190°

Starfield's Trailer Reveals Fascinating New Tech - And Age-Old Concerns

Digital Foundry : It's fair to say that Starfield is one of the most anticipated games and it's not difficult to see why - Bethesda, for all its faults, has built its empire with large-scale open world RPGs. There's a reason games like Skyrim remain popular to this day - the meticulously crafted worlds and sense of freedom capture the imagination. On paper, Starfield feels like the logical conclusion, a game that extends beyond a single planet through the reaches of space. I thought it would be fun to dive into Bethesda's presentation and see what we can glean about the game - from basics like image quality and performance to the overall approach to tech and design.

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eurogamer.net
SullysCigar770d ago

There was a lot of jank. There's a long time to go before release, so we'll see.

Bethesda aren't a company whose games I'd bother to play day 1 anyway, given their past. I'll wait and hopefully have a more enjoyable and complete experience down the line. Skyrim was a broken mess for way too long, Fallout 4 was repetitive and got tedious fast. The least said about Fallout 76, the better.

I like the premise of Starfield though, having dipped into No Man's Sky again recently, so I'll keep an eye on how this progresses.

Atom666770d ago

So subtle there at the end...

You crack me up.

SullysCigar770d ago

Subtle? My reference to NMS? That's what I saw, NMS x Fallout 4. I'm not sure the latter part of that pairing is appealing.

If there's Fallout 4 style scrap collecting and NMS style mining in order to build anything, it's a pass for me. I'm burnt out on that kind of filler.

I'm hoping they can fix the flying and bring the shooting up to par, as they're more my bag. We'll know more next update.

Atom666770d ago

Maybe not so subtle then, lol.

Here's a good video on some of the differences between NMS and a game like Starfield.

https://youtu.be/P2Pf16MGHD...

Stanjara769d ago

Starfield is NMS. What? If you need to watch an hour long analysis how it isn't when in 3min trailer you saw that it is... well.

Atom666769d ago

@stanjara

Great point!!! Why have an educated opinion...

generic-user-name769d ago

What's this defensiveness over the NMS comparisons? NMS, eventually, became a good game. The Starfield demo immediately screamed NMS, admittedly though, the demo made it look like seamless transitions from surface to space would be a thing so it's less like NMS in that regard, but still. Describing Starfield as NMS with a Bethesda quest structure shouldn't automatically be an insult.

Atom666769d ago

It shouldn't be an insult, yet let's not pretend that it's not being used as one.

If you go past the demo and the console warrior circle jerks, you can have a healthy discussion about how it's similar or how it's not.

But that's not what we get.

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sparky77770d ago

And yet both Skyrim and Fallout 4 won bucket loads of GOTY awards.

Graphics don't make a game great, gameplay does and no one does WRPGs betters than Bethesda.

SullysCigar770d ago (Edited 770d ago )

Ever heard of The Witcher 3?

It's not about the graphics. Sure, they're average at best for the most part in Bethesda open worlds, but it's the gameplay I care about. That's often archaic too, with poor AI and combat, and repetitive gameplay loops.

I really enjoyed Skyrim - 6 years after it's troubled launch - only to discover there was STILL a quest bug preventing me from completing it. I checked the message boards and many others had the same problem, but Bethesda had drawn a line and moved on.

That's too frustrating and frankly unacceptable.

This is why I need more from their games before I leap in. Better quality, fully fleshed out, feature-rich, interesting gameplay and no quest bugs. I'm forever cautious given my experience and everything I've seen and heard of their most recent releases.

I'm still hopeful, because they have heaps of time still. I'm just not ploughing in money and time until I'm sure I'll get what I want from it. Others have seen enough and are all in already. We're all different.

Muigi769d ago

Horizon 1+2 and Witcher 3 say hello.

Godmars290769d ago

"Long time before release"?

Within twelve months is a "long time"?

SullysCigar769d ago

No, you're right. It's a long time to wait, not so much a long time in development terms - not with this much work to be done.

Obscure_Observer769d ago

"If there's Fallout 4 style scrap collecting and NMS style mining in order to build anything, it's a pass for me. I'm burnt out on that kind of filler."

Lol. So I´m glad to say that you no longer have to waste your time on Starfield topics, since Todd already confirmed that you´ll need resources/materials from different planets to build stations, ships and upgrade/craft your weapons/equipments.

This game definitely is not for you.

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XiNatsuDragnel770d ago

I think this game will be buggy because it's Bethesda in my opinion but hey to ppl who like it my respect to you.

Godmars290769d ago

Apparently many devs familiar with Bethesda's in house engine left because Fallout 76 was such a headache to make, so that's an issue with Starfield.

