Bethesda’s Starfield Direct, which lasted almost an hour, demonstrated the company’s mastery of gameplay presentations. Thanks to this, we understand most of the significant systems in the game. Here are the ten best details from the showcase in no particular order.
10. Thousands of Planets
Instead of the map being on one planet, Starfield takes a much larger scale – a whole universe. You can land on any moon or planet you see orbiting the vast void of space. To make this more manageable, you won’t be able to travel long distances until your ship is upgraded. Still, the scope may seem impossible, but assumedly most of these planets are procedurally generated, meaning that the game pulls in assets, such as camps and resources when you land. In a No Man’s Sky approach, planets will be different for each player. With that said Bethesda was clear that some planets are barren (mostly for resource gathering) while others, such as the main quest planets, are filled with large cities, quests, and NPCs. It seems like Starfield is giving players a large breath of exploration while still having high-density planets with tons to do.
9. Global Illumination
Starfield utilizes global illumination lighting to make each planet look and feel different. The light rays and reflections move as the sun and moon undergo their day and night cycle. The lighting will help differentiate each planet as some boast a blue/greenish hue while others have a thick fog that obscures the sun’s rays. The technology advertises a significant improvement to Bethesda’s engine compared to previous games like Fallout and Skyrim.
8. Gravity
The different locations of Starfield will have different degrees of gravity. Some planets have low gravity allowing you to jump and float high into the air. You can combine this with the jet boost to fly and get behind enemies in combat. The extra maneuverability may seem small, but it adds another element to combat, making it more exciting. For example, enemies impacted by explosions shoot into the air, and you can embrace impressive stunts such as flying above enemies and bombarding them with grenades. Additionally, non-laser weapons will push you back in zero-g environments to illustrate realism and different gameplay dynamics.
7. Traits
One interesting concept was traits, which are more like background elements that affect your playthrough. One trait makes you a popular hero so that your biggest fan will follow and annoy you throughout the game. Another one gives the player parents who need financial help. Last but not least, one gives you a defense buff at low health, but bounty hunters will randomly attack you. These are whimsical and interesting options that can spice up your playthrough.
6. Power Allegation and Ship Combat
Flying the ship across space and engaging in combat requires that you manage a power allegation system. For example, in combat you should allegate power to defense or weapons. Going deeper into ship combat, you can target specific ship components. If you wish to hijack the enemy ship like a space pirate, then you can dock next to it, enter, and take out the pilots in close-quarter combat. After a successful heist, the ship is added to your fleet for later use. The whole heist system reminds me of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag and the combat itself is like Star Wars: X-Wing.
5. Cities
I was most impressed by the cities in Starfield, specifically with the realization that there won’t be just one primary planet for quests and interactions. In reality, there will be multiple cities/towns across several planets. The biggest of which is New Atlantis. It features skyscrapers that stretch into the sky and reflect sunlight with their shiny exterior. Many NPCs are walking around, surpassing the character density of other Bethesda games. Moreover, each NPC has dialogue that hints at their life, and personality, and expands the world-building. Akila City, on the other hand, is the capital of the Free Star Collective and has more of a rugged cowboy feel. It was immediately inviting as it exudes Fallout New Vegas or other derelict settings from Bethesda games. In stark contrast, you can visit neon-infused Cyberpunk cities: homes of pleasure and the morally corrupt. The diversity proves that Starfield will be more than an array of barren planets.
4. Ship and Outpost Building
Starfield improves on Fallout 4’s building mechanics through ship and outpost customization. For the ships, you can customize every little component for cosmetic or practical purposes. Bigger living quarters can be added along with crafting benches and weapon storage. Your crew, whom you will gather throughout the game, can operate the various systems added to the ship. The most absurd component of shipbuilding is the crazy contraptions you can make. Players can build a platypus or a giant mech. The opportunities are endless. Similarly, the outpost building process allows you to customize every detail and include useful tools. For example, outposts can have a mining system that will gather resources for the player while they’re away. One improvement from the building in previous games is the isometric view, which provides an accessible view of the layout and makes it easier to place structures.
3. NASA Punk
We got an inside look at Bethesda’s design ideology. The developers run environments and art through the concept of NASA Punk, a term that combines realism with advanced technology. You can see this in everything from the guns to the ships. They each look grounded and based in reality while also having a futuristic or sci-fi component. Looking at the game, it is amazing how everything seems to follow this balancing act to create a consistent theme.
2. Personalized Gameplay
Several Bethesda games give the option to customize your playstyle, and Starfield is no different. Some we saw include a stealth approach, which involves silencers and sneaking through air ducts; an assault rifle run-and-gun approach; a dialogue-based combat avoidance approach; and even a fist-fighting approach. There will be several ways to play Starfield, not just in how you get past enemies, but also in the type of jobs you take and the factions you align with. You could be a bounty hunter or simply go on supply runs like Death Stranding in space. Of course, there will presumably be a main quest line, but your character’s personality, decisions, and side hobbies are up to you.
1. Vasco and Companions
Vasco is a robot companion with long arms and legs designed to represent a humanoid version of NASA technology. He will likely be a helpful and humorous addition to your crew, brightening any situation with lines like “It is a shame exploration requires so much bloodshed.” Vasco is not the only companion that will join you, though. Several companions could join your crew by finding them during exploration, hiring them, or meeting them in the main quest line. In classic Bethesda fashion, each companion has their quest line and the opportunity for romance.
As we look forward to September 6, 2023, we’ll see if Starfield lives up to its lofty expectations.
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