As a dedicated space explorer who has traversed countless galaxies in my time, I approach every new expansion with eager anticipation. The release of Shattered Space for Starfield was no exception. Having been a fervent fan since its initial launch last year, I was hopeful that this DLC would offer something truly unique and memorable, akin to the Elder Scrolls or Fallout expansions that have left lasting impressions on me.
After a year’s hiatus since playing Starfield in September last year, my reintroduction to it with Shattered Space left me with a blend of feelings. Despite ranking among my top-rated games for 2023 due to an engaging playthrough, it failed to leave a lasting impression like an Elder Scrolls or Fallout title does. As I approached Shattered Space anticipating it would offer a remarkable and distinct Starfield experience, I was disappointed to find that it seemed rather familiar.
A house of mystery
Shattered Space primarily revolves around the House Va’Ruun, a faction hinted at but not fully developed in the original game. The game doesn’t dilly-dally, instead plunging you right into this intriguing enigma, where you spend the entire expansion unraveling the secrets of this unusual group. It’s evident that Bethesda had a specific plan, and they effectively achieved their goal with Shattered Space.
In the time period spanning from Starfield’s debut to the arrival of Shattered Space, Bethesda incorporated features such as city maps, UI enhancements, and land vehicles. These improvements address many issues that Starfield initially had, making its additional content, including Shattered Space, more enjoyable.
As a devoted admirer, I find myself immersed in the captivating narrative that unfolds primarily on Va’Ruun’kai, the masterpiece crafted by Bethesda Game Studios within the expansive Shattered Space universe. Unlike most celestial bodies in Starfield, Va’ruun’kai is a bespoke creation, boasting several distinctive locales. While the planet itself is a marvel, the fact that almost the entire DLC’s action takes place on a single planet echoes a broader concern.
The yearn for something more
Starfield is designed for an interplanetary journey. The allure of exploring the cosmos is central to this game’s main concept, and a large part of my enjoyment in the core game comes from appreciating the diverse cultures and visual styles found across various systems, as well as the unique inhabitants they house. Shattered Space appears to offer an opportunity for a broader perspective on the universe, but it seems more constricting instead.
While navigating Shattered Space, I found myself reminiscing about the expansions that were introduced for earlier Bethesda RPGs. The Dawnguard expansion for Skyrim not only offered a fresh area to delve into, but also integrated elements and systems that fundamentally changed the way the game was experienced. Similarly, Far Harbor for Fallout 4 deepened my immersion in the post-apocalyptic universe by substantially extending its main storyline.
Starfield’s expansions outshine its performance, yet Shattered Space doesn’t manage to stand out. While there are fresh weapons and armor to gather, these additions may be insufficient for those who’ve already experienced everything in the original game. Shattered Space seems more like a forgotten side mission from the base game rather than additional content that expands Starfield.
Lost in space
The Shattered Space expansion, while alright, essentially offers more of the Starfield universe. Given it was announced prior to the game’s release, I expected a lot more. Unfortunately, Shattered Space didn’t manage to revive my enthusiasm for Starfield or provide an experience on par with Bethesda’s top expansions. I truly hope that future Starfield content brings back my excitement and delivers genuine innovation when it arrives.
These impressions are based on a Digital Deluxe version of Starfield provided by Bethesda.
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2024-10-17 20:27