Gardenia769d ago

To me it looks mediocre, and I'm usually right. This games already has been hyped up way to much and after Fallout 76 Bethesda has a lot to make up for.

The engine that they are using for so long now has to get a major update or they should make a new one all together.

babadivad769d ago

People groaned when they heard this game and Elder Scrolls 6 will still be using this 25 year old engine. Todd could see the disappointment in the interviewer's eyes when he confirmed this.

Todd tried to spin it saying that they keep adding stuff onto it so it isn't a big deal. Besides, the modders know the engine so well they will be able to have mods ready as soon as the game launches.

babadivad769d ago

Because they're basically using a 25 year old game engine they have been trying to Frankenstein features onto for a decade.

It's going to have all the same exploits and issues every Gamebryo game Bethesda launches.

frostypants769d ago (Edited 769d ago )

It'll probably be awesome...a year or so after release. Bethesda hasn't released an RPG that wasn't a bugfest since the 1990s. Which is when the first two Elder Scrolls were released. And were also bugfests. So more accurately they've never released an RPG that wasn't a bug fest, I guess.

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isarai770d ago

My issue with this, is i'm getting real Destiny reveal vibes here. Lots of TALK about exploration and adventure, but not SHOWING it. You'd think if they were "putting on the finishing touches" at this point, they would be able to show a sizeable bit of exploration. Instead all we got was a cutscene transition landing to a small camp, a shootout. Then a very empty space dogfight. Where was the exploration? Not saying it for sure isn't there, but i think it's a red flag that they didn't show it

Lightning77770d ago

"My issue with this, is i'm getting real Destiny reveal vibes here. Lots of TALK about exploration and adventure, but not SHOWING it."

It's a Bethesda Game of course it has exploration. That's a weird concern. So you believe it's some sort of linear experience? Or there's no exploration or something?

isarai770d ago (Edited 770d ago )

The industry in general has made me skeptical of everything and everyone but this red flag always permeates into an issue when dev/publishers talk a lot about a key pillar in their game and for whatever reason dont show it. Bethesda has always premiered their RPGs with some wandering around to show you the world, so why not this time? The fact that it IS the outlier is what concerns me. I'm not saying one way or the other, i'm just saying something is up, and whenever any game does this it's cause they were hiding something, be it lackluster map, fruitless exploration, or not what they suggested. I hope im wrong, but it's certainly weird

XxINFERNUSxX769d ago

I just want to know how many bugs we will see upon release? 🤣🤣

769d ago Replies(2)
ironmonkey769d ago

Who knows, your ship might look like a beetle lol. Jk

XxINFERNUSxX769d ago

I'll take it lol. My flying beetle 😁

generic-user-name769d ago

Seeing a lot of 'if you criticise Starfield, it's because it's an Xbox exclusive and you're a fanboy' on comment sections and twitter. Which is a great shield for Bethesda. Let's not forget they were called Bugthesda long before they were acquired.

VenomCarnage89769d ago

It's a great shield for anything Xbox. They don't even have to release a game for 2 years and they'll have simps foaming at the mouth to defend their practices. Meanwhile it's too much for us to ask Ms to simply be competent in the industry, enough so to keep competitors in their toes at least

Atom666769d ago

Calls out fanboys...regurgitates fanboy drivel in response.

Users who post nothing but negative xbox shit posts every day aren't who I'd look to for constructive criticism. Yet, they seem to be leading the charge on forums and Twitter.

Not all criticism is genuine. Not all push back is "shielding."

generic-user-name769d ago

"Users who post nothing but negative xbox shit posts every day aren't who I'd look to for constructive criticism."

If a 'Sony Pony' or 'Nintendrone' point out a choppy framerate, an NPC in the trailer literally walking around with her head on backwards and some mediocre looking FPS combat, these criticisms don't become automatically void. They may take pleasure in pointing those things out of course, but that's besides the point. If you want Starfield to do well, you'll amplify those complaints so MS know, if you just care about not letting the other team win you can downplay and act like it's fine 'because that's what Bethesda fans have come to expect' (a line I've read several times since the reveal).

Atom666768d ago

If I want Starfield to do well, I'm going to sit here and wait for it.

Shit posting about it on N4G isn't going to improve its frame rates.

generic-user-name768d ago

Pointing out blatant flaws is not shit posting. Pointing out blatant flaws makes them harder for Bethesda/MS to ignore.

Atom666767d ago

Lol. Are you trying to gaslight me here about console warriors?

I'm sure you can find some legitimate discussion and criticisms. Most of mine occur on discord.

Generally, calling any of the critiques to be about "blatant flaws" is asinine and hyperbolic, especially when based on a single damn trailer...

