Starfield

Starfield is a highly polarizing space RPG from Bethesda, eliciting a wide range of player experiences. Many players appreciate the vast universe to explore, the intricate ship-building mechanics, and the inclusion of Bethesda's signature faction questlines and RPG elements. The game's graphics and NASA-punk aesthetic receive praise for their detail and design, and modding communities have extended its content and appeal.

However, a significant portion of players find the game disappointing and repetitive, criticizing its procedural planet generation, lack of meaningful exploration, and shallow storylines. The gameplay loop is often described as tedious, with frequent loading screens breaking immersion. Bugs, crashes, and quality-of-life issues persist despite patches. Many feel the game falls short of Bethesda's previous standards, with lifeless NPCs, bland quests, and underwhelming combat. Overall, Starfield is viewed as a game with great potential that was hampered by poor execution and design choices.

Highlights

Players praise Starfield's ship-building system as one of the game's standout features, offering deep customization and engagement. The graphics and NASA-punk design are frequently highlighted for their quality and style. The main story and faction questlines receive mixed but often positive remarks for their intrigue and depth. The RPG elements, including character customization and skill trees, provide enjoyable role-playing opportunities. Additionally, the modding community is commended for enriching the game with new content and fixes.

The game's open-world exploration and side quests offer hours of entertainment for fans of Bethesda's style, especially those new to the studio's games.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on repetitive and shallow gameplay loops, with many planets feeling empty and procedurally generated content lacking variety. The loading screens are frequent and disrupt gameplay flow. Numerous reports highlight persistent bugs, crashes, and technical issues that detract from the experience. The story and characters are often described as uninspired or underdeveloped, with companions lacking depth. Combat, especially space combat, is criticized for being simplistic and monotonous. The crafting and outpost systems are seen as tedious and unrewarding. Many feel the game fails to deliver meaningful exploration or emotional engagement, resulting in a bland and lifeless universe.