How I expect Bethesda’s latest release to compare to possibly its most comparable game to date.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I want to start out by stating I did enjoy Obsidian Entertainment’s 2019 game ‘Outer Worlds’. The similar open-world RPG had a lot of good aspects going for it. Yet there’s this feeling in the air that Starfield is going to take things to a whole new level. It’s like Bethesda will include some of what Outer Worlds tried to do, and will crank it up to eleven! Let me explain further, and I think you’ll agree with me.
Comparing the universe’s
First off, let’s talk about the setting. Outer Worlds gave us a taste of the outer space adventure. The game allowed you, in part, to become your very own Captain of a spaceship navigating a quadrant of a solar system. There were a handful of worlds and ‘areas’ for you as the player to explore at will. What’s more, the game gave a well put-together aesthetic, plus a comprehensive theme and storyline, which ran throughout the main and side quest lines. Overall this interesting space adventure has a well-deserved 9/10 rating on Steam and a handful of positive reviews.
However, the first glimpses of Bethesda’s Starfield promises to be the real deal of open-world space simulation. Bethesda has always been known for creating immersive open worlds, and this time, they’re venturing beyond a single planet’s atmosphere. Starfield’s ambition is much more than one singular solar system, but what is looking to be an entire Galaxy with thousands of planets. It truly seems like a sci-fi gaming dream come true!
The questlines and overall narrative
Then there’s the story. While Outer Worlds had its own charm, it felt a bit limited in scope. Much of the quests all related to other quests and stories, therefore seeming much more limited than what the initial size of the game suggested.
Starfield, on the other hand, promises an epic narrative that spans across hundreds of separate questlines and character-centric stories. Bethesda is known for their rich storytelling, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this time. They’ve been teasing a deep and engaging storyline, with the fate of the universe hanging in the balance, which is exactly the kind of stuff that gets your adrenaline pumping!
Gameplay and roleplay experience compared
Now, let’s talk about the gameplay. Bethesda has always excelled in creating immersive and expansive worlds to get lost in, and Starfield is expected to be no different. From what we’ve seen so far, it looks like they’re really nailing the sci-fi atmosphere and the sense of discovery. I can already picture myself jetting around in a spaceship, engaging in intense space battles, and uncovering hidden secrets on unexplored planets. It’s the kind of gameplay experience that can keep you hooked for hours on end.
And let’s not forget about the sheer scale of the game. Bethesda is known for their massive open worlds, and Starfield is rumored to be their biggest project yet. We’re talking about a game that offers an incredible amount of freedom and choice, allowing you to carve your own path through the vastness of space. Not to mention the sheer amount of character customization which will be possible; from look, to ship, to equipment. The possibilities seem endless.
By comparison, The Outer Worlds although allowed you to play through the game how you wanted, which included a well-invested ‘allegiance’ system to give greater purpose to your decisions. But the game still felt limiting for an RPG of its kind. Even though you could change your character’s clothes and look, it was entirely in first-person. And none of your ship or gear could be customized beyond what already existed. It seemed therefore to the player that it was a game which you could decide which order to complete which was set for you, as opposed to you deciding what and how to achieved it.
In conclusion…
All in all, Starfield looks like it’s going to be the sci-fi game we’ve all been waiting for. Bethesda has a proven track record, and they seem to be going all out with this one. And to state again, I enjoyed what The Outer Worlds gave as a game. But I’m hoping Starfield finally opens up all the possibilities that I wanted to see in Outer Worlds prior.
After beating SF and completing every faction quest and most of the (main?) side quests I feel like I’m in a position to say that The Outer Worlds is unequivocally the better game. There’s a level of tedium that sets in on Starfield after the 19th fetch quest that can really only be completed one way even when presented with optional side quests. The Outer Worlds lets you largely ignore any mission goals and just be a ruthless killer if that’s the way you want to play it. There is also a humor and charm in the Outer Worlds that is completely missing from Starfield.
While there are many many more planets and moons to “explore” on Starfield they tend to be boring and empty, and the “dungeons” presented are just cookie cutters down to where the corpses are lying. Also the enemy AI on Starfield is terrible to the point of me never being threatened by any enemy battle on the default difficulty whereas on The Outer Worlds the enemy actually can defeat you occasionally.
I’d give Starfield a 6.5/10 and The Outer Worlds an 8/10
This article aged poorly. The Outer Worlds is miles better than Starfield in every way. I beat TOW years ago and wanted SF to best it. That didn’t happen.
Obviously everyone has their own preferences. However, I wouldn’t say everything I wrote here was completely wrong. I enjoyed Outer Worlds, but at times I found it limiting in what it had to offer. Starfield, although not perfect, does offer a lot to do. Which I think can be generally agreed upon. So in that aspect of this article, I was at least correct.