It was a big day for Bethesda yesterday, which revealed no less than 45 minutes of gameplay for Starfield, on which Microsoft now rests all its hopes. As much to say it right away: we were seduced. If the game keeps all its promises, this one clearly looks incredible.
We were waiting for him at the turn. After the resounding failure of Redfall earlier in the year, all eyes are now on Starfield, designated despite itself as the game of the last chance for Microsoft. And the least we can say is that Bethesda answered the call. Yesterday, on the sidelines of the Xbox Showcase, it was downright a dedicated 45-minute conference to which the title was entitled.
A substantial duration that Bethesda did not hesitate to use to its full potential. History, fights, exploration of planets, space flights, customization of ships… Everything has been scrutinized to be sure to raise the hype to its maximum level. So successful bet? For us, yes.
Starfield is above all sumptuous planets to explore
Bethesda was quick to attack the annoying subject: the famous 1000 planets, procedurally generated to explore during the game. Do you think this is huge? You are not alone, as many players have expressed concern about the quality and diversity that can be achieved with such a number. We remember in particular the shipwreck that was No Man’s Sky upon releaseprecisely for this reason.
Todd Howard therefore wanted to be reassuring from the outset: Bethesda now has the technology necessary to generate as many planets, with distinct fauna and flora. Let’s hope that’s really the case. One thing is certain, however, realism will be there. Indeed, the galaxies present in the game function as in real life. In other words, this moon that you see orbiting a planet is really in orbit, it is not a simple animation. A detail that is reminiscent of a certain Outer Wilds.
Certain planets will of course be more important than others. Indeed, several cities will be at the center of the plot, like New Atlantis, the first human colony in space. We can also visit Cydoniaa huge mining infrastructure on Mars, or even Akila Citya metropolis outside of the United Colonies, which is none other than a sci-fi Wild West.
Exploration will therefore be an important part of your playing time, but let’s not forget that Starfield is first and foremost an RPG. And who says RPG, says skills to select to shape your character. Each time you level up, you gain a skill point to spend. But it doesn’t stop there. Each skill contains ranks, which can be unlocked by completing certain challenges. For example, picking 5 simple locks to be able to pick more complex locks. In addition, skills are grouped into 5 categories: PPhysical, Social, Combat, Sciences, Technologies.
Starfield is also big spaceships
Inevitably, we do not leave to explore space without a ship. And what could be better than being able to customize it as you wish? Bethesda had already emphasized this part of the gameplay at previous conferences, and it is clear that the option will be there. Indeed, it will be possible to select each component of your ship, to place them where you want, to paint it in the color of your choice, in short, build the ship of your dreams. We already feel that we will spend hours there.
Once done, you can hire a whole crew who will maintain it in good condition. In addition, your choices may turn to certain people rather than others depending on the mission you intend to carry out. Hey yes: this ship will have to be piloted at some point. On this point, Starfield seems to offer a full driving experiencewith a number of options that will allow you to maneuver your ship as you see fit.
These options will not be too much during the space battles, which promise to be numerous. Like a Assassin’s Creed Black Flag, you will first have to damage the enemy ships, before choosing (or not) to approach them to eliminate the last survivors. Then all the loot it carries is yours.
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Only Bethesda’s pet peeve remains: the fight. It’s clearly not on point that the studio’s previous games have shone, and after a strawberry gamefeel on the gunfights of Fallout 3 and 4, gamers have high expectations of Starfield on this score. Bethesda is well aware of this and is playing the diversity card this time. Each player will find his happiness in terms of weapons, whether it is to get into the pile with big explosions or rather to play it finely in melee. On this point, the emphasis will be more on the fun side than on the realistic side, underline the developers.
Again, customization will be there with mods that will complement the characteristics of your weapons. But above all, Starfield will have two new features that will spice things up: the jet pack and the zero g. Indeed, it will be possible for you at any time to leap into the air to overhang your enemies, or even fly above them if gravity is absent. Be careful, however, of the recoil of the weapons which could make you waltz to the other end of the room.
Starfield will be released on September 6, 2023 on PC and Xbox Series X/S.