Info about Starfield: Official game description: STARFIELD DIGITAL PREMIUM EDITION ================================= Premium Edition includes: * Starfield Base Game * Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release) * 1,000 Creation Credits * Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet and Boost Pack * Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack Buzz ==== About the Game ============== Starfield is the first new universe in over 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery. In the year 2330, humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. You will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of space in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game. Tell Your story --------------- In Starfield the most important story is the one you tell with your character. Start your journey by customizing your appearance and deciding your Background and Traits. Will you be an experienced explorer, a charming diplomat, a stealthy cyber runner, or something else entirely? The choice is yours. Decide who you will be and what you will become. Explore Outer Space ------------------- Venture through the stars and explore more than 1000 planets. Navigate bustling cities, explore dangerous bases, and traverse wild landscapes. Meet and recruit a memorable cast of characters, join in the adventures of various factions, and embark on quests across the Settled Systems. A new story or experience is always waiting to be discovered. Captain the Ship Of Your Dreams ------------------------------- Pilot and command the ship of your dreams. Personalize the look of your ship, modify critical systems including weapons and shields, and assign crew members to provide unique bonuses. In deep space you will engage in high-stakes dogfights, encounter random missions, dock at star stations, and even board and commandeer enemy ships to add to your collection. Discover, Collect, Build ------------------------ Explore planets and discover the fauna, flora, and resources needed to craft everything from medicine and food to equipment and weapons. Build outposts and hire a crew to passively extract materials and establish cargo links to transfer resources between them. Invest these raw materials into research projects to unlock unique crafting recipes. Lock and Load ------------- Space can be a dangerous place. A refined combat system gives you the tools to deal with any situation. Whether you prefer long-range rifles, laser weapons, or demolitions, each weapon type can be modified to complement your playstyle. Zero G environments add a chaotic spectacle to combat, while boost packs give players freedom to maneuver like never before. Release date: 5 Sep, 2023 Categories: RPG, Open-World Exploration, Single-player Story, First-Person Shooter, Base Building, Ship Combat, Crafting, Character Customization - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: No data - Playtime Metrics: No data - Time-to-fun: No data - Player Archetypes: No data Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Compelling stories, characters, and freedom (weight 0.54): The game offers compelling stories through main quests, side missions, and faction storylines, enhanced by well-developed characters, excellent voice acting, and meaningful dialogue choices. The narrative is further enriched by plot twists, moral dilemmas, and a sense of freedom, allowing players to shape their own path and experience a personalized journey. Modding capabilities add even more content and customization options. - Visually stunning, immersive space exploration (weight 0.52): The game delivers stunning visuals, detailed environments, and a captivating art style, creating a deeply immersive space exploration experience. The soundtrack and sound design further enhance the atmosphere, while ship customization and space combat provide engaging gameplay features. The game's overall aesthetic and attention to detail contribute to a sense of wonder and discovery. - Extensive and engaging ship building (weight 0.26): Ship building is a major highlight, offering extensive customization options and creative freedom. Players can design unique ships, modify their components, and decorate the interiors, creating a personalized home base in space. The ability to acquire ships through various means, such as purchasing or capturing them, adds another layer of depth to the gameplay experience. - Rewarding progression and freedom (weight 0.21): The game provides a rewarding sense of progression through its skill system, adjustable difficulty settings, and diverse gameplay options. Players can enjoy a casual-friendly experience with plenty of replay value, freedom to explore, and opportunities to experiment with different playstyles. The game's engaging core loop and satisfying progression system make it easy to get lost in the experience. - Varied and engaging quest design (weight 0.17): The game offers a variety of well-designed quests, including faction missions and side quests, that provide engaging content and unique experiences. Players appreciate the lack of game-breaking bugs and the availability of companions to recruit. The game's overall design and attention to detail contribute to an enjoyable and immersive experience. - Familiar Bethesda gameplay in space (weight 0.16): The game successfully integrates popular