Starfield: Where the Characters are Lost in Space, and the Game is Left in the Dust

Cyberpunk's Engaging Storytelling Shrouds Starfield in the Shadows of Antiquity

Cyberpunk’s storytelling dwarfs Starfield’s.

I recently embarked on an intergalactic journey in Starfield, ready for an adventure unlike any other. Little did I know that my space cowboy sidekick, Sam Coe, had a serious chat lined up. However, in true space cowboy fashion, he somehow managed to face the wrong way. It’s hard to have a heart-to-heart conversation with a blank wall, you know?

Restarting the conversation didn’t exactly solve the problem. Now Sam was facing me, but his facial expressions seemed to be running on a different wavelength than his mouth and eyebrows. It was a sight to behold, like witnessing a cosmic dance of mismatched features. In between those sporadic moments of lucidity, Sam stood still as a statue, stuck in his packaging like a toy soldier.

And let me tell you, Sam Coe is just one example of the strange inhabitants in Starfield. These characters are like ghosts, unable to touch anything or anyone, devoid of basic bodily functions like eating or using the bathroom. They’re stuck in their own little loops, rotating on the spot and reciting their lines until the next stage of some personal side quest magically unlocks. It’s a bizarre imitation of humanity.

Starfield’s stilted performances have left me baffled and, frankly, disappointed. Compared to the vibrant and dynamic characters in Cyberpunk, Starfield falls flat on its face. In Cyberpunk, you can witness characters actually moving, sitting down, pouring shots, and even brandishing weapons. It’s a breath of fresh air. Hell, in one random side gig briefing, I found myself sitting horizontally reclined in the front seats of a car. Why? Because my novice spy contact believed it was the best hiding spot. Now that’s some creative problem-solving!

The small details make a world of difference. The cross-talk between characters in Cyberpunk feels like you’re part of an interactive play, with no sense of audio files being played from some airless booth. I once accompanied a pair of bickering cops from their besieged police station, and the voice work, expressive faces, and motion capture were so well executed that it could have been a scene from a Tarantino gangster flick. Now that’s how you create a memorable gaming moment!

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These are the experiences I’ll remember for years to come. As much as Starfield offers a meditative exploration experience, its outdated and clunky storytelling leaves the universe feeling strange and empty. Sure, there are some good stories hidden within, like Sam Coe’s enthusiastic kid, Cora, and the witty CEOs on the Neon oil rig. But it’s difficult to muster any excitement for expansions or sequels when I could be diving back into the chaotic world of Baldur’s Gate 3 or exploring the twisted psyche of Disco Elysium’s broken protagonist. I mean, even the perpetually miserable NPCs in Diablo 4 are preferable to a galaxy populated by lifeless mannequins.

Let’s be honest, Starfield’s lackluster performances used to be the norm. There might not be a “my face is tired” meme moment like in Mass Effect Andromeda to draw attention to how outdated Starfield feels, but we can’t ignore where this game stands in a world where innovation and pushing boundaries are the name of the game.

Just look at Spider-Man 2, set to release soon. I still remember the awe when we realized that Insomniac recorded dialogue performances for Spidey in the first game, tailored to his breathlessness while web-slinging or his calmness in other situations. Cyberpunk’s citizens showcase an extraordinary range of animations and behaviors, making Night City feel alive and bursting with energy. And let’s not forget God of War’s Mimir, who seamlessly weaves his stories throughout battles in the realms. Even Sunless Sea and Sunless Skies, with their elaborate choose-your-own-adventure narratives, manage to captivate players in ways Starfield could only dream of.

In the end, these games understand that storytelling is about the people, not just the planets. Starfield missed the mark, leaving its characters lost in space and the game lost in the dust. As gamers, we crave immersive experiences that transport us to new worlds and connect us with unforgettable characters. Starfield, sadly, falls short.

So, fellow gamers, what are your thoughts on Starfield’s lackluster performances? Have you encountered any other games that knocked your socks off with their stellar character development? Let’s chat in the comments below, and may your gaming adventures be filled with laughter and excitement!