But let's cut the bullshit. Go find the critics, and look at their profiles. I know what you're going to find, and it's not a bunch of folks commenting in good faith in hopes of improving a game.

It's a bunch of grown ass adults who spending hours of their day talking shit about plastic. Not who I would defend...

generic-user-name766d ago

"It's a bunch of grown ass adults who spending hours of their day talking shit about plastic. Not who I would defend..."

The problem is dismissing all criticism of the game as being from these people. My experience is being labelled an Xbox hater for pointing out some issues on Twitter that are evident in the demo. Oblivion, and especially Skyrim, had horrendous performance on PS3, Fallout 4 had horrific stuttering in places on PS4, F76 was just horrific all over for all platforms. Bethesda absolutely deserve the scrutiny, and I don't care what set of fanboys want to argue against that, facts are facts.

They create fascinating worlds too, otherwise I wouldn't bother even complaining. Oblivion is one of my all time favorites. I just want their technical ability to be as good as their ability to create a world, something that won't happen while they are being molly coddled by sycophants, they have MS money now, there should be no more excuses.

Atom666766d ago

So, to be clear, you're advocating for those who scrutinize the performance in a 10(?) minute demo? Come on now...

I do appreciate the "Microsoft money" angle, though.

We both know that here's how this will play out: If Starfield is well-received, we will mostly hear about how little MS had to do with the development.

If it is buggy or unappealing, then it is back to being on Microsoft.

Sorry, but the thinly veiled trolling on here and elsewhere from the usual crowd of emotional man-children isn't getting much empathy from me.

I can empathize with those who have legitimate criticism, though. They shouldn't be labeled the same as the trolls, just as those pushing back on fanboys shouldn't automatically be labeled as "sycophants."

Fair?

generic-user-name766d ago

"So, to be clear, you're advocating for those who scrutinize the performance in a 10(?) minute demo? Come on now..."

I can only judge a game based on what they make available. I see the issues in the demo, I know Bethesda are behind the game, therefore it's only logical to have real concern that these will still be issues at launch. If they fix those by then, great, I'll be happy.

"We both know that here's how this will play out: If Starfield is well-received, we will mostly hear about how little MS had to do with the development.

If it is buggy or unappealing, then it is back to being on Microsoft."

Yeah, there will be a group who are like this, same as there are groups who claim TLOU2 is dog sh*t, and every other exclusive ever. That's never going to go away, but shouldn't stop you enjoying Starfield if it's good.

"I can empathize with those who have legitimate criticism, though. They shouldn't be labeled the same as the trolls, just as those pushing back on fanboys shouldn't automatically be labeled as "sycophants."

Yeah, just as long as you're sure those criticising the game are trolls, in my case I got pushback from genuine criticism. While I am far more a Sony fan than MS, I've still enjoyed Beth games and want Starfield to be the reason I finally jump in on Game Pass.

Atom666765d ago

Easy enough to tell the trolls from others. Not like they're smart enough to hide their daily cries for attention.

People still swear that any criticism of TLOU2 is either trolls or far-right extremists. Naughty Dog is my favorite dev team, but even though I wasn't thrilled about the story choices, I was never inclined to wade into critiquing it pre-release.

Bethesda is less controversial, but you understand the irony, right?

People critiqued TLOU based on a snippet of info. It's the same bitter, reactionary, "everything is shit" attitude we see now. And it is beyond tiresome at this point.

Overreacting and whining didn't lead ND to change its vision. The same is true of the shit posts dissecting a 10 min trailer today.

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290°

10 "Bad" Games I Actually Enjoyed

TNS: "We're shining a light on a bunch of "bad" games that may've been left wanting when it comes to their critical or audience reception."

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thenerdstash.com
Profchaos2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Good list I've had similar reactions to some games even ones on the list like the order and Callisto

Also I recently grabbed forspoken for, 5 dollars at a eb games Clarence sale and I am actually enjoying it more than I thought I would

Sometimes you just need to give critically panned games a chance

FTLmaster2d ago

Oh gosh, good shout on Forspoken! Genuinely forgot about that one, and haven't got around to playing it. It's on my to-buy-in-a-sale list!

Cacabunga1d 15h ago (Edited 1d 15h ago )

Knack was great ! Had a blast with the first one. Haven’t tried the second one though due to backlog

The Fight: Lights Out was also a game i enjoyed very much and highly detailed with great motion control when you understand how they work, which is what pushed people away from this game..

LoveSpuds1d 13h ago

Both The Order and Calisto were harshly treated in my view. I am not saying they are perfect, but the were both really solid games. I personally really liked them despite acknowledging their flaws and coincidentally, got the platinum trophy for both games.

