Unleashing the Cosmos: Starfield’s Shattered Space Review – A Disappointing Expansion
Starfield’s First Major Expansion: Shattered Space
After a long wait, Bethesda’s sci-fi epic, Starfield, has finally received its first major expansion, Shattered Space. As one of the most anticipated releases in the gaming world, Shattered Space has left fans wondering if it was worth the wait. Our verdict? It’s an underwhelming experience that doesn’t quite live up to its promising premise.
A Distressing Call to Action
The expansion starts with a distress call, leading you to a mysterious space station filled with ghostly apparitions. The station eventually takes you to the home planet of the House Va’ruun, a religious sect worshiping a giant serpent. As you delve deeper into the mystery, you’re tasked with solving the calamity that has beset the House and restoring balance to their world.
A Focused Experience
Unlike the vast open worlds of Starfield, Shattered Space is a compact, focused experience. Limited to a single planet, you’ll explore a densely packed world filled with storylines, sidequests, and activities. This condensed environment is reminiscent of Fallout 4’s Far Harbor expansion, where you could explore a self-contained story without the need for grand-scale exploration.
Rich Storylines and Characters
The expansion’s strength lies in its storytelling and character development. The sidequests, in particular, shine, offering a range of engaging missions that showcase the human side of the Va’ruun. From investigating a haunted orphanage to hunting down a livestock thief, these quests are a great way to learn more about the people and their struggles.
Familiar Quest Structure
While Shattered Space offers a new setting and story, the actual quest structure remains familiar to Starfield fans. Combat, exploration, and negotiation are all present, albeit with some new twists and challenges. The new dune buggy is a nice addition, offering a fun way to explore the planet.
A Disappointing Conclusion
Ultimately, Shattered Space feels like more of the same Starfield experience, rather than a bold new direction. While it’s not necessarily bad, it’s an underwhelming experience that doesn’t quite live up to its potential. After such a long wait, fans are left wanting something truly new and innovative from Bethesda.
