Starfield, the long-awaited sci-fi RPG from Bethesda, is finally available for early access on Xbox and PC. The game promises a vast and immersive universe with hundreds of planets to explore, factions to join, and mysteries to unravel. But does it live up to the hype? Here are some of the early impressions from critics and players who have tried the game before its official launch on September 8.
The Good
Starfield is a game that celebrates the wonder and beauty of space exploration. The game lets you create your own character and customize your spaceship, and then sets you free to roam the galaxy as you please. You can follow the main quest line, which involves a group of explorers called Constellation who are searching for ancient artifacts that may reveal the secrets of the cosmos. Or you can ignore it and pursue your own interests, whether that’s joining a pirate crew, working for a corporation, or helping out random strangers.
The game offers a variety of planets to visit, each with its own unique culture, environment, and challenges. Some are lush and vibrant, while others are barren and hostile. You can land on any planet you see, and explore it on foot or using a vehicle. You can also engage in combat with enemies using guns, melee weapons, or special abilities. The game features a dynamic weather system, a day-night cycle, and realistic physics that affect your movement and actions.
The game also boasts a rich lore and history, with multiple factions vying for power and influence in the galaxy. You can interact with many characters, some of whom can join you as companions or crew members. You can also influence the story and the world through your choices and actions, which can have consequences both big and small. The game has a lot of depth and detail, and rewards curiosity and exploration.
The Bad
Starfield is not without its flaws, however. The game suffers from some technical issues, such as bugs, glitches, crashes, and performance problems. Some of these have been fixed by patches during the review period, but others remain unresolved. The game also requires a lot of storage space and a powerful system to run smoothly.
The game also has some design issues that may frustrate some players. The game’s user interface is clunky and confusing, making it hard to navigate menus, inventory, maps, and quests. The game’s combat is also lackluster and repetitive, with enemies that are either too easy or too hard to kill. The game’s difficulty is inconsistent and unbalanced, making some parts of the game too frustrating or too boring.
The game’s story is also disappointing for some players, who find it dull and predictable. The main quest line is linear and clichéd, with characters that are bland and uninteresting. The game’s dialogue is poorly written and voiced, with awkward lines and delivery. The game’s humor is also forced and unfunny, with jokes that fall flat or offend.
The Verdict
Starfield is a game that has a lot of potentials, but also a lot of problems. It is a game that will appeal to fans of Bethesda’s previous RPGs, such as Fallout and Skyrim, but also alienate others who expect more innovation and polish. It is a game that offers a lot of freedom and variety, but also a lot of tedium and frustration. It is a game that is ambitious and impressive, but also flawed and unfinished.
Starfield is a game that is worth trying if you love sci-fi and space exploration, but also worth waiting if you want a more stable and refined experience. Starfield is a game that is not for everyone, but for those who can overlook its shortcomings, it can be an amazing adventure.
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Sources: Polygon, The Verge, HITC, Windows Central, Forbes
