Starfield’s hard sci-fi themes will likely set it apart from other space-faring games such asNo Man’s SkyandThe Outer Worlds. It will allow it to approach its universe from a realistic angle, providing players with a solid overall experience. However, there are some ways in which these themes could limit it as well.
Because ofStarfield’s hard sci-fi themes, the game may ironically not be able to pursue some of the more out-of-this-world features. Where this will likely be most noticeable is in its character creation system, since players may not have as much choice as they would in a franchise likeSaints Row.
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The Limitations of Starfield’s Hard Sci-fi Themes
The reason for the comparison toSaints Row’s character creation is simply due to how wild some of the players' inventions can be. Its aspects vary from simply adding highlights to one’s character’s hair to changing the shape of their character’s pupils eyes and teeth. Though it can lead to some unsuccessful experiments, it allows others to have a truly freeing experience when it comes to creating a unique character. In this regard,Starfieldmay have already dropped the ballthrough its employment of hard sci-fi themes. Players may find its character may find it to be more mundane than freeing.
A rough definition of hard sci-fi is a category of science fiction that is largely concerned with accuracy and logic. Due to its adoption of this,Starfieldwill likely prioritize the more serious nature of its scientific implications over any of the wild or zany things it could include. For example, something like the Megaton haircut fromFallout 4would have a much smaller chance of appearing inStarfieldsimply due to the fact it makes very little practical sense. In that regard,Starfield’s hard sci-fi universeis too big for its britches, ultimately limiting creativity rather than encouraging it.
For that reason, it is important thatStarfieldavoids this big mistake by finding a way to work around it. Though the player may not be able to change the shape of their teeth or eyes like inSaints Row’s character creation, there could be other creative implementations. Since it might be limited to more realistic options for character creation, it would simply need to expand on what it currently has.
For example, allowing players the ability to dye their armor and wear a larger variety of tattoos would make up for the lack of variety found in the character creator. Implementations like these would allow players to express their personality without limiting the control they have over their character’s physical appearances by too much.
Though its hard sci-fi themes may end up limiting character creation options, this may also be a good thing. While wacky physical characteristics like bombastic haircuts and sharp, red teeth may fit within satirical games likeSaints RowandFallout 4, they could prove detrimental toStarfield’s overall aesthetic and themes. Bethesda stuck with the ideology of remaining loyal to its themes in the character creator inThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, and it worked out to great success. This formula may ultimately provide a more immersive experience overall.Starfield’s gameplayand customization experience would need more juice to ensure that something like this is indeed successful.
Starfield’s hard sci-fi themes have pros and cons, but it’s also often true that character creators can be the most defining moments for a player’s experience, as they are when they decide who they want to play as. For that reason, it is important thatStarfield’s character creator provides a satisfying experience, regardless of what it may include.
Starfieldlaunches June 30, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
