Starfield Review

Thanks to the folks at Bethesda we’ve been taking a look at their galaxy-spanning RPG, Starfield. This is an expansive title, and we’ve taken a good look through as much of the game as we can. You can find our full Starfield review just below, in both written and video format. Our full review is provided with a common-sense parent’s guide, and accessibility analysis.

You can also find our review in under a minute, over on TikTok. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section or over on any social media platform, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

The Basics – What is Starfield About?

Available on: PC, Xbox Series X|S (GamePass)
Price: £59.99 (Steam) £69.99 (Microsoft Store and Xbox)
Type: Sci-Fi RPG
Download: 116GB (PC) 102GB (Xbox)

Blasting off into an extended galaxy, Starfield is Bethesda’s first new universe for 25 years. While it brings new features, it’s one which will certainly feel instantly familiar to those who’ve dabbled with Elder Scrolls or Fallout over the years.

Starfield showcases a lot of mechanics which we’ve grown to love over the years. A lot of these have been augmented with new looks (such as digital lockpicking) and of course a new, minimalist UI. Things like sneaking, inventory management, and upgrading of weapons and space suits also make a return.

If you do decide to play through the story mode a little (and we do suggest you get a few missions in before roaming the galaxy) you’ll also quickly unlock specialist powers, in addition to a considerable standard skill tree. You’ll use these skills and powers (alongside a lot of guns) to navigate a central narrative, as well as more side quests than you could shake a deathclaw at.

So, What’s New in Starfield?

In addition to bringing back mechanics which we know and love, Starfield does manage to be much more than just “Fallout in Space”. Firstly, we’ve moved from one local area, to a galaxy spanning over 1,000 planets in more than 100 star systems. There’s a lot of space (HAH!) between planets, and surfaces themselves do feature a lot of barren plains. The various outposts you’ll find are mostly repeated, and it’s important to remember that not all of them have a divine secret to work towards.

We also have a new space combat system, where you’ll fight against other ships using a variety of weapons and damage types. In terms of exploration, Starfield is certainly limited when compared to other dedicated space flight sims. Travel between planets and systems is menu-based, rather similar to a fast travel system.

However there are opportunities for flight within small areas, where you can find combat, and even engage in a life of piracy. It’s possible to cripple engines and shields in Starfield, and this will allow you to dock and board the ship. Whether you’re doing this to clear out pirates or kind space travellers is up to you, but either way you can find credits, items and experience, as well as some random encounters here and there.

Starfield expands further on Fallout 4’s base building, allowing you to build pretty much anywhere. While there are some limitations (which will stop you building on or near already built-up or important areas) bases can be great for getting rest, or gathering materials. It’s nice to have your own home out in the black, as a refuge and a place to expand your inventory space.

Scanning of planets has been basic but fun for us. After scanning each planet, you’ll need to closely scan each material, as well as any flora, fauna and notable areas. Doing so will class the planet as surveyed, and you can sell this data on as well, meaning your completionist tendencies might make you some in-game cash. Collecting the resources will also help as you construct, craft and upgrade your outposts, weapons, space suits and other equipment.

Is Starfield Safe for Children?

Rating: Notable Concern.

Starfield is rated by PEGI at 18 and above, and by the ESRB as a Mature 17+, meaning that even from the outset it might not be safe for kids. Much like Elder Scrolls and Fallout, this one does contain violence, and really whether you want to or not, you’ll have to face off against NPCs in many often-bloody confrontations. This can also get quite bloody, and it’s one where you’ll also find various scenes involving murder, suicide and a fair few other dark themes.

There’s also bad language here, and drug use as well both in terms of sci-fi medicine and recreational substances. Starfield also contains some scary elements, mostly being accosted by hostile alien creatures but also some generally not-suitable themes.

As it’s possible to avoid some of these themes at times, it’s one we’ve been able to play in front of the Micro-Bandits, but at this time it’s not one we’d suggest for anybody under the age of 15 or 16.

Is Starfield Accessible?

Rating: Intense.

Starfield does have difficulty options, a big font mode, subtitles and sensitivity options, and the title will allow players to remap buttons to their heart’s content which is a great step. Unfortunately in terms of accessibility that step is also where it ends.

The title has removed the VATs system outside spaceflight, meaning that play can be quite hectic and for those with difficulty in aiming there’s not a great deal of support. Overall, Starfield is getting an Accessibility rating of Intense, and could do with a few more options.

The Run Down – Our Five-Point Rating for Starfield

Gameplay – 4: Starfield provides a huge number of things to do, and players are left to choose their own path early on. While the space flight elements aren’t as in-depth as some might hope for, going into this as a space-based RPG will help. Functions such as the ship builder have left us gaping at the screen, and standard gameplay is well realised most of the time. The switch between on-foot and ship-based gameplay is relatively smooth and though the title relies on menus a LOT for travel it’s one we’ve enjoyed overall.

Visuals – 4: Visually, Starfield is a bit of a hard one to mark. At times, visuals are absolutely beautiful, with starships and environments lovingly crafted and a pleasure to just stand and stare at. On the other hand, there are the typical Bethesda bugs with NPCs looking the wrong way, glitching through walls and dead enemies flinging themselves rapidly across the horizon. Overall it definitely comes out on the better side of average, but silly visual bugs and glitches are definitely included.

Audio – 4:The soundtrack for Starfield is stunning, and the huge number of lines of scripted dialogue are well acted and well recorded. When working with crew and companions, lines can get a little jarring when they won’t stop talking to you, but overall the sound and quality of voice acting win out.

Narrative – 5: There are so many narrative streams in Starfield that we’ve been genuinely surprised. Not only the main campaign and plenty of side quests, but different follow ups and encounters based on your actions as well. There are plenty of random encounters and interactions, as well as books and secondary stories to find and enjoy.

Replay – 5: There’s so much to keep drawing you back in with Starfield. The main quest is definitely worth playing but the insane number of side quests and activities has also kept us really busy. While it’s worth exploring, we’d definitely advise sticking to the main story for a little while, as this will unlock new abilities and help you to make the most out of the galaxy.

The Verdict – Is Starfield Worth It?

Overall our My Favourite Store on the Citadel rating for Starfield is an outstanding 9 / 10. With so much to do and so big a space to do it in, we’ve really fallen in love with Starfield a little bit. Space is a vast and often empty place, but we’ve found it to be an enjoyable playground.

The title comes with typical Bethesda bugs and glitches, soliciting an eye roll and a chuckle from us here, but we haven’t come across anything game breaking. Quite the opposite, the side quests and activities have been really enjoyable. Space exploration doesn’t provide the freedom of dedicated space sims, but as a Sci-Fi galactic RPG, Starfield has really pressed the right buttons for us here.

As ever, to provide this review and common-sense parent’s guide, we received a free copy of Starfield from the folks at Bethesda .