mechanics from previous Bethesda titles like Fallout 4, such as weapon upgrades, base building, and character customization, into a vast sci-fi universe. The gunplay is improved, and the role-playing elements are more impactful, offering a seamless sandbox experience with a familiar yet distinct Bethesda vibe. The game's modding potential is also a significant draw. - Improved performance and bug fixes (weight 0.14): The game has received numerous patches and updates that have improved performance, fixed bugs, and added quality-of-life features. The game is now more polished and enjoyable than at launch, with smooth gameplay and decent graphics. The developers have listened to player feedback and continue to support the game with ongoing improvements. - Endless quests and exploration (weight 0.08): The game offers numerous quests throughout the universe, with choices that can influence the outcome. Players can explore uncharted planets, discover alien cities, and unravel the secrets of an ancient civilization. The game provides many gameplay possibilities from the start, allowing players to choose their activities and pursue the main story at their own pace. - Satisfying and flexible combat (weight 0.07): The game features satisfying on-ground combat with believable enemy behavior and powerful weapons. The combat is flexible, with options to approach or avoid conflict using various skills, powers, and weapons. The gunplay is fun and a step up from Fallout 4, with improved combat AI and a variety of ways to play. - Rich and engaging faction storylines (weight 0.07): The faction storylines are described as rich and engaging, with the faction system being impressive and allowing involvement in political conflicts and shady dealings. The faction questlines are better than in previous Bethesda games, with the UC Vanguard and Crimson Fleet stories being highlights. The game allows for role-playing with different factions in each run. - Interesting setting and atmosphere (weight 0.07): The game's setting, while initially unappealing, can become enjoyable once accepted, with varied environments and their own atmospheres that affect gameplay. The reviewer liked some of the weapon and armor designs and finds the gunplay decent. The game has atmosphere and the potential to be fun. - Satisfying gunplay and controls (weight 0.07): The game is a favorite shooter due to its controls, with the shooting mechanics, especially in zero gravity, being realistic. Gunplay is very good, with a lot of weight behind each gun and different handling. The weapon feel is good, and the initial overwhelming number of weapons becomes manageable once the player focuses on a few. - Fun exploration and outpost building (weight 0.06): Exploration is fun, despite repetitive outpost designs, and outpost building can be very fun but is limited without the usage of mods. The reviewer found the outpost building element to be unexpectedly engaging, spending a significant amount of time on it. Resource gathering at outposts can be enjoyable. - Well-written story and dialogue (weight 0.06): The writing is genuinely well done, with the main storylines ranging from okay to really good. The dialogue is well-written, and the story is solid. The main story's premise and conclusion were enjoyable, and the overall writing quality is high. The voice acting is great, and the main storyline was fantastic. - Varied and dynamic combat scenarios (weight 0.05): Zero G combat and ship combat add variety to combat scenarios, with the battles being wild, both in close combat, fist fights, shooting fights, and space battles. Powers, jetpack use, and high-, low-, and zero-gravity environments add variety to combat. Ship combat and ground combat are enjoyable. - Detailed character creation (weight 0.05): Character creation is highly detailed, allowing customization of facial features, body type, and even walking style. Characters are well-modeled, aside from exaggerated facial expressions. The game offers a good opportunity to create an individual character build. The level of detail in character creation and development adds a personal touch. Common complaints: - Repetitive, unrewarding procedural generation (weight 0.97): Procedural generation leads to repetitive environments, identical structures, and a lack of unique points of interest, making exploration feel pointless and unrewarding. Many reviewers found planets to be empty, lifeless, and lacking handcrafted details, with the same locations and enemy types repeated across different star systems. This significantly diminishes the sense of discovery and immersion. - Weak, unengaging main storyline (weight 0.78): The main questline and overall narrative are criticized for being unengaging, shallow, and predictable, lacking compelling conflicts or meaningful choices. Many reviewers found the story boring, nonsensical, and forgettable, with a weak beginning and an unsatisfying ending. This significantly detracts from the overall player experience and replayability. - Technical issues and clunky UI (weight 0.74): The game suffers from numerous technical issues, including bugs, glitches, poor optimization, and long loading screens. The UI and inventory management are clunky and unintuitive, making navigation and resource management tedious and frustrating. These issues detract from the overall player