A Starfield video showcases a side-by-side comparison of the game's visuals from its early stages in 2022 to its current state, leading to discussions about a potential downgrade. With many fans speculating that Starfield will essentially be Skyrim set in space, numerous players have already formed expectations, anticipating similarities to the studio's previous fantasy releases, albeit with a science fiction twist.
Nonetheless, there is still significant anticipation for Starfield. The game's delay, originally slated for a November 2022 release, has only heightened excitement among fans. With the scheduled launch in September, it won't be long before everyone can experience Bethesda's years of hard work. However, opinions on the game's current appearance vary, with some satisfied with its development progress while others express more critical views.
A video uploaded by YouTuber Cycu1 showcases two different versions of Starfield: one from 2022 and another from 2023. The video compares the graphical elements of both builds by screenwiping between them using the same scenes and assets. According to a report from DSO Gaming, there are indications of a visual downgrade in the game between 2022 and 2023. The report highlights that character models appear noticeably worse in the newer version, with NPCs looking "flat" and having substandard hair, while the level of detail in the eyes has diminished. However, the video itself does not provide an opinion, leaving it up to the viewers to observe these changes.
On the other hand, not everyone shares the same view. Another comparison video from the YouTube channel Light celebrates the improvements, particularly in terms of enhanced lighting. This sentiment is echoed in a recent Reddit thread, where user SwinnieThePooh points out the sharper NPC shadows. Starfield utilizes Bethesda's updated version of the Creation Engine, a development toolkit originally created for Skyrim but considered outdated. The studio has made efforts to update the engine to meet the demands of the modern gaming era, so it is not surprising that some people are recognizing improvements rather than a decline.
Additionally, Xbox stated that Starfield boasts the lowest number of bugs among all Bethesda titles. Considering the track record of the Elder Scrolls developer in releasing games plagued with glitches, it remains uncertain whether this is a commendable achievement or not.
The highly anticipated game, Starfield, is set to launch on September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: DSO Gaming