Starfield and the recent Fallout games may share the same studio, but they are distinct entities with a multitude of differences. Starfield, marking Bethesda’s first new intellectual property in over a quarter-century, draws upon the studio’s extensive experience gained from creating numerous titles in the Fallout franchise. This shared DNA leads to several similarities, showcasing the evolution of Bethesda’s game development approach. However, the disparities between Starfield and Fallout also highlight the valuable lessons the studio has learned over the years and the new directions it seeks to explore in its games.
Shared Mechanics:
Starfield shares several mechanics with Bethesda’s more recent Fallout titles, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76. Notably, the base-building mechanic, introduced in Fallout 4, has evolved significantly in Starfield, with the outpost-building mechanic representing the next step in its development. The combat design in Starfield is reminiscent of Fallout 4’s shooter gameplay but offers smoother execution. Furthermore, both games share core RPG elements such as quest design, dialogue choices, and detailed character creation.
Game World Size:
One of the most striking distinctions between Starfield and Fallout 4 is the sheer size of their game worlds. While Fallout 4’s Commonwealth and Fallout 76’s Appalachia offered vast landscapes for exploration, Starfield’s open world dwarfs them in comparison. This substantial difference in scale profoundly influences narrative pacing and player exploration, making Starfield’s experience notably distinct from Fallout 4’s.
Leveling Up:
Starfield introduces a novel approach to leveling up compared to Fallout 4. In Fallout 4, players gain perk points based on their character’s level, a straightforward system. In contrast, Starfield requires players to complete challenges related to specific skills to progress in those skills, fostering a more RPG-friendly leveling system that encourages skill usage.
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Lockpicking:
Starfield introduces a fresh lockpicking mini-game that challenges players to align digipick lines with correct slots on locks, offering intricate solutions for complex locks. Fallout 4’s lockpicking, while iconic, simply requires finding the correct area to apply pressure. Starfield’s lockpicking system demands more attention and planning.
Story Tone:
Tone plays a significant role in distinguishing Starfield from Fallout. Fallout is known for its dark humor and occasional silliness, even in the midst of post-apocalyptic settings. In contrast, Starfield adopts a more grounded and serious tone, emphasizing a more somber narrative and character portrayal.
Setting:
The most obvious distinction lies in the settings. Fallout’s post-apocalyptic worlds, such as The Capital Wasteland and the Commonwealth, differ greatly from Starfield’s futuristic vision for humanity. Starfield replaces irradiated creatures with various alien fauna, providing a distinct energy to the game world.
Cities:
Starfield improves upon Fallout 4’s lack of attention to established settlements by featuring more expansive and impressive cities. New Atlantis, in particular, dwarfs Fallout 4’s Diamond City in scale.
Main Story Pacing:
Fallout 4’s main story creates a sense of urgency, while Starfield eschews this approach. Starfield’s main story coexists peacefully with the rabbit hole of side quests, offering a different narrative experience.
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Choices:
Fallout 4’s deviation from hardcore RPG mechanics led to choices that felt insignificant. Starfield addresses this by featuring questlines with complex moral dilemmas, resulting in impactful decisions with far-reaching consequences.
No Power Armor Equivalent:
Fallout 4’s iconic power armor is absent in Starfield, replaced by unique gravitational powers. This choice provides distinct combat experiences in each game.
Silent Protagonist:
Starfield opts for an unvoiced protagonist, a stark contrast to Fallout 4’s voiced main character. This unvoiced approach reinforces Starfield’s emphasis on traditional RPG mechanics and player agency.
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In conclusion, while Starfield and the Fallout series share some common roots, they offer unique and captivating experiences. Fans of Bethesda’s Fallout titles are likely to appreciate Starfield’s familiar elements, yet the game distinguishes itself through its immense world, novel mechanics, and different storytelling approach. Starfield is poised to become another beloved franchise within Bethesda’s portfolio.
