Bethesda’s Most Reviled Game Is a 10/10 If You Ignore the Story

Bethesda can command attention with remarkably little. A recent announcement revealed the long-awaited The Elder Scrolls 6 subtitle, Sentinel, without offering many further details. Even so, the news was enough to get fans talking. The studio’s hold on its audience is powerful — though it has occasionally weakened.

Starfield, released on Sept. 6, 2023, was one of those moments. The game offered the expansive worlds Bethesda is known for, yet its reception was muted among many players. Some felt they had seen this kind of adventure before, while comparisons to No Man’s Sky followed naturally. Its story and characters didn’t win over everyone. But set the main plot aside and find your own diversions, and Starfield can become a remarkable adventure.

Expectations played a part in the game’s reception. Before launch, many of us imagined a vast universe filled with memorable characters and compelling stories — the sort of odd, quotable moments Bethesda games are known for. In a science-fiction setting, perhaps the familiar arrow-to-the-knee joke would become a blaster wound to the elbow.

Starfield doesn’t begin with a strong narrative hook. The game alludes to a major war and humanity’s push into space, while mysterious artifacts wait in caves, but the story rarely feels urgent. Exploration can start to feel like a series of hurdles to clear on the way to the next plot point, and that next revelation may not be especially gripping. The larger purpose eventually comes into focus, but some players may lose interest before it does.

I went in without high expectations for the story, which made it easy to enjoy the game for dozens of hours. There was plenty to do in the faction questlines alone. New Atlantis initially felt like little more than a place to shop, until I joined Ryujin Industries. Infiltrating the Crimson Fleet as a double agent led to a very different set of adventures, and gave me plenty of chances to explore my more destructive impulses. These missions introduced allies and rivals, while taking me to memorable locations I might otherwise have missed.

The most rewarding parts of Starfield were often the stories I made for myself. I set out to buy every house available in the settled systems, then filled them with the crafting materials I collected. On resource-rich planets, I built settlements of my own. I also raided hostile research facilities, fought off raiders, and searched their stashes for useful loot.

Exploration doesn’t always live up to the promise of an immense, thriving universe, but even its emptier planets have their appeal. Across scores of worlds, there’s always the chance of finding something unexpected — or a suitable place to build. The settlement system isn’t a dramatic leap beyond Fallout 4, but establishing a home among the stars remains a satisfying way to spend time.

Space combat became another favorite pastime. I began with a small, vulnerable ship that struggled to survive an attack. By the time I put the game down, I had assembled a fleet of heavily armored vessels capable of taking on nearly anything in the galaxy. The gradual transformation from underdog pilot to formidable captain was deeply satisfying — and still makes me want to jump back in.

Players are entitled to expect a game to fulfill the promises made in its marketing, so disappointment with Starfield is understandable. I simply approached it hoping for an enjoyable time, and it delivered. The game has also received updates that address some of its rougher edges, including navigation, with additions such as improved maps and new vehicles. It’s a worthwhile Bethesda adventure if you’re willing to make your own fun and look past the wandering main story.

Source: Polygon