experience and immersion. - Uninspired, unbalanced combat (weight 0.7): Combat is often described as uninspired, unbalanced, and lacking depth, with enemies being bullet sponges and weapons feeling weak or ineffective. The AI is poor, with enemies exhibiting repetitive behaviors and failing to utilize cover or tactics. These issues make combat feel tedious and frustrating, diminishing the overall enjoyment of the game. - Game feels unfinished, disappointing (weight 0.62): Many reviewers express disappointment with the game's overall design and execution, feeling that it falls short of expectations and fails to deliver on its potential. Some reviewers feel that the game is unfinished, outdated, or lacks innovation, making it a less compelling experience compared to other titles in the genre. - Uninteresting, flawed NPCs/Companions (weight 0.57): NPCs and companions are often criticized for being bland, generic, and uninteresting, with limited interactions and repetitive dialogue. Their AI is also flawed, with companions getting in the way, behaving erratically, and failing to provide meaningful assistance in combat. This makes it difficult for players to form meaningful connections with the characters and further detracts from immersion. - Clunky, shallow building mechanics (weight 0.3): Outpost building and ship customization are criticized for being clunky, unintuitive, and lacking depth, with limited options and frustrating mechanics. The benefits of these systems are often minimal, making them feel like a waste of time and effort. This diminishes the player's sense of agency and creativity. - Limited, unengaging space travel (weight 0.19): Space travel is reduced to a glorified fast-travel system with frequent loading screens, lacking manual flight and seamless transitions between planets. This diminishes the sense of exploration and immersion, making the vastness of space feel empty and disconnected. The ship, which should be a central element of the game, feels underutilized and inconsequential. - Concerns about 'woke' elements (weight 0.13): Some reviewers express concerns about "woke" elements and pronoun options in the game. It is important to note that this point may show signs of review bombing, as it focuses on cultural references rather than specific gameplay details. Therefore, the importance score is significantly reduced. - Repetitive quests, unrewarding NG+ (weight 0.07): The main quest involves repetitive tasks, such as collecting artifacts and visiting temples, which become tedious and unrewarding. The New Game+ feature offers minimal incentive to replay the game, as it erases all progress and offers little variation in content. This diminishes the game's replayability and long-term engagement. - Story is lacking and predictable (weight 0.06): The story is lacking, exemplified by a persuasion attempt that ends the main conflict without a final battle. The story begins with intrigue but devolves into predictable good vs bad hero worship. - Universe less engaging than others (weight 0.06): The reviewer found the universe less engaging and narratively appealing than The Outer Worlds. The single expansion is a flop and a ripoff of "The Expanse" series. - Dialogue system and voice acting (weight 0.06): The dialogue system defaults to an inferior face zoom system, though it can be disabled in settings. Characters generally have random voice acting and lack appeal due to a lack of spontaneity. - Perk system underwhelming (weight 0.05): The perk system is underwhelming compared to Fallout and Skyrim. Skills for basic actions must be acquired and upgraded, instead of learning by doing as in Fallout 4/TES. Gameplay feedback: - Engaging faction quests, weak main story (weight 0.18): The game features a main storyline about exploring artifacts, but faction quests provide more compelling narratives and choices. Players can join various factions like pirates, space military, or corporations, each offering unique questlines and experiences separate from the main story, similar to Skyrim. - Unique New Game Plus mechanic (weight 0.15): The game features a New Game Plus mode that allows players to retain skills and XP while replaying the story. This mode is integrated into the lore and universe, offering some unique effects on gameplay and dialogue. However, it resets items and quest progress, which may not appeal to players focused on collection and crafting. - Limited and repetitive exploration (weight 0.05): Exploration feels limited and repetitive, with similar structures, planets, and landscapes. Space travel is relegated to menu interactions, and planet exploration feels boring and pointless. The game lacks immersion and a satisfying survival aspect. - Improved shooter mechanics (weight 0.03): The game is a shooter with level-up mechanics and character customization. Gunplay has been improved, offering high-quality shooting and combat with a wide array of weapons and customization options. - Clumsy and grindy skill system (weight 0.03): The game features a skill system that requires completing challenges to unlock the next level, which can be frustrating. Some skills feel mandatory, while others are unnecessary, and the order in which skills are acquired influences the player's experience. - "Nasa punk" setting and themes (weight 0.03): The game is set in a "nasa punk" universe in 2330, where