Highlights
Starfield's romance options may be limited compared to other RPGs like Skyrim and Fallout, but it can still be an opportunity to showcase that less can be more.
A smaller selection of romance options in the game enhances character development and immerses players in the game world, while also creating more meaningful and authentic relationships.
Promotional material for Starfield, the latest game from the developers of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, has excited fans of their previous works. As it is Bethesda's first new intellectual property in 25 years, the anticipation surrounding it is especially high. The game's mechanics have been showcased in various trailers and presentations, revealing that it follows the conventions of the RPG genre with its own unique additions.
Romance has been a common plot element in many role-playing games, and Starfield appears to be no exception. In a June interview with Kinda Funny, Todd Howard confirmed that the main companions in the game's Constellation will be the only ones available for romance. While this may disappoint some players who desire more freedom in this aspect, it also presents an opportunity to demonstrate that limiting the romance options can still be a positive feature.
Starfield's Romance Options Could be Limited
Skyrim offers numerous romantic possibilities, while Fallout 4 also provides a decent amount. This inclusion adds an enjoyable element to the games, extending the overall playing time. Furthermore, the diverse selection of companions enables players to have a unique experience, distinguishing their gameplay from others. These single-player, story-driven adventures become distinct and special through the availability of different companions. However, the approach taken in Starfield may not afford players the same benefits.
In role-playing games, having a wide range of activities is essential to justify the extensive time commitment they require. Romance options serve not only to personalize the player's journey but also provide a reason for multiple playthroughs. Mass Effect, for instance, remains easily revisited mainly due to its diverse and abundant romantic choices. Characters like Tali, Liara, Garrus, Kaidan, and others possess unique qualities that are worth exploring, and selecting a different partner each time enhances the experience. The availability of more options ensures that the game remains engaging and fresh for a longer duration.
Fewer Romance Options May Mean Better Choices
However, one significant advantage of having fewer romance options is that sufficient time can be dedicated to developing each one, elevating them beyond mere checkbox gameplay features. Many games offer players numerous choices for potential partners, but often treat them as an afterthought. In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, for example, the choice of romantic partner has no impact on the main story and only results in a few insignificant lines of dialogue. Similarly, marrying one of the townsfolk in Stardew Valley may be interesting in terms of personalities, but it brings minimal gameplay changes or narrative improvements.
By reducing the number of available romantic partners, the focus on the romance paths becomes much stronger. For Starfield, having only a handful of companions that can be romanced allows for more intricate implementation. Immersion is crucial in a role-playing game, and half-hearted romance options only serve to remind players of the limitations of the game. With fewer options, there is more time to make the romances feel authentic. However, it cannot be overlooked that the decrease in choices ultimately results in a lack of variety, which may be challenging to appeal to fans of the RPG genre.
Starfield launches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
