In a recent interview discussing Bethesda’s first major expansion of their ambitious space RPG, Starfield, we explored the new content that aims to introduce improvements while also revealing some of the game’s ongoing limitations.
Gaming journalist Luke Holland shared his insights, stating, “After a year filled with extensive updates that tackled many of the most noticeable bugs and issues, Bethesda’s latest expansion, Shattered Space, delivers a story-rich narrative. However, it unfortunately doesn’t completely overcome the game’s foundational shortcomings.”
Holland pointed out that persistent issues such as lifeless NPCs and a plethora of loading screens continue to hinder the gaming experience. “While the expansion does create a more cohesive setting, reminiscent of iconic Bethesda titles like Skyrim and Fallout, it’s hard to ignore the familiar frustrations that remain,” he observed.
The narrative focuses on the House Va’ruun, a cult devoted to space serpent worship, thrusting players into their world after a catastrophic event strikes. Holland noted, “You quickly find yourself positioned as a potential savior, but before that, you’re bombarded with tasks that often feel tedious and lack meaningful rewards.”
He remarked on the variety of tasks, which range from cosmic voyages to mundane errands, but emphasized that engaging gameplay is unfortunately lacking. “The fetch quests can feel burdensome, and players often face the frustrating choice between navigating treacherous landscapes or trudging across uninspiring terrain on foot. Exploring these environments rarely yields any captivating findings, which is a disappointment considering what fans expect from a Bethesda RPG.”
Holland also highlighted that the much-anticipated cosmic horror elements hinted at in the lead-up to the expansion barely come to fruition. “What could have been chilling moments tend to devolve into repetitive gunfights within uninspired locales,” he added.
Despite these downsides, he acknowledged some redeeming qualities of the expansion. “The main storyline does provide interesting choices, especially as power struggles unfold among the ruling houses of Va’ruun’kai. When the frame rate behaves, the visuals can be stunning, though they often rely too heavily on varying shades of purple.”
However, Holland expressed concern regarding the overall consistency of the experience, concluding that “Shattered Space feels more like an extension of the original Starfield’s issues rather than a fresh installment. Many flaws appear deeply rooted in the design, raising the question of whether a complete sequel is required to truly unlock Starfield’s potential.”
Currently priced at £29.99 on Xbox and £25.99 on PC, Starfield: Shattered Space marks an important step forward, yet it’s evident that significant work still needs to be done to fully realize the game’s potential.
