Exploring Starfield's Shattered Space: A Missed Opportunity for RPG Innovation

Sunday, 6 October 2024, 08:30

Starfield's Shattered Space expansion reveals how Bethesda misunderstands its legacy. While fans celebrate its RPG elements, the DLC falls short in thematic depth and uniqueness compared to Morrowind. Unpacking these shortcomings highlights areas for improvement in future releases.
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Exploring Starfield's Shattered Space: A Missed Opportunity for RPG Innovation

Starfield's Shattered Space: An Underwhelming Expansion

Starfield, the latest RPG from Bethesda, has captivated players with its expansive universe. However, the recent Shattered Space DLC raises several questions regarding Bethesda's understanding of its storied legacy.

A Disappointing Comparison to Morrowind

While Starfield is a massive addition to Bethesda's portfolio, Shattered Space attempts to evoke comparisons to Morrowind. Unfortunately, this approach reveals the DLC's lack of depth. Shattered Space relies on hand-crafted elements but fails to replicate the distinctiveness of Morrowind's narrative and character design.

  • Morrowind: Known for its rich lore and intricate storytelling.
  • Shattered Space: While incorporating unique locales, the expansion feels flavorless.
  • Interchangeability among factions dampens player engagement.

Thematic Misses and Gameplay Concerns

The thematic richness found in older titles is missing in this new expansion. Players expecting a complex narrative akin to Morrowind's portrayal of societal dynamics and conflict may find themselves disappointed. Instead of exploring deep themes, Shattered Space presents a more straightforward narrative, undermining the players’ immersion.

  1. Quick pacing detracts from character development.
  2. Poorly differentiated factions dampen engagement.
  3. Overly simplistic world-building fails to captivate.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Bethesda's RPGs

Despite its shortcomings, Shattered Space offers valuable lessons for Bethesda’s future RPG endeavors. Understanding what made Morrowind a cult classic is crucial for any new releases to resonate with players.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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