Starfield Missed the Opportunity to Make One Feature More Immersive

Starfield Missed the Opportunity to Make One Feature More Immersive

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from the rise and fall of gaming giants to the evolution of storytelling in video games. Starfield was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated titles of recent years, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. Don’t get me wrong; there are some fantastic aspects to this game, like the inclusion of the REV-8 vehicle, which is a first in Bethesda games. However, other updates have left much to be desired, such as the divisive DLC, Shattered Space.


Upon its debut a year ago, Starfield aimed to breathe life into an exhilarating tale of cosmic exploration. The anticipation preceding Bethesda’s sci-fi journey was palpable, as Starfield seemed to be one of the studio’s most daring endeavors thus far. Regrettably, the game has fallen short in generating the same fervor as other Bethesda productions. Despite possessing noteworthy aspects, it frequently falls short in delivering the immersion that its predecessors such as Skyrim and Fallout 3 provided.

A year on, Starfield‘s divisive image persists, with its positive aspects such as the introduction of the game’s first vehicle, REV-8, being overshadowed by underwhelming updates. The initial DLC for Starfield, titled Shattered Space, was met with high expectations but ended up being even more contentious than the core game. Recently, a Reddit user named Cleobule has revealed an issue that significantly detracts from immersion in the game’s story, specifically concerning the antagonistic relationship between the Crimson Fleet and UC SysDef. In an unexpected twist, the Crimson Fleet fails to respond when players wear a SysDef uniform.

Starfield’s Plot Hole With the Crimson Fleet and SysDef Highlights a Huge Missed Opportunity

A Chance to Elevate Immersion

In the game Starfield, players will face a significant dilemma. Deciding to join either the Crimson Fleet or UC SysDef creates a moral quandary. While UC SysDef, a militarized law enforcement group, is seen by many as oppressive, the Crimson Fleet champions liberty but might tolerate illegal activities like murder. Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages, but it’s clear that there’s intense disdain between these two factions: the Crimson Fleet deeply opposes UC SysDef, and the feeling is mutual.

It might seem logical that a player impersonating a SysDef member stepping into Crimson Fleet territory would face instant hostility. But in an experiment by Cleobule, something unexpected happened: when he donned a complete SysDef uniform and approached the Crimson Fleet, none of the NPCs appeared to respond or show concern. Since the release of Starfield, there has been significant criticism, though some points might seem insignificant. However, concerns about the game’s ability to immerse players are more valid.

The headquarters for the Crimson Fleet is The Key, a former United Colonies star station.

Bethesda Taking Tension Out of Potentially Exciting Conflict

As a gamer, it feels logical for the Crimson Fleet to react aggressively or even violently towards players donning SysDef uniforms in Starfield, given the game’s primary appeal is its engrossing space exploration. However, sadly, Starfield doesn’t quite achieve the level of immersion necessary for these space outlaws to truly react as they should within the game world. Incidents like the one I encountered with Cleobule highlight areas where Starfield needs improvement if Bethesda wants it to live up to its pre-release hype.

Starfield Continues to Be Divisive, But There Is Still Room To Grow

Future DLC and Updates Hopefully Make Improvements

Although the response to Shattered Space wasn’t incredibly favorable, Bethesda still has an opportunity to deliver more robust updates and expansions. These improvements could potentially enhance the game’s immersion, making it more engaging when interacting with the Crimson Fleet in full SysDef gear, creating a unique and exciting challenge.

The acronym UC SysDef represents “United Colonies System Defense.” This is a specialized division within the UC Navy, whose primary mission is to neutralize or eliminate the threat posed by the Crimson Fleet.

There are several aspects of Starfield that gamers are eagerly anticipating to be incorporated into the game soon. At present, plans for additional development of Starfield continue, though it remains undecided if upcoming updates will primarily focus on enhancing immersion or not. For now, SysDef-aligned players can engage in some lighthearted activities with Crimson Fleet members without experiencing much repercussion.

Read More

2024-11-22 21:57