Starfield: Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Reviewed by: David Cameron

Starfield, Bethesda's highly anticipated entry into the realm of space-faring RPGs, has finally landed on the Xbox Series X, promising a journey through the cosmos like no other. As a long-time fan of Bethesda's open-world adventures and a lover of sci-fi, I eagerly took the helm of my starship to explore the vast unknown. This comprehensive review delves deep into the universe of Starfield, highlighting its numerous strengths, minor quirks, and ultimately awarding it a well-deserved score of 9 out of 10.

Graphics and Visuals: Starfield's visuals on the Xbox Series X are nothing short of breathtaking. Bethesda's Creation Engine 2 shines in this space-faring adventure, delivering a visually stunning and immersive experience. From the moment you step onto your starship and gaze out into the cosmos, it's evident that the developers spared no expense in crafting a universe that feels alive and teeming with detail.

The attention to graphical fidelity extends to the planets you can explore. Each celestial body boasts unique terrain, flora, and fauna, making planetary exploration an engaging and visually rewarding endeavor. The lighting effects, both on spacecraft and planetside, add a layer of realism and depth that enhances immersion.

Character design is similarly impressive, with lifelike animations and facial expressions that breathe life into the inhabitants of the star system. The attention to detail is evident, whether it's the wear and tear on a seasoned spacefarer's outfit or the intricate alien features of a newly discovered species.

Gameplay and Mechanics: Starfield takes the best elements of Bethesda's RPG gameplay and seamlessly integrates them into a spacefaring setting. The result is a gameplay experience that feels familiar yet refreshingly new. Players assume the role of a space explorer, forging their path through the galaxy, completing quests, and making choices that shape their journey.

Space travel itself is a captivating mechanic. Piloting your starship, customizing its components, and charting your course through the cosmos evoke a genuine sense of freedom and wonder. The transition from space to planetary exploration is seamless, allowing players to seamlessly land on and explore a variety of diverse planets.

The RPG elements in Starfield are robust, offering a plethora of skills and abilities to customize your character's playstyle. Whether you prefer to be a charismatic diplomat, a cunning smuggler, or a fearless explorer, the game accommodates your choices and provides meaningful consequences for your actions.

Combat mechanics are intuitive and satisfying, whether you're engaging in intense space dogfights or fending off hostile creatures on an alien world. The variety of weapons and equipment adds depth to combat encounters, and the game's AI provides a credible challenge.

Story and Narrative: Starfield weaves a captivating narrative set against the backdrop of a galaxy teetering on the brink of discovery and danger. The game's main story arc is engaging, filled with intriguing mysteries, memorable characters, and moral dilemmas that challenge your decision-making. It's a narrative that embraces the wonder of space exploration while delving into thought-provoking themes.

However, Starfield's narrative strength lies not only in its main story but also in its rich side quests and world-building. The game is teeming with lore, and each planet you visit has its unique history, cultures, and conflicts waiting to be unraveled. The dedication to storytelling extends to the fascinating alien species you encounter, each with their own customs and beliefs.

Music and Sound: Starfield's soundtrack is a symphony of awe and wonder, composed to perfectly complement the vastness of space and the mysteries it holds. The music swells as you journey through the cosmos, creating an emotional connection with the universe. It dynamically responds to the events of the game, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments.

Sound effects are meticulously crafted, enhancing both combat and exploration. The hum of your starship's engines, the crackling of energy weapons, and the ambient sounds of alien worlds contribute to the overall immersion.

Replayability and Content: Starfield boasts a wealth of content that encourages multiple playthroughs. The main story arc alone offers hours of captivating gameplay, and the choices you make along the way significantly impact the outcome. Side quests and faction alliances further extend the game's replayability, offering diverse storylines and challenges.

The game's universe is vast and teeming with secrets, from hidden planetary anomalies to undiscovered alien species. Explorers at heart will find themselves compelled to revisit Starfield's star system multiple times, uncovering new mysteries and charting unexplored territories.

Conclusion: Starfield on the Xbox Series X is a triumphant exploration of the cosmos, combining Bethesda's signature open-world RPG gameplay with the awe-inspiring wonder of space. Its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and captivating storytelling make it a standout title in the genre.

While the game is a testament to Bethesda's dedication to quality, it's not without minor quirks. Some players may encounter occasional bugs and performance hiccups, but these issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

Overall Score: 9 out of 10

In summary, Starfield invites players on a galactic odyssey that delivers on the promise of boundless exploration, engaging storytelling, and thrilling gameplay. It stands as a shining example of what a spacefaring RPG can achieve, leaving players with a sense of wonder and adventure that will endure long after the final credits roll.

Reviewed by: David Cameron