Starfield: Revolutionizing RPGs in 7 Epic Ways

Starfield offers the promise of a new era in RPG games, generating eager anticipation from fans longing to immerse themselves in the game. Bethesda has a reputation for introducing innovative elements into their games, but as game technology advances, players' expectations become increasingly demanding.

While Starfield has the potential to revolutionize standard sci-fi and action role-playing games, the question arises: what sets it apart and ignites the overwhelming excitement? The truth is, Starfield goes beyond novelty by incorporating captivating features from past games and melding them together in a thrilling concoction.

7 Procedural Generation

Procedural generation is not a new concept, but the developers at Bethesda are taking it to a whole new level. The game not only offers a campaign that is supposedly 20% longer, but also features a mind-boggling number of procedurally generated planets.

Drawing inspiration from their past success with Daggerfall, Bethesda clearly aimed to create a universe that players can get immersed in for not just days, weeks, or months, but even decades. Considering the enduring popularity of Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim in the modding community, one can only imagine the endless possibilities that such a vast universe holds. It is no wonder that Starfield, Todd Howard's dream project, took a whopping 25 years to come to fruition.

6 Base Building

Base building in RPGs has existed for quite some time. While some of it served as mere filler, in other cases, it introduced additional challenges and gameplay mechanics. Whether players view the expansion of a castle in Neverwinter Nights 2 as base building or consider Fallout 4's settlement construction an unnecessary feature, the truth is that both aspects primarily serve as decorative elements.

Based on what is known, it appears that the base building mechanics in Starfield will surpass what was available in Fallout 4. The only lingering question pertains to whether this mechanic will transcend being a bothersome request, such as when Preston Garvey asks for assistance in saving a base, and instead offer a more captivating gameplay experience.

5 Character Traits

Character creation is a process that can captivate many individuals for long periods of time. Bethesda, in their efforts to expand the range of options for faces and bodies, has decided to introduce something completely new in Starfield.

While character traits that influence gameplay are not groundbreaking (especially for fans of games like Project Zomboid), Bethesda's unique approach may revolutionize how players perceive traits and their impact on replayability. Who wouldn't want to play as a fugitive on the run, constantly pursued by mercenaries, or a cultist with easy access to typically hazardous star systems?

4 Character Interactions

Bethesda has evolved its approach to character interactions throughout the years. From the relatively basic system in Morrowind to the eccentric circle of Oblivion, and eventually to the more conventional and less exciting style seen in Skyrim and Fallout, there has been a diverse range of experiences.

However, it appears that the developers at Bethesda were dissatisfied with these approaches and have chosen to return to the foundation of character interactions, while also introducing innovative elements that rely on skills and traits. The question now is whether the writers will possess enough imagination to bring forth a multitude of distinctive characters, and how many speech options players will be presented with.

3 Absolute Freedom

When Bethesda launches a game, fans anticipate the unparalleled freedom that comes with it, a quality few sandbox worlds can match. Regardless of the presence of Bethesda "features," commonly referred to as bugs, fans willingly embrace this freedom.

However, embarking on a grand adventure across a vast universe, encompassing a thousand planets, is an unprecedented feat. Players will not only have the opportunity to uncover hidden surprises while venturing forth, but also the ability to construct bases, purchase and modify spaceships and weapons, all at their own preferred speed.

2 Customizable Ship

In addition to discussing freedom, Starfield takes customization to new heights with its ships. RPG games typically have elements of base building and vehicle customization, but Starfield aims to surpass previous games in this regard.

Players will not only have the ability to purchase and trade ships, but they can also completely reconstruct and modify them, transforming them into stunning works of art or perhaps a less impressive imitation of Optimus Prime. Furthermore, fans can personalize their ships by assembling their own crew, adding that distinctive touch.

1 A Sober Approach To Space

Games and movies featuring space often depict humans as highly advanced, like in Star Trek, or present a more dystopian vision such as in Star Wars and Alien films. However, Bethesda takes a different approach, with a more realistic portrayal. They have collaborated closely with NASA and even introduced the term "NASApunk."

Based on interviews, it appears that not only will the ship designs align more closely with current technological capabilities, but players may also have the opportunity to truly feel the overwhelming isolation of space as they search for answers to the Fermi paradox.

Starfield is set to release on September 6, 2023.