Bethesda Game Studios has produced numerous successful video games, the most notable coming from its RPG franchises,The Elder ScrollsandFallout. Many revere these venerable series for their expansive worlds, compelling lore, and immersive gameplay. In truth, few RPGs stand to compare to these franchises and attain the same if not more success. Yet, Bethesda is looking to recreate the magic ofThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutwithStarfield,its first new IP in 25 years set in an era of space exploration and colonization.
RELATED:Starfield Definitely Seems Like Skyrim, Fallout in Space
Starfieldaims to be a unique entry in Bethesda’s line of RPGs,taking to the stars with a captivating universe driven by science fiction. It has taken great strides to distinguish itself and triumph as a franchise all on its own, yet there must be a balance in doing so. While it should strive to individualize itself,Starfieldshould not be afraid to take inspiration from other Bethesda games, chiefly fromThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutfranchises. There is much to learn from these phenomenal RPG titles that achieved significant, deserved success over the years.
6A Living World - The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowindis famed for its intriguing and engaging setting, which feels life-like despite being so captivatingly wondrous. The land of Morrowind and its people have an air of realism and depth unseen in other Bethesda games. Every location, every person, and every quest has nuance and meaning to it rather than being an inconsequential means of killing time, which is consistent with the latest Bethesda RPGs.
Starfieldshould adopt the approachThe Elder Scrolls III: Morrowindtook when creating its world. It should aim to make everything feel meaningful, detailed, and living. Doing so will allow players to immerse themselves in the world and treat everything with greater importance. Therefore, allowing players to become lost inStarfieldand approach things, not as they would other RPGs, but with a meaningful consideration of the world.
5Seamless Engaging Immersion - Fallout 3
Fallout 3immerses players into the game in a very seamless and engaging fashion.It grants players a look into pivotal points of the main character’s life, such as their birth, childhood, and transformation into an adult. This visceral look into everyday life in the world ofFalloutgrants insight, allowing players to immerse themselves seamlessly. Such a unique approach to engaging players is unprecedented in other Bethesda titles and RPGs.
Starfieldshould utilize the intimate wayFallout 3immerses players in the game. It should take time to introduce and connect players to its world, granting them a deep understanding and feel of everything it has to offer. Thus, providing players the perspective beneficial to engaging themselves withStarfielddeeply. This more meaningful immersion allows RPGs to shine brilliantly and stand out from the rest, making them memorable and compelling.
4Uniquely Compelling DLC - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivionfeatures a variety of DLC meant to build upon the world and offer players extra content. Every expansion of the base game adds to it uniquely and compellingly, recreating the magic seen in the main story while being distinct enough to keep players' interest. These DLCs have earnedThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivionmuch fame and renown that other Bethesda titles have not, as their extra content fails to compare.
RELATED:Starfield’s Ship Creation Helps Players Feel Like a True Captain
Starfieldshould look toThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivionwhen creating DLC, as it is the hallmark of what expansions should be. It should provide extra content that captures the feel of the base game while doing something new, something that can stand alone while being a meaningful addition. Doing so will keepStarfieldrelevant for many years and earn it the same or alike reverence asThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
3A Balanced Atmosphere - Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegasboasts a remarkable balance of the serious and the comedic to make a perfect atmosphere. There is never a dull moment as there is an air of solemnity with a fair share of hilarity.Fallout: New Vegasmanages to blend an engaging feel with senseless comedy in a way that does not muddle the game but builds upon it instead. Few RPGs can achieve a balanced atmosphere such as this, often falling short.
Starfieldcan learn much fromFallout: New Vegasand make it a point to balance their atmosphere, keeping things serious while allowing lighter tones to shine through. Doing so will make the game a well-balanced experience that grants players solace from the sober gravity of the game overall. While its general atmosphere is weighty,Starfieldcan do with a few lighthearted moments now and then, keeping the tone of it all balanced.
2Considerable Player Freedom - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimreceives much praise for its emphasis on player freedom, which is considerable regarding some RPGs' restrictiveness. This game permits players to do nearly anything, such as joining a variety of factions, regardless of if they would make a good fit. While such freedom seems and often is ridiculous occasionally, the purpose of an RPG is to allow players to do whatever they please, within reason, of course.
Starfieldshould strive to achieve similar player freedom as inThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Maybe not to the same extent but something close, granting players the opportunity to do almost anything they desire. ShouldStarfieldprovide players considerable freedom in all they do, there is no telling the number of stuff players can doin a galaxy with over a thousand worlds to exploreand near endless prospects to investigate.
1Wacky Futuristic Technology - Fallout 4
Fallout 4features some of the most ridiculous yet surprisingly functional technology in the RPG genre. Giant nuke-throwing robots, molecule-altering teleporters, and bowling ball launchers are some absurd technologies players can find in the game. Despite being the most insane works of science fiction, they do well to capitalize on the future ofFallout 4, meriting the forgiveness of players for the wackiness and implausibility of it all.
Starfieldshould take fromFallout 4and implement some wacky futuristic technology, although maybe nothing as outlandish as a democracy-loving, communism-hating, nuke-toting machine. Still,the realistic NASA-punk theme of the gamecould do with some fun, albeit unrealistic, works of science fiction. Such technologies can vastly improveStarfieldand capitalize on its genre,granting fans the science fiction RPG they envisioned for a while.
Starfieldis scheduled to release in 2023 on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:Starfield: A Complete History of Rumors, Speculation, Reveals, and More
