Players of Starfield have identified a crucial element that distinguishes it from other Bethesda games, leaving them with a sense of emptiness in the vastness of space. In a Reddit discussion on October 11th, gamers reached a consensus that the absence of intermissions between missions is what makes Starfield feel lacking.
Bethesda games, particularly those in the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, are renowned for their immersive worlds filled with quests, vibrant characters, diverse locations, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. The journey begins with a quest guiding players to a specific destination, but along the way, they encounter numerous non-playable characters (NPCs) with their own side missions. The freedom to choose different paths adds an element of unpredictability, making each playthrough unique. By the time players reach their destination, they have acquired new equipment, weapons, and valuable experience.
This sense of natural exploration and discovery has been a hallmark of Bethesda releases, but players feel it is missing from Starfield. The routes in the game are less visually appealing, and completing side quests along the way feels repetitive, offering the same layout and loot without contributing to the game’s overarching story or worldbuilding.
Players lament the lack of meaningful experiences between quests and during travel, as these moments seem solely designed to propel them to the next plot point. The presence of loading screens and disjointed events further exacerbates this feeling of disconnection.
When departing from a planet, players do not experience the awe-inspiring vastness of the universe; instead, it feels more like a mere decision of “where to next.” This falls short of the expected adventure one would anticipate in a space-themed game.
The high standards set by Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls and Fallout series have not only raised the bar for the studio but for the entire gaming industry. Consequently, players expect more from a space adventure than simply trudging from one quest marker to another without any significant encounters or discoveries.
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Source: DOTESPORTS