Evil West is another really fun game that's worth checking out for sure.

andy851d 13h ago

Forspoken was great. Never really understood all the criticism. 2nd best traversal in a game after Spiderman

Profchaos1d 7h ago

Yeah gameplay wise I get huge infamous vibes with its combat starting out as low level eventually becoming a unstoppable power spewing killing machine with a wide variety of powers infamous is one of my favourite franchises obviously it's not the same but I love the combat of it so far.

ChasterMies2d ago

I feel like we’re finally starting to see a sea change in how we treat our favorite games. Sure, we all acknowledge that a game can suck and we can still enjoy it. Hopefully this results in meaningful review scores. Personally, I find a lot of bad games are better if you blast through them on the easiest difficulty. Callisto protocol on the image is a good example of this.

LoveSpuds1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

I really liked Calisto, harshly treated for sure and I don't necessarily think it needs to be played on easy to enjoy it. It's not perfect, but it's not the car crash the media portrayed it as either.

I have said it before, but part of the issue is that there is a mind share going on in games coverage, with all the main outfits being personal friends and talking too each other. As such, there is a risk that everyone ends up sharing in the same opinion rather than thinking from themselves. I reckon that's why some games get a universal bashing when consumers actually like the game and equally, games get great reviews across the board and the game doesnt land with consumers.

RaidenBlack2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Actually, I started liking FO76 after the wastelanders DLC ... it has been my guilty pleasure
other games I can think of Order 1886, Driveclub, Resident Evil 6 (only the Leon part), Alpha Protocol (pretty unique, needs a remake), XIII Remake (after patches), Medal of Honor 2010, Medal of Honor Warfighter, Homefront The Revolution, Enemy Front, Legendary The Box, Faces of War, Conflict: Vietnam, Conflict: Global Storm & Codename: Panzers – Cold War

CosmicTurtle2d ago

Driveclub was genuinely a good game with a poor launch. Alpha Protocol is superb, just a few archaic design choices for the time.

RaidenBlack1d 15h ago

I want past games with interesting setups/mechanics but having some flaws (due to crunch or budget) to be remade so that the gaming community can appreciate and enjoy them as was envisioned and intended by the developers. In contrast to a successful game being remade again just with prettier coat of paint.
Alpha Protocol tops that and I'll include FO:NV as well as an exception (it is popular but features were cut due to limited dev time). And also Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines I, Singularity, KOTOR II and maybe Daikatana.
There might be others which I can't recall atm.

SonyStyled2d ago

I loved Enemy Front. I pre ordered it months prior and remember calling the store to check if it came out that day. The guy never heard of it but confirmed my copy was ready to pick up. Game was simple and basic in a good way. Didn’t have any tacked on extras. A simple mission and objectives in each level. Kind of reminded me of the first Crysis in a way

gold_drake2d ago

The Order was really good. abit short

RiseNShine2d ago

I loved The Order, ridiculous graphics for it's time and a very interesting setting, it was linear but not as bad as people say. Similar thing with Callisto Protocol, i admit that i played it a long time after release so maybe issues were fixed by then, but it was a fantastic Dead Space-like horror game with some of the best graphics i've seen in my life.

LoveSpuds1d 13h ago

Yup, I am afraid to say I waited on Calisto and picked it up for around 30 quid. Once I played it on felt really badly for the devs because the game was really decent.

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100°

Earth Becomes Habitable Again in Starfield, Thanks to this Mod

Thanks to the Starfield Creation Kit, the "Earth Restored" mod has transformed the Earth into a Pine Forest and filled the sea with life.

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gamerstones.com
4d ago
130°

Starfield DLC needs to be as awe-inspiring as Shadow of the Erdtree to win players back

Shadow of the Erdtree saw a 1000% player count surge at its launch. Will Starfield’s Shattered Space be able to do the same?

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starfielddb.com
Brazz14d ago

Spoiler... It Will not. Bethesda is outdated.

anast14d ago

If it gets rid of the loading screens and adds space exploration, it will.

phoenixwing14d ago

loading screens and zones are hardboiled into the game, they would have to remake it to change it. which if they had just made a new engine or used someone else's they wouldn't be in this mess

purple10114d ago

only PSpro release will get rid of there loading, at at minimum, half the time it takes.

lucian22914d ago

nah cuz game has multiple things that have to happen before transition to outer space; issue is it isnt seamless

BoneMagnus14d ago

I played Starfield this past weekend. I enjoyed it and overall was about 30 hours in, but as soon as I got the e-mail about the GamePass price increase, I cancelled my account and deleted Starfield, Halo, Forza and others off my Series X.

If I want to play those games, I’ll just buy them outright - and truth is, I’m pretty sure I won’t. They aren’t worth it to me.

Ninver14d ago

Brutal truth. Thanks gor being honest.

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