Launching into the Cosmos: Lessons Starfield Can Take from Fallout 4

As anticipation builds for Bethesda's forthcoming sci-fi RPG, Starfield, it's clear this exciting new venture has some formidable shoes to fill. One game that provides a fruitful blueprint is none other than Bethesda's own Fallout 4. With its intricate world-building, narrative depth, and remarkable gameplay mechanics, Fallout 4 provides a wealth of insights into Starfield. Here are the 10 key elements from Fallout 4 that we hope to see make an appearance in Starfield.

1. Settlements

One of the most engrossing aspects of Fallout 4 was the ability to build and manage settlements. This added a layer of depth and complexity to the game, allowing players to invest in their progress and survival in a meaningful way. For Starfield, this could translate into building and managing entire colonies or space stations, offering players a tangible connection to the game's world on a grand scale.

2. Laser Weapons

Sci-fi and laser weapons go hand in hand. The varied weaponry of Fallout 4 added to its charm and depth, with laser weapons offering a satisfyingly futuristic edge. This gave gamers a vast arsenal to choose from, suiting a range of play styles. If Starfield can present a comparable variety in its weapons, it will undoubtedly make for a richer, more enjoyable combat experience.

3. NPCs and Companions

Non-playable characters (NPCs) and companions are crucial to the player’s experience. In Fallout 4, your companions had unique backstories and could converse, trade, and relate with the player, creating an immersive world. With Starfield's expansive universe, the opportunity to meet, interact, and forge relationships with a diverse array of characters is an exciting prospect.

4. Replayability

Fallout 4 is notorious for its high replay value, with multiple endings, branching storylines, and various character build. Such features extend the life of the game, providing fresh experiences with every playthrough. Starfield can truly shine if it incorporates similar elements, allowing players to explore new paths and decisions in the vast universe.

5. Game-Changing Mods

Mods have become a standard feature in many Bethesda games, and Fallout 4 was no exception. From minor cosmetic changes to complete game overhauls, the modding community has been instrumental in keeping the game fresh and exciting long after its release. A similar mod-friendly approach in Starfield can provide an ever-evolving gaming experience that players can tailor to their preferences.

6. Environments

The wasteland of Fallout 4 was vast, varied, and full of secrets. From desolate plains to bustling towns, every inch of the world was filled with discoveries and dangers. If Starfield can recreate this sense of exploration and surprise across its planets, it will provide a truly engaging and intriguing environment for players to discover.

7. Factions

The ability to align with different factions in Fallout 4 offered an interesting dynamic, allowing players to shape alliances and rivalries. If Starfield features comparable factions with distinct goals and philosophies, it could add immense depth to the game, giving players the agency to sway the balance of power in the universe.

8. Karma

Fallout 4's karma system gave weight to player decisions, with consequences for actions that could affect relationships and the course of the story. If Starfield can implement a similar system, it would empower players to shape their journey, making for a more personalized and immersive experience.

9. Dialogue Options

Fallout 4 had an extensive dialogue system, offering players a variety of responses in conversations that could affect the game's outcome. A broadly comparable system in Starfield could allow for a nuanced narrative where player choices truly matter.

10. Weapon & Armor Modification

In Fallout 4, the ability to modify weapons and armor allowed players to adapt their gear to specific needs, adding a layer of strategy to combat. In a game like Starfield, where the threats could be as varied as the universe itself, such customization would be a valuable and engaging feature.

While it's important for Starfield to carve its own unique path in the gaming landscape, these elements from Fallout 4 could inform its development in a positive way. If the game can successfully blend these features with new innovations, it could potentially offer a gaming experience that's out of this world.