My Rating
So, it’s been a little over a week since I started playing Starfield, and boy, it’s been quite a journey. Let me tell you all about my experience with this highly anticipated game.
First things first, I had a bit of a rocky start with technical issues preventing me from diving into the game right away. But after sorting out my PC troubles and patiently awaiting my Xbox delivery, I finally got to embark on my space adventure around 20 hours after the pre-launch. And let me tell you, the wait was worth it.
As a fan of the Fallout franchise (minus Fallout 76, we won’t dwell on that), I found Starfield to have a familiar feel. The game mechanics and controls exude a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of the immersion I experienced in previous Bethesda titles. The NPCs, storylines, and characters are crafted with meticulous detail and devotion, evident in every aspect of the game.
Best Bits
One aspect of Starfield that particularly tickled my fancy was the clever use of some Fallout maps. It’s a pleasant surprise to encounter familiar worlds and structures, providing a sense of connection and continuity. In fact, the initial part of the game is an exact replica of a mine from Fallout 76, down to the excavation machinery’s precise placement.
Early on, I got hooked on upgrading my spaceship. It was surprisingly enjoyable, so much so that I found myself tinkering away for a solid two hours one early Saturday morning, losing track of time until I looked at the clock and realized it was already 4 am.
Even after a week of playing, I’m still engrossed in the game, continuously uncovering new things to discover and investigate. As of last night, my gameplay time has reached an impressive 87 hours. Yes, I may be a tad obsessed, but hey, who can blame me?
Room for improvement
However, it’s important to address a few downsides that I hope get addressed or I simply grow accustomed to over time.
Firstly, some of the cinematic scenes tend to drag on, particularly the ship take-off sequence and the scene of my character sitting down to fly the ship. While it was cool the first time, seeing them repeatedly has gotten boring rather quickly. Time is precious, and I’d prefer spending it exploring the vastness of space rather than waiting through unnecessary cutscenes.
Secondly, navigating and remembering locations outside of missions can be quite a challenge. It takes forever to recall which system a particular planet is in. It would be fantastic if there were a favorites option or search function, or even a simple list of previously visited planets to make life easier. I can’t count how many times I’ve accidentally revisited a planet I’ve already surveyed.
Lastly, finding a place to sell items can be a bit of a nightmare. It would be a tremendous help to have a favorites location list, allowing us to jump to our preferred trading posts quickly.
Now, don’t get me wrong, these minor inconveniences won’t deter me from playing the game. They’re more like those everyday annoyances, such as finding out the milk is off when you crave a cup of tea at work. They’re just nuisances that can be overlooked in the grand scheme of things.
Final Thoughts…
In summary, Starfield has captivated me with its exceptional storyline and the boundless opportunities it provides for exploration. Kudos to the Bethesda teams involved in creating this immersive experience. You’ve truly outdone yourselves this time. I eagerly await what the future holds for Starfield as you continue to expand the universe and craft unforgettable narratives.
So, fellow space adventurers, strap in, prepare for an extraordinary journey, and may the stars guide you to unimaginable wonders in the vast expanse of Starfield