Starfield review: Exploring boundless possibilities of the universe

"Starfield" is Bethesda's highly anticipated open-world space adventure game that promises expansive exploration and engaging gameplay. Fans are eagerly awaiting its release on September 6.

CBS Essentials, an independent creation separate from CBS News editorial staff, may earn commissions from certain links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

"Starfield" is the newest addition to Bethesda's renowned lineup of open-world games, which have come to define the genre with franchises like "The Elder Scrolls" and "Fallout." Set to release on September 6 (with Early Access buyers gaining access on September 1), the anticipation for this cosmic adventure is reaching its peak.

This game is a monumental undertaking, offering space-faring fans vast expanses to explore, thrilling combat, lovable companions, and hours upon hours of gameplay in what could be one of the most extensive role-playing adventures ever created. "Starfield" has made grand promises to its fans, and it fully intends to deliver on those promises.

So, how does Bethesda's first venture into the stars measure up? Join me as I share my hands-on experience of my intergalactic journey through "Starfield."

"Starfield" feels like the culmination of years of trial and error for Bethesda. While the company has dominated the open-world fantasy genre, their ventures into science fiction have been less consistent. Fans of the "Fallout" series have been divided on the recent direction of the franchise, particularly with the polarizing "Fallout 76." Additionally, the next installment of "The Elder Scrolls" is still years away and firmly rooted in the fantasy realm.

"Starfield" takes a completely different path, venturing away from post-apocalyptic Earth to explore the vastness of the cosmos. It invites players to delve into the Settled Systems, a complex vision of the 24th century filled with inter-faction tensions, existential questions, and layers of narrative depth.

As a new recruit for the mining corporation Argos Extractors, you initially find yourself in what seems like a thankless job. However, everything changes when you stumble upon a mysterious artifact that holds more secrets than meets the eye. Suddenly, you find yourself joining the ranks of the Constellation, a group of space explorers tasked with investigating similar alien artifacts and harnessing their awe-inspiring powers.

But "Starfield" is more than just an "alien mystery" storyline. It presents an array of political and existential dilemmas, a chessboard of factions that shape the trajectory of the game. From the United Colonies to the Freestar Collective, and even smaller rogue players like corporate tycoons and borderline cultists, the game is filled with diverse factions that add depth and complexity to the experience. The United Colonies, for example, resembles a combination of Earth's military in "Starship Troopers" and the planet's role in the sci-fi series "The Expanse."

In contrast, the Freestar Collective exudes a rustic, rowdy feel reminiscent of the world in the sci-fi classic "Firefly," with its unique Wild Western decorum and style. On the other end of the spectrum, Ryujin Industries epitomizes the faceless corporation, maintaining an all-business demeanor even in the face of adversity. And this is just the beginning.

Creating your character in "Starfield" is a more satisfying experience, especially if you've been a fan of Bethesda's previous games and character creators. There is a wide variety of preset models to choose from, or you can dive into the details and customize every aspect of your explorer. While Bethesda may have missed the mark on fashionable hairstyles, leaving longer hairstyles behind, this minor gripe will likely be rectified by modders once the game is released.

While you can venture through the game alone, exploring the countless side quests and sub-plots, you will inevitably find yourself entangled in someone else's drama, which makes for exciting storytelling. Depending on your choices, you may become embroiled in corporate warfare, take sides in faction disputes, or even pursue a career in space piracy. These situations showcase the game's nuanced skill system, allowing you to tackle challenges head-on or employ more discreet tactics.

Combat in "Starfield" is equally robust. No expense has been spared to make it as engaging as diplomatic negotiations. Ship-to-ship engagements are intricate and thrilling, allowing you to manage various onboard systems in real-time. Space combat enthusiasts will be thrilled by the level of detail. And if you're in the mood to embrace your darker side, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of space piracy, plundering cargo from unsuspecting travelers. Just be cautious not to get caught with contraband, as it will lead to a whole new set of problems.

The amount of content in this game is staggering. Just when you think you've seen it all, another quest or new location pops up on your radar. The allure of the game remains even after you believe you've explored every nook and cranny. The addition of a robust New Game+ mode adds replayability, offering a fresh perspective on the cosmos and your place in it once you've completed the main storyline. You can dive back in and experience it all over again, armed with newfound wisdom.

Of course, it's important to mention the glitches that occurred during my playthrough. If you've played a Bethesda game at launch or during its early days, you're likely familiar with the occasional issues that arise, such as stuttering character models or companions behaving strangely during conversations. While it's disappointing to encounter these glitches, considering the game's lengthy development time, it's almost expected given the sheer amount of content packed into the game. Hopefully, these issues will be patched out upon release. Fortunately, I didn't encounter any game-breaking glitches, only moments of hilarity as my companion Sam walked off-screen and ignored me mid-conversation.

Despite its imperfections, "Starfield" is an ambitious endeavor that successfully blends the wonders of outer space with limitless cosmic exploration. It is an RPG that constantly challenges your assumptions and rewards your curiosity, making it a must-play for any RPG or space exploration enthusiast.

The verdict is clear: if you've ever dreamt of venturing into the unknown depths of space, "Starfield" should be your next destination.

Share With Others