The release of Bethesda’s highly anticipated RPG, Starfield, brought with it a tidal wave of hype and expectation. Fans and industry insiders alike were primed for a groundbreaking experience, with promises of vast open worlds and groundbreaking gameplay. However, as the game finally hit screens, it became clear that Starfield, while a solid addition to Bethesda’s portfolio, treads familiar territory rather than pushing boundaries.

In the lead-up to its release, Starfield was surrounded by an aura of grandeur. Todd Howard, the game’s director, and Phil Spencer, Xbox head, formed a dynamic duo, extolling the game’s virtues at events like Summer Game Fest. They spoke of a universe with 1,000 planets, all teeming with exploration opportunities and a minimal chance of encountering game-breaking bugs.

Xbox’s Sarah Bond added to the hype, declaring Starfield “one of the most important RPGs ever made.” Pete Hines, head of Bethesda, regaled players with tales of spending over 100 hours immersed in Starfield’s world. The anticipation reached such heights that it became a talking point in discussions surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard.

However, when Starfield finally landed, it brought players back to a familiar Bethesda formula. While it offered an engaging experience, it was essentially a Bethesda game set in space. The familiar gameplay mechanics, NPC interactions, and storytelling techniques felt like a revisitation of Morrowind and Fallout 3, not a leap into uncharted territory.

Starfield’s greatest achievement, it seems, is its scale, made possible by technological advances in gaming. But it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking ideas or innovative gameplay mechanics to the RPG genre. Instead, it refines existing elements and introduces improved gunplay, a welcome change.

Despite the dissonance between the pre-release hype and the actual game, Starfield is a testament to Bethesda’s enduring RPG formula. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most comforting games are those that stick to a tried-and-true formula.

Starfield may not be the earth-shattering RPG many anticipated, but it’s a solid addition to Bethesda’s catalog. As players explore its expansive universe and dive into its wealth of side quests, they’ll find themselves in familiar territory—a Bethesda game that offers hours of captivating gameplay.

While Starfield didn’t revolutionize the RPG genre, it does hold a special place in the hearts of fans of Bethesda’s particular brand of gaming. Its steady progression, the lure of side quests, and the sheer scope of its world make it a compelling experience for completionists and casual gamers alike. Starfield’s allure lies in its ability to immerse players in its vast universe and provide a consistent stream of rewarding gameplay.

However, it’s essential to recognize that hype surrounding a game can sometimes eclipse the reality. Starfield’s familiarity serves as a reminder that the gaming industry often relies on marketing tools to build anticipation, but the end product may not always match the lofty expectations set by pre-release promotion.

Starfield is a testament to the enduring appeal of Bethesda’s RPG formula. While it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking elements to the genre, it excels in delivering the type of immersive experience that fans have come to expect. As players journey through the cosmos in Starfield, they’ll find a familiar, yet enjoyable adventure that showcases the developer’s expertise in crafting engaging open-world RPGs.

As consumers and critics, it’s crucial to approach highly anticipated releases with a balanced perspective, understanding that while hype can elevate expectations, a game’s true worth lies in the experiences it offers to players.