Summary
Starfieldhas been gaining traction recently, thanks in large part to the latest news and progress announcement at the Xbox Showcase during the 2024Summer Game Festevent. As Bethesda Game Studio’s first new IP in decades,Starfieldlaunched in September 2023 to high anticipation, and received somewhat mixed, but generally overall favorable reviews from players and critics, becoming the #11 bestselling title of the year too. While it was noted thatStarfieldhad some shortcomings and technical hitches, Bethesda has been working on smoothing these out ahead of the first major upcoming expansion, Shattered Space.
Now, the studio has unveiled the latest trailer for Shattered Space. Among the details seen in it, the trailer confirmed various longstanding suspicions that it will be focusing on and delving deeper into theintrigues surrounding House Va’ruunand its culture. The House is one ofStarfield’s more mysterious and less-fleshed out factions, at least previously. With the presentation and vibes in the footage, however, Shattered Space appears quite reminiscent of EA’sDead Spaceseries, particularly in its aspects that lean more towards the horror side of things, which are likely of interest to fans of both franchises.
Shattered Space is set for a fall release later this year.
Last year’sDead Spaceremake was widely regarded as one of the best horror titles of 2023, and an excellent title unto itself. EA Motive’s work on updating and modernizing Visceral Games' 2008 sci-fi horror classic was embraced and praised by both returning fans and newcomers to the franchise. Following this reception, though, rumors and insider information circulating pointed to it allegedly missing sales and other goals, and as of now, it seems anypossible futureDead Spaceprojects are on indefinite hold.
This is certainly unfortunate and disappointing for players who were hoping to see more reimaginedremasters and remakesin the series, and how they could be evolved to please and surprise gamers for the current generation. With the situation as such, andDead Spacestuck in limbo for the time being,Starfield’s Shattered Space might be shaping up to deliver an adjacent experience.
Starfield’s main campaign and factional storylines were mostly more grounded in terms of realism, though obviously with liberties taken to spice up the NASA-punk setting and design alongside a few outright horror-like inclusions hidden and sprinkled throughout its vast Settled Systems galaxy. However, theofficial gameplay trailer for Shattered Spacedoes not seem to shy away from the clear horror aspects on display. These will surely go hand-in-hand with the framework of the plot centering around House Va’ruun and its occult religion and shadowy practices. The vision glimpsed in the trailer brings to mind a number ofDead Spaceelements, such as strange rituals, eerie monoliths, and menacing monsters; all quite different than much of what was seen in the base game.
One interesting detail pointed out by fans isBethesda’s choice to describe Shattered Space as an “expansion"versus the standard DLC tag. Going by the last time this was the case, 2006’sThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, this could indicate a much larger and extensive package than has normally become expected. Promising to send players to Va’ruun’s homeworld of Va’ruun’kai and its capital city, Dazra, Shattered Space looks in many ways to be closely aligned in spirit toDead Spacewith its story and gameplay. If so, it will perhaps provide an experience that will serve to satisfyDead Spaceand horror gaming fans in general who may be looking for an experience in the same vein by bringingStarfield’s established elements more under the genre’s banner.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
