It took a long time Starfield Player. Bethesda's sci-fi version Skyrim The game was originally released last summer and while there have been some updates and improvements since then, it took more than a year for the game to receive its first major expansion. This advance means there is still a lot going on Shattered space – This is a perfectly good addition to the game, but one that also feels incredibly disappointing. After a promising setup, things remain largely the same.
As so often happens in expansions, everything begins with an emergency call. This leads you to an abandoned space station full of ghostly apparitions, which eventually takes you to the home planet of House Va'ruun, a religious sect that worships a giant snake. There you learn that the Va'ruun have been struck by a catastrophe that has resulted in the disappearance of some members, the transformation of others into violent spirits, and a number of other strange and catastrophic events in and around their capital. After a ceremony that actually converts you to the church, your job is to solve the mystery of the disaster and help the house put things back in order.
(Note: You can technically access it Shattered space at any time thereafter Starfieldis the opening mission, but Bethesda recommends being level 35 or higher to pass it. I played a New Game Plus save at level 32 and didn't really have any problems.)
It's a great premise that promises all sorts of cosmic horror. The planet you'll explore is painted in bright reds and purples and full of strange glowing growths, bubbles where there's no gravity, and strange creatures that would feel right at home No man's sky. The capital – which looks like a cross between a border town and an ancient temple – is full of people struggling with the unrest, be it the loss of loved ones, food shortages or a crisis of faith.
Shattered space is also characterized by the fact that he is incredibly focused. While many of StarfieldThe appeal lies in the sheer size of its universe. Here you are limited to a single planet with tons of things to do and see. It is reminiscent of the largely independent model Far Harbor Extension for Fallout 4.
This makes for some great storylines, particularly in the side quests where you have to do everything from investigate a haunted orphanage to hunt down a cattle thief. At first the religious sect seemed distant and difficult to understand. But at some point it became clear that despite their complete isolation and their belief in a large snake, they were just people fighting to survive. Even the simple missions give you new insights into the human side of this group, which is essentially Starfield campaign, is largely branded as a cult of violent zealots.
But how you do it is typical Starfield (and Bethesda) stuff. Quests have you fighting your way through dungeons, collecting or delivering items, and occasionally talking your way out of problems. There's a new backdrop, but not much has changed in terms of structure or moment-to-moment experience Starfield. These alien monstrosities are simply more enemies to fight; The ghostly spirits are nothing more than soldiers shooting at you. At least the fetch quests are a good opportunity to try out the new dune buggy.
There's nothing particularly bad about that Shattered space. And if you're just looking for more StarfieldThat's exactly what it is, just in one of the more visually and narratively interesting locations in the game. But after so long, I can't help but want something more than just more. Shattered space had the potential to be weird, scary and different, but it looks like players will have to keep waiting for something that feels truly new.