November 2nd 2024.
Let's talk about Starfield. As a reader, I've been watching the mixed reviews and reactions to this game with a sense of bemusement. It seems like people either love it or hate it, with no in-between. And as someone who falls into the former category, I wanted to share my thoughts and encourage others to give it a chance.
First and foremost, let me say this: I absolutely love Starfield. It's my favorite game from Bethesda so far. Now, I understand that if you've played it and it didn't click with you, that's totally fine. I'm not here to try and change your mind. But if you've only heard the negative chatter online, I want to speak up for those of us who think Starfield is truly incredible.
To be honest, I didn't expect to love this game as much as I do. With lukewarm reviews from sites like IGN and overwhelmingly negative ones from GameCentral, I was ready to write it off as just another overhyped miss from Microsoft. But the moment I booted up Starfield, I was immediately captivated. The graphics are stunning and the first person view pulls you right into this vast and immersive universe.
Within minutes, I found myself happily caught in the classic Bethesda loop: completing quests, looting, selling, and repeating the cycle in a world that feels endlessly alive. Each faction has its own distinct history, complete with museums that provide insight into their backstories. And above all, Starfield offers a wealth of gameplay options. For context, I was in the middle of playing Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom and Horizon Forbidden West, but once I started Starfield, I haven't gone back to either of them.
Now, I can understand if you approached Starfield solely for its gunplay or main storyline and were disappointed. But for me, the joy of over 300 hours of gameplay comes from the sheer variety of things to do. Combat and exploration? Check. Alien flora and fauna? Check. Space combat, shipbuilding, detective work, stealth missions, and even navigating complex social scenarios like a botched bank robbery or helping a couple arrange child care - Starfield offers a surprisingly deep range of experiences.
You can build and upgrade your own ship, unlock skills to sneak past enemies, negotiate tense situations, or simply share a meal with a granny or visit a zero-gravity party boat. And when I read complaints about "endless loading screens," I have to admit, I'm a bit confused. I've spent hours exploring inhabited planets, fighting off bounty hunters, uncovering hidden secrets, and climbing towering mountains just to see what lies on the other side. I understand that procedurally generated levels aren't everyone's cup of tea, but for me, they make the exploration feel truly open-ended.
There are no breadcrumbs to follow, no markers on a map telling you where to go next. And when I reach the summit of a mountain and see a ringed planet filling the horizon, I feel like I'm truly exploring a vast and mysterious universe.
I actually wanted to write this piece when the game first came out, but I was too busy actually playing it. Now, with the Shattered Space DLC released, I find myself returning to Starfield multiple times a week. And I truly hope that Bethesda stays the course. Some have suggested that the game should have focused on fewer, hand-crafted planets, but I believe that would have missed the point entirely.
We've seen other games, like Star Wars Outlaws, try that approach and they end up feeling bland and shallow in comparison. And while some players have called for Starfield to change engines or simplify its mechanics, I believe that would only push it towards the same formulaic open world approach that is already saturating the industry.
So here's my takeaway: if you didn't enjoy Starfield, that's totally fine. Maybe it just wasn't your cup of tea. But if you're avoiding it because of all the noise online, I would encourage you to give it a try. You may find yourself just as lost in Bethesda's universe as I am.
And finally, I want to make it clear that these are my own personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of GameCentral or Metro. As always, we welcome reader features and you can submit your own 500 to 600-word piece at any time. Who knows, maybe your experience with Starfield will be completely different from mine. But that's the beauty of gaming - it's a personal and subjective experience. So let's keep the conversation open and respectful. Happy gaming!
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