Bethesda’sStarfieldis officially on track for a September launch, but fans will have to wait until June to get a closer look at the sci-fi adventure. The long-anticipated project is described as having most of the hallmarks of previous Bethesda titles, though many are still wondering exactly how dissimilarStarfieldwill be as a Bethesda RPG beyond galactic vistas and space combat. The studio has demonstrated an all-new skill system, customization, and realistically scaled planets, so it is expected that other elements may follow suit as well – delivering fresh or otherwise updated features to fit its futuristic setting.
Starfieldis undoubtedly ambitious from a scope standpoint, although it does appear that there’s something missing in the mix. Seeing comparisons to Bethesda’s first-personFalloutgames, some are curious about what unique abilities might be in store for players jumping into the fray. Traditionally,Falloutuses the VATS targeting systemto counterbalance its shooter mechanics and empower players regardless of their skill level. In the case ofStarfield, a VATS equivalent would give an in-universe solution by merging role-playing systems with combat, but it is also likely that Bethesda implements something in its place.
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Why Fallout’s VATS Stood the Test of Time
The original, turn-basedFalloutgames presented a tactical targeting system called aimed shots but is commonly now known as VATS. Over time, the feature was designed around positioning and critical hits that were not guaranteed, yet incredibly satisfying when executed successfully. VATS was an abstraction of the character’s own abilities in targeting body parts, which inspired Bethesda when it began developingFallout 3as a first-person sandbox RPG. With the inclusion of space gear and starship battles,Starfield’s skill systemhas the potential to play a similar role in transforming combat.
Bridging the gap between playable characters and players themselves is an interesting problem within the subgenre, so it is only natural that fans gravitate toward options like VATS when the action gets a little rough. Modern entries in the mainlineFalloutseries are all real-time, and the system’s time freeze allows players to take a moment while queuing their next moves using Action Points. Notably,Fallout 3andFallout: New Vegasfroze time completely, andFallout 4later introduced slow-motion and manual critical hits.Starfieldhas not shown bullet time or anything that obviously resembles VATS, yet its hard sci-fi universe could justify the need for more tactical battles.
What Locational Damage Could Look Like in Starfield
In order to give gamers a level playing field, Bethesda must emphasize role-playing as much as its immersive action inStarfield. Whether it’s derived fromFallout’s aimed shots or not, locational damage seems quite visible in ship combat. Modular ship parts are one way that someone may be able to target weaknesses, but last year’s gameplay also demonstrated how a stray bullet can damage exposed equipment like jetpacks, sending space pirates into an explosive, upward death spiral.Starfield’s next deep dive showcasewill probably clear the air on the effects of space gear, and a VATS equivalent might actually entail a combination of destructible enemies and real-time maneuvers in low gravity.
Unlike VATS, jetpacks could increase maneuverability where the action doesn’t have to stop. Instead, players may be able to dodge, ambush, or flee from incoming threats without sacrificing speed.Starfieldshould have an identity of its own, so in-universe tech should inform its gameplay more than anything. If equipment and skills can systematically enhance the player character’s abilities, Bethesda should have a formula for exciting RPG combat that rewards quick decision-making. As recently asStarfield’s release date announcement, a gear menu can be seen with various buffs and hazard-based protections, indicating the possibility of different status effects that change how gamers approach each encounter.
For the time being, fans can only speculate what might giveStarfieldbetter first-person gameplay than previous Bethesda releases. There are a lot of promised features in store, considering oneStarfieldfan compiled a 400-page documentwith all the information that’s currently available. Those looking forward to the project are likely satisfied to have a solid date set in stone; nevertheless, it’ll be interesting to see how Bethesda’s new RPG comes together at the end of development.
Starfieldlaunches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
