Starfield: The Game-Changer That Outshines Mass Effect's Sci-fi Legacy

Highlights

Starfield wastes no time in answering the popular sci-fi question about Earth, unlike Mass Effect which takes multiple games to delve into it.

In Starfield, Earth is portrayed as a barren planet, devoid of its atmosphere for centuries, where players can venture out to explore and discover its devastated landmarks.

To gain insight into the present state of Earth and humanity, players can make a visit to the United Colonies museum on New Atlantis in Starfield.

Science fiction is an incredibly complex and diverse genre, encompassing various aspects of science and not limited to outer space settings. It delves deep into the mysteries of the universe and explores the essence of being a living entity within it. It prompts us to ponder the nature of humanity, our interaction with the environment, and our relationships with entities that differ from us. In nearly every sci-fi creation, questions lay at its core, and this holds true for Starfield as well.

Right from the beginning, Starfield presents an array of popular sci-fi inquiries, providing answers while embarking the player on a quest to uncover the true meaning of the universe. One of the most captivating questions that Starfield addresses is a common query found in many realistic futuristic sci-fi narratives, and unlike other franchises such as Mass Effect, Starfield promptly delivers the answer without wasting any time.

Starfield Answers Questions About Earth Much Quicker Than Mass Effect

Many sci-fi fans often question the state of Earth in the sci-fi media they consume, considering their own human existence on the planet. Typically, there are two common answers to this query: either Earth is a flourishing utopia leading the way in the galaxy, or it has become a post-apocalyptic nightmare that humanity has left behind. In the Mass Effect series, Earth falls into the former category.

Players of the Mass Effect games must wait patiently before having the opportunity to personally visit Earth, but they are provided with some information about it beforehand. In the first game, players eventually come across a codex entry that reveals Earth is experiencing the beginnings of a new golden age. This period is characterized by thriving economies, arts, and culture, thanks to advanced technology and recent interactions with extraterrestrial beings. However, despite these advancements, Mass Effect's portrayal of Earth is far from being a perfect utopia, as the divide between the rich and poor seems to be even more pronounced than ever.

In Mass Effect 2, players have the ability to fly to Earth but are unable to land there. They are limited to observing the planet from space. It isn't until Mass Effect 3 that players are finally able to visit Earth, but their experience is cut short by a Reaper invasion shortly after exploration begins.

In contrast, Starfield promptly addresses players' questions about Earth. In the game's introductory mission, players are given a brief mention of humanity's departure from Earth centuries ago. Shortly after, players can delve into the mystery themselves. Once they acquire their own spaceship, they have the freedom to explore the galaxy and can even visit Earth, which is located in the Sol system.

From space, players are able to witness the striking transformation of Earth, now devoid of its atmosphere for centuries, resulting in a vast desert planet. Landing opportunities are available throughout the entire Earth's surface, but choosing specific locations offers the chance to witness the remnants of once majestic landmarks, such as the deteriorated Pyramid of Giza. For a deeper understanding of Earth's present state and the events that unfolded, players can explore the United Colonies museum located on New Atlantis.

Starfield will be released on September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.