Reviews for the most anticipated RPG probably ever are in, and they look… decent, not too bad, but not too bright either.
As game critics received Starfield in advance for review purposes, we can get an idea of what the game is all about ahead of its release date on September 6th. If we go by these critics’ reviews, we can get an idea of how the game plays out, and if it’s worth the wait and the $70 price tag. Unfortunately for everybody, it seems like Starfield has received so far mixed reviews, in the ballpark of 7/10, which is not a bad score by any means, It’s just not what people expected, an incredibly detailed and engaging game. Something along the lines of Space Skyrim.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what the biggest critics out there had to say about Bethesda’s latest space opera RPG. For each video game outlet review, I’ll make a small summary of what they had to say about Starfield. To read their full reviews, make sure to check out the link at the end of each description. With that being said, let’s dive in and see what critics had to say about one of the most anticipated single-player RPG games of all time.
Gamespot – 7/10
The allure of space and the anticipation of Bethesda’s game “Starfield” evoke a sense of wonder and potential, sparking expectations of a unique cosmic adventure. However, the reality doesn’t quite match this anticipation. While impressive in scale and mechanics, the grandiose vision of space exploration and narrative coherence falters upon closer inspection. The main quest’s shallow narratives undersell the spacefaring premise, and side quests offer more depth, but not consistently. The RPG elements lack impactful choice, overshadowed by the game’s shooter mechanics. Despite its novelties, “Starfield” ultimately misses a clear sense of purpose, presenting a well-tread formula that doesn’t delve deeply into its cosmic potential. Read the full review here.
IGN – 7/10
“Starfield” overcomes its initial flaws to deliver a rewarding experience, although starting slow. The game’s disjointed space travel, navigation issues, and frustrating inventory management pose challenges. Yet, the enjoyment of piloting a personalized spaceship through ethically intricate situations in a rich sci-fi universe turns the tide. As the interstellar mystery unfolds, combat on foot and in space improves, propelling the experience into a satisfying New Game+ phase. Similar to Bethesda’s past RPGs, the allure of unexplored roleplaying quests and intriguing NPCs remains strong, making the journey through its complexities ultimately worthwhile. Read the full review here.
PC Gamer – 75/100
“Starfield” offers a mix of engaging experiences in the Milky Way. Initially, it takes time to find the fun, with the early hours feeling lackluster. The game’s introduction and initial locations are unimpressive, requiring about a dozen hours to truly enjoy. While some aspects, like space travel, docking, and boarding ships, involve cutscenes, the shooting mechanics and character movement are improved. However, main quests can be repetitive, and the exploration of over 1,000 planets feels underwhelming. The game shines when players create their own goals, offering a sandbox for personal narratives. While not reaching the heights of Bethesda’s past RPGs, “Starfield” provides an entertaining experience. Read the full review here.
Game Informer – 85/100
Exploring a galaxy of solar systems, planets, and ships, “Starfield” brings Bethesda’s familiar gameplay style into a new sci-fi realm. The vastness of its content, including activities and missions, offers players hundreds of hours of exploration. The narrative begins with a space miner who stumbles upon a mysterious artifact, leading to a network of human colony worlds. The game’s strong suit lies in character dialogue and storytelling, with unique personalities and interactions. While some missions and activities can become repetitive, the joy of exploration is a core aspect. However, navigation and combat mechanics pose challenges, but the well-crafted presentation and universe make it a captivating experience. Read the full review here.
VG247 – 80/100
In the universe of “Starfield,” humanity’s quest for cosmic understanding coexists with exploration, piracy, and shifting themes. The game presents a mix of anti-war messages and military promotion, smuggling, and law enforcement. However, its myriad concepts lack cohesion and depth. While character interactions and world-building impress, gameplay can be frustrating. The portrayal of societal issues focuses heavily on American perspectives. The game’s potential shines sporadically, buried within its expansive galaxy. “Starfield” remains a complex amalgamation, offering moments of brilliance but ultimately falling short of a cohesive and exceptional experience. Read the full review here.
Starfield reviews summary
Currently sitting at 88/100 on Metacritic (critic score) with 50 reviews, Starfield seems to be unanimous among critics as being a good game. Not a bad game by any means, but just a good one, not an amazing one either. If you don’t trust game critics or think they are too critical of the game, or rather not critical enough, maybe you should wait for the Metacritic user reviews to show up along with the Steam ones. Although, user reviews tend to be hyper-critical of any video game, while critic reviews are more forgiving. Maybe the truth is somewhere in between. Or better yet, play the game and make up your own mind about how much you enjoy it. One thing is for sure. Bethesda will give lots of support for Starfield via day 1 patches, DLCs, and other bug fixes and updates.