humanity has ventured beyond our solar system to settle on new planets. The game's narrative touches on themes of civilization, progress, and the potential consequences of prioritizing technological advancement. - Tedious planet scanning, fast travel (weight 0.02): The game features a fast travel system that streamlines movement to previously explored areas. However, scanning all lifeforms on a planet can be time-consuming, and there's no in-game codex to track resources, requiring manual note-taking. - Character background lacks impact (weight 0.02): Character creation offers many customization options, but the chosen background has limited impact on gameplay, mainly affecting dialogue and speech checks. The game requires imagination from the player to define their character's identity and motivations. Performance notes: - Inconsistent, demanding performance (weight 0.2): Many reviewers report inconsistent performance, including frame rate drops, stuttering, lag, and crashes, even on systems meeting or exceeding recommended specifications. Some attribute these issues to poor optimization, especially in densely populated areas. However, some reviewers with powerful PCs report smooth performance, and others note improvements since launch due to patches and driver updates. - Frequent, short loading screens (weight 0.08): The game features frequent loading screens when transitioning between areas, entering buildings, fast traveling, and engaging in space-related activities. While some players with high-end PCs and SSDs report short loading times (1-5 seconds), others experience longer delays, especially on lower-spec machines and consoles. Some reviewers find the loading screens disruptive to immersion, while others consider them tolerable or even necessary. - Performance improved by updates (weight 0.02): The game's performance has been improved by patches and the addition of features like DLSS and FSR. However, some reviewers note that DLSS may not work properly or that FSR image quality is lacking. Some reviewers also mention the delayed addition of certain features. - Creation Engine 2 limitations (weight 0.01): Several reviewers criticize the Creation Engine 2, citing its dated feel, poor optimization, and unsuitability for a space-faring open-world game. Some claim the engine's limitations are evident in various aspects of gameplay. These reviewers suggest the engine should have been retired after Skyrim. - Crashes with Creation mods (weight 0.01): Some reviewers have reported crashes and instability when using Creation mods. This can lead to infinite loading screens and require a reinstall of the game. This suggests that the game may not be fully optimized for modding. - Lip-sync issues present (weight 0.01): Some reviewers have reported issues with lip synchronization, particularly with the German voice acting. These issues can worsen over time, causing characters' mouths to stutter and flap incorrectly. This can detract from the immersion and overall quality of the game. Recommendations: - Wait for sale or use Game Pass (weight 0.58): Many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale or using Game Pass before purchasing due to the high price and perceived lack of content or technical issues. Some feel the game is mediocre or not worth full price, while others recommend it despite flaws, especially if discounted. Some reviewers express regret for purchasing the game at full price, while others feel it's worth the cost. - Compared to other space RPGs (weight 0.37): Many reviewers compare the game to other space RPGs, such as No Man's Sky, Mass Effect, and Skyrim. Some reviewers suggest that the game is similar to Fallout or Skyrim in space, while others feel that it does not live up to the standards of those games. Some reviewers recommend other space RPGs over this game. - Game needs mods to be playable (weight 0.25): Many reviewers suggest that the game requires mods to fix bugs, improve the UI, or add missing features. Some reviewers state that the game is not up to Bethesda standards without mods. This point is important because it highlights a significant issue with the base game and suggests that players may need to rely on the modding community to fully enjoy the game. - Recommended for Bethesda fans (weight 0.21): Many reviewers recommend the game to fans of Bethesda games, particularly Fallout and Skyrim. Some reviewers feel that the game is a must-play for Bethesda fans, while others suggest that only hardcore Bethesda fans will enjoy it. Some reviewers feel that the game is not as good as previous Bethesda titles. - Enjoy exploration and slow pace (weight 0.04): Some reviewers recommend the game to those who enjoy exploration and a slow pace. Some reviewers state that the game has something for everyone. This point is not very specific and does not provide actionable feedback. - Game will improve with updates (weight 0.04): Many reviewers express hope that the game will improve over time with updates and mods. Some reviewers feel that the game has already improved since release due to patches and gameplay tweaks. This point is important because it suggests that the game has the potential to become better in the future. - General positive/negative sentiment (weight 0.04): Many reviewers provide a numerical score for the game, ranging from 1/10 to 10/10. Some reviewers