The Mind-Blowing Harmony of Art Direction and Graphics in Starfield

Highlights

Starfield's visuals are one of its biggest strengths, with unique designs and the use of color and filters to create a visually stunning world.

Drawing from the iconic aesthetics of classic science fiction, particularly those from the 1980s, this game expertly combines a sense of nostalgia with a futuristic vibe. By prioritizing immersion and incorporating retro-futuristic elements, Starfield's visually striking direction paves the way for future games to delve into artistic freedom and deliver captivating interactive journeys.

Bethesda's goal with Starfield was to create a truly unique and ambitious gaming experience. With their space exploration RPG, they aimed to provide players with complete freedom. The game pays tribute to its predecessors while introducing fresh and original elements.

One aspect where Starfield truly stands out is in its visually stunning environments. Locations like Starfield's New Atlantis and the various planets are not only beautifully designed but also incorporate vibrant colors and artistic filters that make the game feel like a work of art. Each location has its own unique style, drawing inspiration from various science-fiction sources, and cleverly masks any graphical limitations.

Starfield Takes Notes from Classic Science-Fiction Visuals to Make It's World Beautiful and Alive

The science-fiction genre draws inspiration from optimistic visions of the future and technological advancements, while acknowledging the limitations of the time in which the media was created. To portray a futuristic world that surpasses viewers' current understanding, sci-fi often embraces abstract and artistic concepts rather than realism. This approach allows for imagination beyond conventional boundaries, particularly in terms of aesthetics and fashion. Classic 80s science fiction is particularly known for its emphasis on color.

Starfield draws inspiration from various sci-fi subgenres, such as cyberpunk and even incorporates a hint of Wild West atmosphere in Akila City, reminiscent of the beloved show Firefly. However, its main focus lies in capturing the essence of 80s sci-fi by employing vibrant colors, grainy filters, and an old-school computer-based user interface. This unique blend gives Starfield a distinct "NASA Punk" vibe, blending elements from the past to create something entirely new.

How Starfield's Artistic Direction Flips Immersion on Its Head

In order to evoke unique sentiments, Starfield boldly discards conventional elements that many video games rely on. The focus on color design surpasses the use of realistic lighting, and the numerous characters inhabiting Starfield's planets display a wide range of facial expressions, carefully avoiding any unsettling appearances. The incorporation of realistic direction further enhances immersion and serves as a testament to the game's graphic prowess.

Bethesda's decision to prioritize artistic choices over realistic ones in their latest RPG may raise concerns about its ability to captivate a wide audience. However, Starfield subverts expectations entirely. By merging realism with subtle science fiction, Bethesda manages to cultivate a sense of immersion with retro-futuristic undertones throughout the entirety of Starfield. Rather than striving to make their world feel real to engage players, Starfield unfolds a sci-fi narrative right before the player's eyes, completely absorbing them within the genre from start to finish.

Starfield's success in terms of artistic liberties and immersion has set a powerful precedent. With its outstanding performance, it is highly likely that many games and studios will follow suit in the future. Following in the footsteps of Skyrim, which revolutionized open-ended RPGs over a decade ago, Starfield continues to make a significant impact on Bethesda's legacy. The game is accessible on PC and Xbox Series X/S.