive Gatling gun or boost your stealth skills adds a layer of strategy and engagement.

Beyond the lacklustre beginnings, Starfield’s world opens up to reveal settlements like Akila City, a rustic Wild West town transported to the stars. Joining factions, such as the Freestar Collective, leads to a series of faction quests reminiscent of classic Western stories. These quests provide exciting forays into diverse environments and lore-rich narratives that breathe life into the universe.

In addition to the structured quests, Starfield’s true potential shines in its open-ended sandbox. The game excels in giving players the freedom to forge their unique path. As an aspiring space ranger or a cunning criminal, you can immerse yourself in a self-created narrative that rivals the official questlines in both depth and enjoyment. Whether you’re engaging in corporate espionage, smuggling, or pursuing a life of crime, Starfield accommodates your aspirations.

Stellar Combat, Ship Dynamics and Cosmic Exploration

Starfield enhances the combat experience with prolonged, intense battles, reminiscent of the engaging gunplay seen in Fallout 4. A wide array of weapons, each with unique abilities, provides tactical depth. The boostpack, allowing you to soar gracefully through the cosmos, adds a thrilling dimension to combat encounters. The ability to board and raid enemy ships offers exhilarating moments and opportunities to expand your fleet.

Starfield’s planetary exploration has some good points, but it doesn’t have the same level of fun distractions as other Bethesda RPGs. The planets range from boring and lifeless to exciting and beautiful, but after a while, the thrill of finding something new wears off. There’s nothing unexpected to make you go ‘wow’ like you get with other Bethesda games – it’s just kind of flat.

Starfield’s Spaceship Splendor and Setbacks

Starfield’s spaceships look really cool and they’re huge too, but the space-traveling experience isn’t that great. Moving from one place to another in this game involves a ton of cutscenes and loading screens, which doesn’t make you feel like you’re really exploring space. And there aren’t any exciting missions to do as a passenger or cargo, which really kills the immersion.

Crafting Your Cosmic Saga and The Jank Factor

Despite the early issues and tech malfunctions, Starfield’s real appeal lies in its capacity to let people make up their own cosmic storylines. Its open-ended nature allows for unlimited imagination, and the pleasure of creating your own journey is much more exciting than any scripted quests. When you take the part of a space cowboy, criminal genius, or explorer, you’ll discover that the universe is your blank canvas that’s ready to be filled in with your own unique story.

While Starfield exhibits Bethesda’s signature quirkiness, it remains relatively stable, with only a few minor bugs and issues. The occasional visual oddities and humorous NPC behaviors add a touch of charm to the experience, rather than being game-breaking. Starfield proves to be a janky yet surprisingly stable cosmic adventure.

In the vast cosmos of Starfield, Bethesda offers an expansive RPG sandbox that embraces the spirit of player-driven storytelling. While it may stumble at the start and exhibit some quirks along the way, the ability to shape your unique journey and the moments of brilliance it offers make it a captivating experience. Starfield may not be the epic space adventure we all hoped for, but it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Bethesda’s open-world RPGs.

OUR RATING