Why I dont think Starfield is a misunderstood gem Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 9, 2024, 9:00amStarfield is its reputation deserved? (Bethesda)A reader rejects the idea that Starfield is not a disappointment and argues that its Bethesdas weakest game and no fun to explore.I read the recent Readers Feature regarding Starfield, and how much the reader loved the game, and I felt compelled to offer an alternative viewpoint.Ive enjoyed every single-player Bethesda role-playing game since Daggerfall, having somehow missed the first instalment of The Elder Scrolls. Ive trekked through Ashlands and Wastelands; fought (and friended) ancient, forgotten vampire families and android-loving, teleporting scientists; faced dragons and deathclaws, giants and super mutants.Ive killed an undead dragon in Blackreach and slaughtered the raiders of Nuka-World. Ive built settlements and bathed a city in cleansing nuclear fire. In short: Ive sunk untold hours into the masterpieces crafted by my favourite game designers and Ive loved every single minute of Bethesdas live another life, in another world approach to world building.I bought Starfield in early release last year, after eagerly anticipating it for many years. After a few short days I found myself bitterly disappointed. I denied it at first. I forced myself to sludge through the tedium because I just *knew* that it would get better. I was wrong.Bethesdas strength has never been cinematic storytelling or smooth, precise first person shooter gunplay, but rather exploration of a living world. It is that world which is supposed to be the shinning gem in my favourite games.I do not expect to be left in tears by masterful character development (as in Read Dead Redemption 2) nor blown away by slick, instinctive gunplay, but rather to be able to lose myself in a world worthy of hundreds of hours of exploration: I want to be a *part* of this alien world.This should be Starfields greatest strength, given the supposed scale of the game. Unfortunately, it falls completely flat. For the first time, Im forced to agree with the wide as an ocean, deep as a puddle criticism often levied against Bethesda.Emerge from the sewer in Skyrim, disembark the ship in Morrowind, flee a vault into the Capital Wasteland or stagger out of the doctors house, into the Mojave (OK that wasnt technically Bethesda, but what a game!) and head in any random direction. Know what youll find? Adventure. An endless, open world *filled* with adventure.There is every reason to delve into that sewer in Boston Common or that cave near Winterhold because you just know that something *will* be there. The world draws you in, a reason exists for the exploration.Land on any planet in Starfield and head in a random direction. Know what awaits you? Nothing. There are no points of interest. No real content. Nothing of interest to do. No story to pursue. Just endlessly recycled enemy encampments with vague, generic plots. Oh wow, another group of pirates in a science facility thats coincidentally identical to the 36 other that Ive explored this week. Yawn.Power up your grav drive and jump to a random system. Know whats there? A few asteroids. Maybe two or three lurking ships. Forgettable wildlife. A chance to mine for rocks. Sounds enthralling, huh?That isnt to say that the game is completely unenjoyable. There are moments of brilliance. Some of the quest lines are great. Ive enjoyed giving the finger to SysDef, and even the main story is interesting the first time.Slowly uncovering the truth about the artefacts and your powers may not match the experience of fulfilling the Nerevarine prophecy, but its still fun. Once. Finish those few experiences though and youll find that little else remains in this bland and empty universe.Ive been told by Starfield apologists that this is realistic, as space is supposed to be empty (as if a game with magic powers needs realism) and perhaps theyre right. Turns out realistic space exploration is boring. If you like Starfield, fine. Ive no interest in changing your mind. If youre on the fence, maybe skip this paint drying simulator. Surely there are better ways to spend your money. Like buying paint and actually watching it dry.As for me, Im still eagerly anticipating a *real* Bethesda game. Perhaps The Elder Scrolls 6 will scratch that itch. I definitely wont buy it early though; Ive learned to let others risk their money first.By reader Neil KennedyStarfield it turns out realism can be a bit dull (Bethesda)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : The PS5 Pro is not worth a near 50% price increase - Reader's FeatureMORE : Playing with my son at the UKs biggest games expo was unforgettable for both of us Readers FeatureMORE : Kids aren't playing Black Ops 6 and that's made it so much better - Reader's FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.