Starfield, Bethesda's first original IP in 25 years, has been labeled as a "good game" by former system designer Bruce Nesmith. However, he noted that it doesn't reach the high bar set by titles like Fallout and Elder Scrolls. The game received criticism for its reliance on procedural generation, leading to repetitive planet exploration. Nesmith expressed disappointment over the lack of varied intense encounters with alien creatures, indicating that the game's emphasis on human enemies diminished its potential. Furthermore, he reflected on how audience expectations have impacted the game's reception, suggesting it might have been better received had it been launched by a different studio. Fans are optimistic about future updates, including a potential PS5 release that could revitalize interest in Starfield.

What are the main criticisms of Starfield according to its former designer?

The main criticisms include the use of procedural generation leading to repetitive planets and a lack of diverse enemy encounters, with most serious opponents being human instead of alien creatures.

Starfield marks a significant addition to Bethesda's portfolio, aiming to expand the RPG genre into a space setting. The game's ambitious premise combines exploration and storytelling, but fan feedback suggests that it could improve with richer content and a more diverse enemy lineup. Released in 2023, Starfield's two-year journey has kept players engaged, with numerous speculations about future downloadable content and possible enhancements on different platforms.