state that the game has become their favorite, while others express a love-hate relationship with the game. This point is a general emotional response without specific details. - Mixed reception to Shattered Space (weight 0.01): Some reviewers express disappointment with the Shattered Space DLC, citing its short length and lack of content. One reviewer mentions LGBTQ+ content as a reason for a negative rating, indicating a review bombing attempt. Other reviewers enjoyed the DLC and found it worth exploring. - Good first playthrough only (weight 0.01): Some reviewers mention that the game is good for a first playthrough, but lacks replayability. Some reviewers recommend consulting walkthroughs before starting the game. This point is not very specific and does not provide actionable feedback. - Boycott Bethesda (weight 0.01): Some reviewers express extreme disappointment with the game and state that they will not buy another Bethesda game. Some reviewers feel that Bethesda does not respect their time or money. This point shows signs of review bombing due to the emotional language and hyperbolic claims. - Hopes for Starfield 2 (weight 0.01): Some reviewers hope that Starfield 2 will improve the engine and add vehicles. Some reviewers state that Starfield has ended their trust in Bethesda. This point is not very specific and does not provide actionable feedback. - Worth the price with side quests (weight 0.01): Some reviewers feel that the game is worth the price if you do all the side quests. Some reviewers state that the side quests are better than the main missions. This point is not very specific and does not provide actionable feedback. - Modders can save Starfield (weight 0.01): Some reviewers believe that modders can save Starfield. Some reviewers state that Starfield is still in an unacceptable state after 1 year. This point is not very specific and does not provide actionable feedback. Other player notes: - Polarizing reception, unmet expectations (weight 0.08): Many reviewers acknowledge the game's flaws and the negative reception it received at launch. Some feel the criticism is overblown, while others believe the game was released prematurely or that Bethesda has abandoned it. Some reviewers also express disappointment with the current state of the gaming industry and the reactions to large game titles. - Extensive modding enhances gameplay (weight 0.08): The game has robust modding support, with a dedicated community creating mods that improve visuals, fix issues, add content, and customize the experience. Many reviewers feel that modding is essential to get the most out of the game and address its shortcomings, with some even believing that Bethesda relies on modders to enhance their games. - Unique NASA-punk space RPG (weight 0.07): The game is a space RPG with a NASA-punk aesthetic, blending elements of science fiction and grounded technology. The game's lore is extensive, drawing inspiration from the Fermi paradox and real-world aerospace concepts. Reviewers have mixed opinions on the setting, with some appreciating its unique style and others finding it bland or lacking in extraterrestrial life. - Vast scope, shallow depth (weight 0.04): The game's scope is vast, but some reviewers find it lacking in depth and substance, with repetitive planets and shallow systems. Loading screens and transitions between planets can disrupt immersion. However, some reviewers still find the core gameplay loop enjoyable despite these flaws. - Familiar Bethesda gameplay loop (weight 0.02): The game follows the established Bethesda formula of exploration, combat, collection, and crafting, similar to their Fallout and Elder Scrolls series. Reviewers note familiar elements such as the open-world structure, side quests, and overall gameplay loop. Voice acting is generally solid, and the game has a distinct Bethesda charm. - Ongoing playthrough experiences vary (weight 0.02): Some reviewers are continuing to play the game to explore its various features and storylines, such as the Starborn story and outpost building. Some reviewers felt restricted by the leveling system. Playthrough experiences vary. - Transparent development, modding focus (weight 0.01): Bethesda was transparent about the game's universe and limitations, including the presence of loading screens. The game offers freedom and encourages modding, but some reviewers feel it highlights issues present in Bethesda's other IPs. The game focuses on human or human-derived intelligent aliens. - Large file size, SSD required (weight 0.01): The game has a large file size, requiring a significant amount of SSD space for optimal performance. This can be a concern for players with limited storage or slower PCs. Some players have also encountered issues with Steam's cloud save limitations due to the game's size. - Graphics are fine, inconsistent (weight 0.01): The game's graphics are generally considered fine, but not exceptional. Some areas look beautiful, while others appear less impressive depending on lighting conditions. The graphics quality varies throughout the game. - Space game bias, mixed experiences (weight 0.01): Some reviewers have a bias towards space games, which influenced their enjoyment of Starfield. The game copies ideas from other space games. Character creation, ship and outpost building are memorable aspects. Emotions: No emotions}