Starfield Direct: A deep space dive

Hot on the heels of one of Xbox’s best showcases to date, Bethesda followed up with a video direct dedicated to Starfield. The over 40-minute deep dive covered a galactic-sized helping of brand-new information and gameplay footage. It left me wanting more and immediately had the game “moonshot” to the top of my most anticipated games list for 2023.

Starfield overview

Before blasting off to the stars with all the new details around Starfield here’s a pre-launch summary around the game. The sci-fi epic is an upcoming single-player, open-galaxy role-playing game (RPG). Set in a brand-new sci-fi universe, the game looks to take players on a space exploration odyssey. Starfield takes place in the year 2330, humanity has expanded its reach beyond our solar system. We’ve settled on new planets and are now a spacefaring civilization. In Starfield you join the Constellation – the final team of space explorers on a mission to uncover rare artifacts scattered across the galaxy.

Starfield is a cosmic adventure 25 years in the making

Announced in 2018, Starfield has garnered significant attention as it is Bethesda’s first new intellectual property in over 25 years. The game’s development team, led by Todd Howard, is known for creating popular RPG series such as The Elder Scrolls Skyrim and Fallout. Starfield looks to combine the pedigree of their previous games with new concepts in a science-fiction setting. The game has a vast, explorable galaxy with 1000 diverse planets, unique species, and dynamic storylines. Let’s liftoff and take a detailed look at all the new details offered during the Starfield Direct. We have ignition!

Starfield’s vast in-game galaxy

During the Direct we got a more detailed look at the vast array of space-based environments the team has created. I absolutely cannot wait to explore the galaxy Bethesda has created. You’ll be able to embark on a journey through the cosmos, where you’ll have the chance to explore a staggering 1,000+ planets. As we saw in the Direct some of these planets will be packed with sprawling urban centres whereas others will be untamed landscapes.

Join the crew!

Along the way, you’ll also encounter and be able to recruit a cast of characters to your team. In the direct, we saw key members of Constellation recruited. Each member of your team will have their own unique stories and will assist you on your quest to uncover the mysteries of the galaxy. You can also happen upon random spaceports and planets and find more crewmates.

Along with building your team, you can also align yourself with factions. Your allegiances can offer both benefits and drawbacks. For example, if you are connected to a group you could be granted safe passage through an asteroid field. Adversely, that same group could ambush you if you complete a rival faction’s mission. It is important to proceed through the galaxy with caution as many surprises may lie ahead.

Starfield’s choices have real consequences

Choices in Starfield will matter and can affect future decision-making. Bethesda has created a living world filled with various characters, factions, and relationships that evolve depending on your actions. Even certain character traits that seem minuscule might have a big impact at some point in the game. With a wealth of new stories and experiences constantly awaiting your discovery, the Starfield universe looked so alive and inviting.

Character creation

In the Starfield Direct, we got an in-depth look at the character creation process. It is designed with both ease of use and intricate detail in mind, allowing players to pick a character generated for them or delve deeper and make their own. Bethesda hopes the tools will provide players with an immersive experience that reflects preferences. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to quickly craft a character or someone who revels in spending hours customizing, Starfield has you covered. With a user-friendly interface, you can effortlessly sculpt your character’s physical appearance, choose from an array of skills and abilities, and more.

Constructing and managing your ship in Starfield

Months before the Direct Bethesda shared that you’d be able to customize your ship, but didn’t elaborate further. During the Direct we learned about the various parts of your ship that you can upgrade. The ship customization system looks very deep equipping different engines, weapons, shields, and other tools to provide unique advantages during exploration and battle. In Starfield you can take the helm of your dream spacecraft and make it truly your own. As you progress you’ll unlock new abilities that allow you to travel faster or use powerful weapons systems in combat.

Appearance is everything

When it comes to your ship there were plenty of ways to cosmetically customize its appearance. One of the Bethesda devs was sharing how she made all her ships look like animals, even building one that looked like a Platypus. The likeness was uncanny and a testament to the creative flexibility in the ship-building mechanics. There were other examples too, like a red, blue and white ship that looked like Optimus Prime from Transformers.

Deep space dogfights and space piracy in Starfield

Don’t want to build, or buy a ship in Starfield? Then steal one. As you venture into the depths of space, you’ll run into mercenaries and pirates. We got a look at some adrenaline-pumping dogfights during the showcase, along with intriguing random missions, and strategic docking at star stations. Along with all this, you’ll even have the chance to seize control of enemy ships, adding them to your fleet. You can even board enemy ships to pirate supplies or other goods. One of the developers even went out of her way to hijack a ship and use it to store sandwiches they pilfered throughout the galaxy.

Combat and weapon customization

In the expanse of space, Starfield equips you with a sophisticated arsenal to take on any threats. With an extensive array of weapons at your disposal, you can find something that suits your playstyle. Choose from long-range rifles, cutting-edge laser weapons, or powerful explosives to suit your approach. The game’s weapon customization options allow for even greater personalization, ensuring you’re always ready for action. 

Adding to the exhilaration of combat, Starfield’s zero-gravity environments inject an element of unpredictability into each encounter. You can also outfit your character with boost packs, allowing you to navigate these weightless battlegrounds with ease. The combination of detailed weapon customization and dynamic combat scenarios looks to keep combat fresh for dozens of hours.

Starfield Direct delivers

Starfield is looking like a beautiful and expansive space adventure, making the wait for its release all the more difficult. I can’t wait for lift-off when the game launches on September 6th, 2023. The glimpses we’ve been given into this sprawling RPG epic only heighten my excitement. With its immersive universe, diverse gameplay, and gripping narrative, Starfield promises to be an unforgettable journey. The countdown to launch has begun, and I can hardly wait to embark on Bethesda’s space odyssey.

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