The reception of *Starfield* has varied among players, but its success holds valuable insights for future titles, particularly *Fallout 5*. Examining *Starfield* reveals what Bethesda excels at and where it faces challenges, especially in the realm of expansive RPGs. While criticisms, such as lengthy loading times and the repetitiveness of procedural elements, are prevalent, it’s crucial to acknowledge the significant innovations introduced in this game. Certain design choices have the potential to enhance the gameplay in *Fallout 5* if implemented effectively.
*Starfield* exemplifies advancements in game progression and player autonomy, providing a robust foundation for *Fallout 5*. These innovations reflect real growth within Bethesda, encouraging developers to examine both successful elements and near-misses from *Starfield*. By doing so, they can elevate *Fallout 5* beyond a standard, outdated RPG experience.
10Resource Gathering in Bases Instead of Just Living There
They’re More Than Just Some Shacks Put Together
*Fallout 5* can learn from *Starfield*’s innovative approach to resource gathering in player settlements. Rather than simply serving as shelters like those in *Fallout 4*, where settlements primarily functioned to provide basic resources for survival and crafting, *Starfield* allows outposts to actively generate resources for broader use. This shift fosters a sense of growth and purpose in settlement development, encouraging players to strategically choose locations based on resource availability.
9Shooting and Movement in *Starfield* Is Better Than Any *Fallout* Game
It’s a Real Improvement From Past Games
The combat mechanics in *Starfield* mark a significant improvement over previous entries in the *Fallout* series, particularly in terms of shooting and movement. The gunplay has been refined to offer a more fluid and engaging experience, enhanced by the ability to utilize a jetpack skill. This newfound mobility allows for dynamic strategic positioning in combat situations, elevating the entire experience beyond the traditional *Fallout* shootouts.
Nonetheless, the absence of the iconic VATS targeting system is conspicuous. Integrating such a system into *Fallout 5* could augment the tactical elements of combat, blending strategic decision-making with the fluid mechanics seen in *Starfield*.
8Procedural Generation for Bigger Maps Is Good
It’s Not All Bad & It’s Pretty Useful
Procedural generation often sparks debate, yet its benefits are undeniable, particularly in crafting expansive worlds like those in *Starfield*. By leveraging algorithms to construct vast landscapes, developers can effectively create environments that would be nearly impossible to design manually. This strategy could also be highly beneficial for *Fallout 5*, permitting a richly diverse landscape characterized by various biomes and landmarks, while still incorporating handcrafted narrative elements in key locations.
While the initial landscapes are procedurally generated, developers can meticulously add distinct locations, ensuring that significant areas like cities and quest hubs feel thoughtfully designed. This hybrid approach offers players extensive exploration opportunities, complemented by intricately designed encounter points.
7Lockpicking as a Puzzle Instead of the Default Is More Fun
Good to Lose a Tired and Overused System
*Starfield* introduces an innovative lockpicking system, diverging from the simplistic mechanics prevalent in prior Bethesda RPGs like *Fallout 4*. Players are now challenged to solve a puzzle by manipulating circular pieces to fit specific slots, making lockpicking feel more engaging and dynamic compared to repetitive tasks of the past. The removal of the broken lockpick feature could enhance the experience, shaping a more rewarding gameplay environment.
This novel approach not only elevates player engagement but also provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. Adopting a similar system in *Fallout 5* could significantly refresh the lockpicking mechanic.
6*Starfield* Has Great Textures and Meshes for Weapons
Bethesda Worked to Make Weapons Look Good
In *Starfield*, weapon customization holds a paramount place, with a user-friendly interface enabling players to modify firearms extensively. Each modification is visually impactful, improving both aesthetics and performance, thanks to advanced textures and designs that ensure seamless integration. Players can create unique and imaginative firearms that feel distinctly theirs, setting a new benchmark for customization in future Bethesda titles.
5Persuading as a Minigame Is More Fun Than a Dice Roll
Passive Is Rarely More Fun Than Active
Persuasion mechanics in the *Fallout* series have historically leaned towards randomness, relying on luck-based Charisma checks to determine success. In contrast, *Starfield* introduces an engaging persuasion minigame that encourages active participation and strategic thinking. Players navigate dialogue choices tailored to NPC personalities, enhancing immersion and agency.
While still in need of refinement, this format allows for interactions that feel personal and engaging, suggesting a compelling direction for *Fallout 5* that prioritizes player involvement over formulaic success.
4Romance and Marriage Is Done Better In *Starfield*
Bethesda Is Bad at Romance, But Getting Better
*Starfield* enhances the system of romance and marriage compared to *Fallout 4*, where relationships often felt like mere mechanics rather than genuine connections. In *Starfield*, players enjoy the opportunity to cultivate deeper bonds through interactive missions and shared experiences, resulting in relationships that feel more rewarding and meaningful.
This shift from transactional partnerships to complex character interactions presents *Fallout 5* with an opportunity to evolve its romance dynamics further, fostering connections that resonate beyond simple gameplay mechanics.
3Multiple Ways to Store Armor and Weapons in Outposts
It’s Like an Armory, But Better
The item storage system in *Starfield* significantly outshines that of *Fallout 4*, introducing a visually appealing and functional method for players to showcase their weapons and armor. Rather than relegating gear to random containers, players arrange their equipment within designated areas, enhancing both the aesthetic and immersive quality of their personal spaces.
This meticulous approach to storage not only enriches the player’s experience but could also transform base construction in *Fallout 5*, providing a sense of personalization and intentionality in resource management.
2Production and Assembly Lines in Outposts Make More Sense for Settlements
Think About the Future, Not Just Tomorrow
The outpost system in *Starfield* redefines the framework for settlement building compared to *Fallout 4*. It encourages players to envision a forward-thinking society rather than creating makeshift shelters in a destroyed world. The ability to establish production lines across planets promotes self-sufficiency and a sense of progress not evident in earlier titles.
This structure implies that settlements can evolve from transient fixes to organized, functional communities, suggesting that *Fallout 5* could similarly focus on establishing enduring settlements that contribute to world-building and sustainable development.
1Respawning Enemies in Hideouts Should Be in Fallout Already
This Should Be a Recurring Gameplay Element
One of the standout features of *Starfield* is how it handles enemy respawning at outposts, a mechanic that could breath fresh life into *Fallout 5*. Unlike *Fallout 4*, where cleared zones remain empty, enemies continually respawn in *Starfield*, maintaining engagement and creating a sense of an evolving world.
This feature cultivates an environment that’s both thrilling and immersive, encouraging players to revisit locations for resource collection or combat encounters. Integrating enemy respawns in *Fallout 5* would enhance the sense of a living, dynamic world, while alleviating the perpetual search for new adversaries.
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