Starfield was supposed to be Bethesda's magnum opus - a sprawling space exploration RPG that would redefine the genre. With years of development and massive hype behind it, expectations were astronomical. However, upon release, many players found themselves underwhelmed by what was delivered. This critical analysis examines the core issues that prevented Starfield from achieving its lofty ambitions.

From procedurally generated planets that felt empty and repetitive to a disjointed fast-travel system that broke immersion, Starfield struggled with fundamental design choices. The game's technical performance issues, lackluster storytelling, and outdated engine limitations further compounded player frustration. While the game had moments of brilliance, particularly in its ship customization and some quest lines, these highlights couldn't overcome the broader structural problems.

This video breaks down exactly where Bethesda went wrong, comparing Starfield to both the studio's previous successes and competitor titles in the space exploration genre. Understanding these missteps provides valuable insight into game design philosophy and what players truly want from next-generation RPG experiences.