Introduction

The long-awaited Shattered Space expansion for Starfield launched yesterday, and after diving into it extensively, it’s clear that this new content is a significant improvement over the base game.

Initial Reaction to Starfield

At the launch of Starfield, many players highlighted a common critique: the game felt “a mile wide and an inch deep.” With its overwhelming number of planets, most were empty or lacked engaging content. Players found themselves wandering vast, lifeless spaces with only a handful of locations providing any meaningful quests. This was a deviation from what fans have come to expect from Bethesda, a studio known for its rich, immersive worlds.

Shattered Space Redefines Exploration

Enter Shattered Space, which redefines the exploration concept. Instead of traversing an endless void of uninhabited planets, players are now confined to the meticulously crafted Va'ruun'kai map. Forget about spending long periods in your spacecraft — I found myself piloting for barely two minutes since diving into this expansion!

A New Direction for Bethesda

This pivot marks a major shift — and it’s a welcome one. While the new map may seem limited at first glance, it provides an experience reminiscent of classic Bethesda titles like Fallout. If there’s a building in sight, you can be assured it’s a uniquely designed location rather than a generic copy-paste structure, which adds a significantly richer layer to exploration. Everything feels purposefully crafted, lending to an atmosphere teeming with narratives and actions, something sorely missing from the original game.

Focus on Quality over Quantity

The lesson here? Instead of spreading themselves thin across countless barren planets, Bethesda should have focused on creating a handful of dense, intricate areas like this. While they once tried to rival No Man's Sky, it seems they’ve taken a step back to their core strengths, and fans are reaping the rewards.

Underlying Issues Persist

However, some underlying issues still linger. While Shattered Space does present a more engaging experience, problems from the base game persist. The dated engine behind Starfield still shows its age, especially as we see advancements in rivals. Combat mechanics have remained largely unchanged, and while there’s a slight shift in the narrative allowing for morally ambiguous decisions, it's unlikely to sway those who were disenchanted from the start.

Conclusion

Despite not meeting all expectations, Shattered Space manages to deliver a focused and traditional Bethesda experience that many players were yearning for. It’s a step in the right direction and could signal a brighter future for the Starfield franchise. The question remains: is this newfound focus enough to win back the hearts of hesitant fans?

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more updates on the galaxy-expanding adventures in Starfield and follow me for deeper dives into the latest game developments!