Highlights
Starfield's NASA-punk aesthetic sets it apart from other sci-fi games, offering a plausible evolution of existing technologies and a distinct, original look.
The NASA-inspired punk aesthetic of Starfield creates an authentic atmosphere, showcasing designs that are both functional and purposeful.
By infusing elements of retro-futurism into Starfield's technology, it not only adds a tangible quality but also enriches the game's grounded and realistic science fiction setting. Despite this, players are still rewarded with abundant opportunities for exploration and discovery that go beyond the boundaries of plausibility.
From meticulously designed starships traversing through the galaxy and the array of modular outposts scattered across its countless planets to the spacesuits adorning players' figures, every aspect of Starfield embodies the distinctive aesthetic known as Bethesda's NASA-punk. In stark contrast to the fantastical nature of sci-fi games like Mass Effect, Starfield presents a vision of the future that appears to be a plausible evolution of existing technologies. This sets it apart from the multitude of sci-fi games that compete for gamers' attention each year, allowing Bethesda to create a planet-spanning open-world title that feels truly innovative.
The impact of real-world space exploration, both past and present, is undeniable in Starfield. Coined by Bethesda during development, the term "NASA-punk" encompasses the goal of lead artist Istvan Pely to create a world that is "grounded and relatable" compared to typical sci-fi games. While players will venture into extraordinary locations throughout their Starfield journey, the developers aimed to maintain a level of technology that never feels excessively far-fetched. The end result is a NASA-punk aesthetic that seamlessly merges style and functionality, instilling Starfield with a distinct retro-futuristic ambiance that distinguishes it from traditional sci-fi games.
Starfield’s NASA-Punk Aesthetic Is A Stylish Blend of Form and Function
Starfield's NASA-punk aesthetic effectively creates a believable and lived-in world, unlike many other sci-fi games that have a sterile and overly clean appearance. The design elements in Starfield feel like a logical and practical advancement of existing space travel technology, excluding some exceptions tied to the game's story. The interior of the game's ships resemble the inside of the International Space Station, with the only noticeable deviations being the grav drives that challenge scientific plausibility.
Bethesda successfully sells its NASA-punk aesthetic by ensuring that every aspect of the world appears to have a purpose. From the visible ducts running through the bustling corridors of Neon, a hedonistic city, to the clamps and hoses adorning Starfield's space suits, the in-game architecture and items are all functional and serve a practical role rather than being solely decorative. The overall feel of Starfield is retro-futuristic, which creates a sense of technology that, although resembling real life, feels slightly removed and distinct.
The NASA-Punk Tech of Starfield Gives It A Dash of Retro-Futurism
Although the vessels and orbital platforms of Starfield bear resemblance to the future advancements in human space exploration, a considerable portion of the galaxy's everyday technology possesses a distinct retro vibe. Surprisingly, this juxtaposition of technology contributes significantly to enhancing the authentic hard science fiction atmosphere of Starfield.
By infusing Starfield's NASA-punk technology with a retro-futurism theme, the game attains a more tangible essence that would otherwise be unlikely. Bethesda's decision to deviate from real-world spaceflight advancements prevents players from having limited engagement once they enter their spaceships, as most flight systems would operate autonomously. This retro-futurism approach to spaceship controls offers players more activities without compromising Starfield's realistic undertone.
Despite the vastness of Starfield's explore-able galaxy garnering significant pre-launch attention, it is the NASA-punk aesthetics pervading the technological tools that truly distinguish the game. Although not all encounters in deep space adhere to scientific plausibility, Starfield's overarching portrayal of the future feels attainable.
Starfield is available now for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
