The highly anticipated release of Starfield from Bethesda Game Studios took place on September 6, 2023, marking the company's first original IP in over two decades. Hopes were high for this massive open-world exploration title, as the developers had spent over twenty years refining the concept. Bethesda's intention was to deliver an impeccable gaming experience, but the reality fell short of gamer expectations.
Despite an impressive promotional push that garnered attention worldwide and drew in over 13 million players, the excitement quickly turned into disappointment for many. Those initial dreams of perfection clashed with the truth of the game's imperfections. Steam’s recent user reviews reflect this disenchantment, with the sentiment largely being one of dissatisfaction for what was once promised as an interstellar masterpiece.
Starfield's review statistics on Steam tell a poignant story of decline, with a total of 86,425 reviews averaging out to a 'Mixed' overall rating. However, the present state of player opinion is much bleaker, with the latest 7,302 reviews plunging into a 'Mostly Negative' abyss.
This downturn is echoed through the voices of players sharing their experiences. For instance, one user's biting commentary described the game as a disappointing foray into mediocrity, while another expressed disdain for the pervasive emptiness found within. As the year waned, a November comment criticized the plot for its lack of originality and lamented that the gameplay mechanics quickly became dull.
Even after dedicating substantial time to exploring every facet the game had to offer, including purchasing the extravagant 'Constellation Edition', one player revealed that very little within Starfield was worth redeeming. This collective discontent underscores the discrepancy between the game's towering promise and its unfulfilled potential.