Summary
When a developer ventures into multiple distinct franchises, it’s common to see signs of one game in another, sharing similar features and Easter egg references. Although there are obvious differences between exploring worlds in the aftermath of a nuclear apocalypse and outer space,StarfieldandFallouthave quite a few things in common. In particular, fans have drawn parallels betweenFallout 4,Fallout 76, and Bethesda’s newspace exploration RPG. Some are clear to see, and others are more subtle; the similarities tell the story of Bethesda’s evolution while remaining true to the elements that make the developer unique.
Admittedly, at face value,StarfieldandFalloutcouldn’t be more different. The most recentFalloutmainline installment hit the streets five years beforeStarfield, and the timeframe contributes significantly to their differences in interactivity, graphics, and sheer scope. For instance, the size of the open world inFallout’s Commonwealthmight seem large, but it pales compared to the abundance of open-world planets in the Settled Systems players get to explore inStarfield. This magnitude consequently influences its exploration mechanics, setting it apart fromFallout, but there are some areas of confluence between the unlikely bedfellows.
RELATED:Starfield Players Think the Brig is a Big Missed Opportunity
Starfield’s Mechanics are Not So Distinct From Fallout
The first similarity between the games is the first thing players come across when they start playing. Robust character creation and customization systems are a staple to modern RPGs, with gamers spending hours molding every detail of their character’s body and face, andStarfieldis no different. The two games sport intricate dialogue as well, employing choice systems that directly influence a weapon’s events according to players' decisions, althoughStarfield’s silent protagonist is a spin that gives it the edge overFallout 4in terms of the narrative impact of the dialogue in the entire game.
The settlement dynamics fromFallout 4andFallout 76reappear inStarfieldwith a futuristic twist, with the title letting gamers build outposts on various planets. AlthoughFallout 4restricted settlement construction to specific locations,Fallout 76employed a similar approach toStarfieldby giving players the freedom to construct virtually anywhere with theCAMP device, whichStarfieldreplicates with Outpost Beacons. Also likeFallout,Starfieldallows gamers to start up NPC communities, colonizing outposts and connecting the multitude of bases, mining, and then transporting resources between the Settled Systems through Cargo Links. Coupled with the ship-building and character customization features,Falloutfans who loved the base-building mechanic will resonate withStarfield’s core features.
Another notable similarity between theFalloutfranchise andStarfieldis its NPC interaction forming a core part of its experience.Starfieldfeatures a ton of NPCs for players to liaise with in its gameplay, from quest-givers and faction leaders to merchants. Upon completion of a certain mission or meeting a specific requirement, players can also recruit an in-game character in the same vein asFallout 4’s companions. InStarfield, these characters come with unique storylines and could influence a player’s faction choice, althoughFallout 4arguably gave companions deeper layers than Bethesda’s latest project. Combat design, similarities in gameplay and controls, and player freedom during quests may be attributed toStarfieldusing the same engine asFalloutandElder Scrolls, albeit a newer version.
Bethesda’s player freedom also influences how missions are handled inStarfield, allowing players to go full-out guns blazing or invest in stealth skills and perks to drop or pickpocket unwitting enemies, similar toFallout. Gamers can also mod their guns inStarfield, a feature only fully introduced inFallout 4, allowing players to customize their weapons. There’s a lot more these Bethesda brainchildren have in common than at first glance, and as more mods roll in, players can expect more similarities to pop up acrossStarfield’s planets.
Starfieldis out now for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
