Starfield Sets a New Galactic Standard, Leaving Mass Effect 4 in Its Cosmic Dust

Highlights

Starfield has the potential to set a new standard for Sci-Fi RPGs, posing a challenge for Mass Effect 4 to overcome.

In terms of immersive exploration and world-building, Starfield may surpass Mass Effect, although Mass Effect excels in storytelling and companions. BioWare must keep Starfield's vast galaxy and customizable spaceship mechanics in mind while developing Mass Effect 4, as it has the potential to raise the standard for sci-fi games.

When it comes to Sci-Fi gaming franchises, Mass Effect is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Despite the disappointment of the series' latest installment, the original Mass Effect trilogy is still considered a masterpiece. It boasts incredible combat mechanics, exceptional writing, and top-tier world-building, which is something BioWare excels in. While Mass Effect 4 is confirmed to be in development, the spotlight is currently on Starfield, the highly anticipated next major open-world RPG from Bethesda. This project is set to be their most ambitious yet, and expectations are high. Following Fallout 76's disastrous launch, Starfield carries the weight of being Bethesda's first major Xbox Game Pass game since Redfall. The pressure on the development team must be immense. If Bethesda manages to deliver, Starfield could establish a new standard for Sci-Fi RPGs. This sets a high bar for Mass Effect 4 to surpass.

Starfield Could End Up Setting a High Bar for Mass Effect 4 to Beat

Regardless of how good Starfield turns out to be, BioWare's Mass Effect 4 is expected to excel in certain aspects. One such element is the story. While Bethesda RPGs generally have decent stories, they are not usually the strongest aspect of the game. This is not the case with the original Mass Effect trilogy, which is known for its compelling storytelling. Similarly, Starfield's companions might not reach the same level as iconic characters like Garrus, Wrex, and Tali from Mass Effect. However, besides these factors, Starfield has the potential to set new standards and surpass Mass Effect, especially in terms of its Sci-Fi exploration. Mass Effect was renowned for its immersive and visually stunning Sci-Fi environments, which allowed players to explore everything from bustling cities like the Citadel to lifeless planets. Yet, Starfield appears to have the potential to surpass Mass Effect in various ways, taking the concept of Sci-Fi exploration to unprecedented heights.

Starfield offers players an expansive galaxy to explore, with a significant portion of its planets being hand-crafted. This means that players will encounter far more planets in Starfield than in any previous Mass Effect game. The exact size of these open-world areas has yet to be confirmed, but it is safe to assume that Starfield's bustling planets offer a wealth of activities compared to Mass Effect's. Players will have the opportunity to interact with numerous NPCs, embark on a multitude of quests and errands, construct their own bases, and smoothly explore these planets at their own pace. Starfield has the potential to completely immerse players in an unparalleled Sci-Fi world.

Furthermore, Starfield's ship features greatly enhance the game's Sci-Fi exploration. Throughout their journey, players will have the ability to pilot and tailor their own spaceship, continually upgrading and customizing its essential systems. While Mass Effect allowed for upgrades to the Normandy, these modifications had minimal impact on gameplay and only served as a checklist for achieving the ideal ending in Mass Effect 2. In Starfield, however, the player's ship is an integral part of the experience, fully customizable and unique to their own adventure. Even if Starfield fails to meet expectations, its vast array of systems and mechanics will undoubtedly set a high standard for Mass Effect 4 to strive for.

Starfield launches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.