Chapter 1: Exploring Starfield's World

Starfield, set in an expansive universe, features over 1000 planets—an impressive number by any standard. However, many of these celestial bodies are desolate and featureless, dotted only with a few map markers that can be frustratingly distant. While traveling across the galaxy can be instantaneous, traversing even a mile on foot can take considerable time, especially when weighed down by unnecessary items. If only I had a vehicle, like a hoverboard or a Segway, to make the journey easier.

Among these barren terrains lie abandoned scientific outposts—research laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, and deserted space stations. The initial moment of discovering such a site is filled with intrigue. Questions arise: What events led to its abandonment? Did the scientists succumb to madness gazing into the void? Did funding evaporate, or did they simply abandon their work for a new venture?

As it turns out, these facilities weren’t truly abandoned. Instead, mercenaries had taken over, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. When I arrived, the scene was grim—bodies lay scattered, a stark reminder of the violent takeover.

Bethesda

Drawing from the gameplay mechanics perfected in the Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, I engaged in the familiar loop: eliminate all threats and collect valuable resources. The game allows for moral flexibility, yet even heroic actions are subtly encouraged by the developers to engage in behaviors frowned upon in civilized society.

This cycle continued: I would jump to a new star system, often sidetracked by curiosity toward an isolated outpost. Each time, I discovered the same grim scenario—scientists dead, often in gruesome ways, leaving me to piece together the tragic events that unfolded. After looting yet another body, I was left to reflect on the greed and malevolence that seemed to pervade this universe.

After a while, the repetition became frustrating, reminiscent of seeing the same character model recycled continuously. This feeling of laziness in design was evident, as it echoed Bethesda’s established gameplay loops. However, I found myself searching for in-game explanations for these occurrences, indulging in idle thoughts reminiscent of daydreaming. Following a particularly bizarre encounter with a mining facility that had been overrun by giant demonic crickets, I realized that science was not celebrated in Starfield.

This critique is unusual for a game set in the far future, where interstellar travel is commonplace. The science presented is soft, more akin to the whimsical elements of space operas like Star Wars. While the artistic license allows for such liberties—like spaceships producing sound in the vacuum of space—the underlying message is one of indifference towards scientific progress. Spaceships serve merely as means to explore distant worlds, while the inhabitants seem preoccupied with mundane concerns—families, leisure, and daily struggles.

But the game’s stance goes further, even bordering on disdain for scientific pursuits. Throughout my adventures, I encountered only one operational research facility. The scientists there were on the brink of disaster, struggling to maintain a greenhouse in an inhospitable environment. It seemed like a bizarre choice for scientific work, yet it underscored the isolation they faced, reminiscent of a desolate Antarctic research station. Perhaps this was the only safe haven left for scientists.

Starfield evokes the feeling of a civilization that has reached its zenith only to spiral into decline. The respect for scientific inquiry and its advocates has waned. This narrative resonates with contemporary issues, reflecting a society where access to technology coexists with skepticism towards vaccines and climate change.

Initially, I found it challenging to articulate what Starfield felt like. However, after deeper engagement, the parallels to the Fallout series became apparent. Both games inhabit a world overshadowed by past glories. Starfield carries a tone of pessimism and melancholy, suggesting that despite the possibility of living among the stars, humanity will grapple with the same age-old problems.

The main storyline leans into mystical elements, presenting themes of latent powers akin to those of Jedi. This narrative shift distances the game from scientific realism, veering into realms of conspiracy and the unknown. While this isn’t inherently problematic—after all, it’s a video game—it raises questions about how the game’s portrayal of science mirrors our own societal attitudes.

Interestingly, 99% of the scientists encountered throughout my journey are deceased. This is not a mere coincidence; it’s a deliberate narrative choice. As I meticulously cleared locations, examining every corner, I often found transcripts left behind by the fallen scientists, detailing their fears and the dangers posed by ruthless space marauders. It became clear that the world within Starfield harbors a deep-seated animosity towards scientific endeavors, a sentiment the scientists had already recognized.

The takeaway is evident: Parents, think twice before encouraging your children to pursue careers in space science.

The first video titled "The 'Real' Science of Starfield - A Documentary" dives into the scientific themes and critiques present in the game. It reflects on how the narrative intertwines with real-world scientific discourse.

The second video, "GAME SINS | Everything Wrong With Starfield," examines the inconsistencies and flaws within the game's design and storytelling, providing a critical perspective on its treatment of science and scientists.