Highlights
Starfield, Bethesda's upcoming RPG, aims to revolutionize intergalactic gameplay with expansive mechanics and a wide range of explorable locations.
With more than 1,000 planets generated procedurally and distributed across 100 solar systems, the game stands as Bethesda's boldest project to date. Starfield's expansive setting presents a diverse range of landscapes, encompassing futuristic cities and tranquil rural towns. Meanwhile, the political landscape of the game hangs on the brink of chaos, as various factions compete for control and power.
Space has always captured humanity's fascination, and the exploration of the cosmos has intrigued us since the moon landing. Over the years, space-themed movies and shows like Star Trek and Star Wars have enthralled millions of fans and shattered cinematic records. As the search for extraterrestrial life and other civilizations continues, virtual space travel has become a popular theme, with games like Mass Effect and No Man's Sky leading the way in planetary exploration. Bethesda's upcoming RPG behemoth, Starfield, aims to revolutionize intergalactic gaming with its expansive mechanics and diverse range of playable locations, offering players an unrivaled experience that pushes the boundaries of gaming creativity.
However, capturing the essence of space exploration in tone and graphic design is no easy feat, as the Sci-Fi genre has raised the bar with its expectation of grandeur. Mass Effect Andromeda, for example, fell short in delivering the desired experience, despite being part of an established franchise known for incorporating alien elements into gameplay. With even greater anticipation surrounding Starfield, Bethesda is under immense pressure to create a game that stands the test of time. Luckily, the details revealed about the game's setting, locations, and gameplay have sparked hope within the gaming community.
Starfield Gives an Expansive View of its Universe
Bethesda, known for creating expansive open-world games like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, is taking a similar approach with their upcoming game, Starfield. With an impressive map that features over 1,000 procedurally generated planets spread across more than 100 solar systems, Starfield is shaping up to be the studio's most ambitious project yet, surpassing even the remarkable depth of Skyrim. As Skyrim is widely regarded as one of their best titles, it will be interesting to see how the space RPG compares to the vast setting and lore that Todd Howard has drawn comparisons to.
The development of Starfield has faced some delays, which is not uncommon for a game of this magnitude. However, eager fans have been waiting patiently for this space exploration game. Set in the year 2330 in The Settled Systems, Starfield takes players on a journey beyond the borders of the solar system as humanity expands its reach. The Settled Systems exist in a section of the Milky Way Galaxy that extends 50 light years beyond our own solar system and is controlled by two dominant factions - the United Colonies and the Freestar Collective.
Starfield's Natural and Political Landscapes Display Variety at its Finest
Embarking on their journey in New Atlantis, the bustling capital city of the United Colonies, players will encounter an extraordinary organization known as Constellation. Led by the enigmatic Sarah Morgan, this group represents the final bastion of space exploration. Their relentless quest for knowledge about the galaxy's enigmas is propelled forward by a fractured extraterrestrial artifact. As intrepid adventurers, players will immerse themselves in the depths of Starfield's myriad planets. It is here that their true odyssey commences upon discovering a fragment of the relic, igniting an insatiable pursuit for additional pieces to assemble the colossal contraption. Along this epic mission, gamers will traverse diverse landscapes, as showcased during the exhilarating Xbox Showcases.Starfield's fascinating combination of diverse landscapes and politically charged backdrop sets the stage for an enthralling space RPG, offering Bethesda an opportunity for a fresh start. Through mesmerizing artworks released by Bethesda, fans have caught glimpses of three captivating planets that players can explore. Among them, New Atlantis stands out as a striking destination reminiscent of Star Trek's aesthetic. Adorned with luscious greenery, intricate water paths, and advanced architecture, this sophisticated city boasts an affluent population. Serving as a testament to the game's Sci-Fi essence, New Atlantis showcases an awe-inspiring futuristic metropolis, where flying cars traverse the skies and towering skyscrapers dominate the landscape, defining the grand spaceport that serves as the capital of the United Colonies.
Their rivals in the Colony War, the Freestar Collective, appear much more rustic in comparison. Their capital, Akila City, is lined with smaller, industrial-style buildings tightly packed together. To protect against attacks from savage predators known as Ashta, a deadly combination of wolves and velociraptors, the entire capital city is encased within walls. The third colossal star, Neon, is renowned as a pleasure city, boasting a myriad of stunning attractions for players to indulge in. Originally constructed as a fishing platform by the Xenofresh Corporation in 2330, Neon has transformed into a sophisticated sanctuary for tourists and bustling commercial ventures. Notably, it is also home to the headquarters of Ryujin Industries.
The planet owes its advancement to a native fish species that possesses psychoactive properties, serving as the foundation for the highly sought-after Aurora self-indulgence drug. Characterized by an intriguing NASA-punk aesthetic, Starfield's spacecrafts are meticulously designed for practicality, prioritizing functionality over the sleek, futuristic appearance typically associated with science fiction. Every available surface is utilized for storage, maximizing efficiency. Beyond its captivating visuals, Starfield's political landscape is perched on the brink of chaos, with the two dominant factions on the verge of conflict following a devastating civil war.
There is also a presence of smaller pirate groups and religious fanatics throughout the universe, adding variety to the gameplay. Bethesda is fully investing in Starfield following the challenges faced by Fallout 76 and Fallout 4. The game offers diverse landscapes, both in terms of nature and politics, catering to different types of gamers. With approximately 10 percent of the explorable planets in Starfield rumored to have alien life, the race to uncover humanity's extraterrestrial allies in the vast expanding universe is underway. Starfield is set to release on September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.