| Reviewer | Score | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Gamespot | 7/10 | Intriguing side quests that lead you down some wild paths Solid gunplay and fun arsenal of weapons make for thrilling firefights Impressive breadth of content and interconnected gameplay systems Trekking the galaxy and discovering planets is novel | Uninspired main story with weak writing and characterizations Underwhelming vision of space exploration and humanity's spacefaring future Shallow RPG mechanics with regard to dialogue, quest solutions, and influencing outcomes Terrible map system makes key locations tough to navigate |
| IGN | 7/10 | Detailed lore and backstory Vast universe with hundreds of worlds to explore Engaging main story and side quests Interesting companion characters with deep backgrounds Ship-to-ship battles and boarding mechanics Modular and customizable spaceship designs Challenging lockpicking minigame | Slow and rough start Small-feeling galaxy due to fast travel Lack of maps and navigation tools Frustrating inventory management Slow rollout of essential abilities Repetitive mission structure in some quests Some technical issues (model pop-in, crashes, etc.) |
| GamesRadar | 5/5 | Vast, immersive open-world experience. Engaging ship-building mechanic. Diverse and intricate missions. Impressive visuals and environments. | Encumbrance system can be tedious. Some skills locked behind skill tree. Fast-travel reliance can break immersion. Crafting system tracking can be unclear. |
| Game Informer | 8.5/10 | Expansive exploration Rich storytelling Diverse activities Engaging characters Captivating visuals | Complex navigation Repetitive missions Tedious menus Stiff gunplay Uneven combat |
| Destructoid | 10/10 | Engrossing and immersive open-world experience Freedom to engage in various activities and playstyles Well-designed and fluid combat system Detailed and customizable ship mechanics | Lack of planetary vehicles or creatures for easier traversal Limited atmospheric flight capabilities for ships |
| VGC | 100/100 | Immense scale and sense of wonder. Vast universe for exploration. Refined dialogue and gunplay. Polished with few bugs. | Short main quest. Familiar gameplay mechanics. Xbox Series X performance issues. Some unclear dialogue options. |
| VG247 | 4/5 | Intricate exploration: Deep world systems. Compelling quests: Rich variety, narratives. Attention to detail: Thoughtful touches. Outpost-building: Engaging mechanics. | Lack of coherence: Unclear themes, messages. Character depth: Shallow dialogue choices. Sparse cultural diversity: Limited perspectives. Disconnected space: Tedious navigation. |
| PC Gamer | 75/100 | Vast freedom to create personal narratives. Richly designed environments like Neon. Player-driven quests beyond main story. Notably stable gameplay experience. | Classic Bethesda bugs and glitches. Cumbersome inventory and map systems. Simplified and luck-based minigames. Lacks depth compared to past titles. |
| Shacknews | 9/10 | Expansive universe Deep lore and world-building Diverse side stories and missions Engaging characters and companions Improved shooting mechanics Ship customization and combat Detailed graphics and presentation Immersive sound design and music | Complex navigation and menus Repetitive dialogue options Binary conversation choices Few performance hitches Some frustrating mechanics (inventory management) |
| Radio Times | 4/5 | Typical expansive Bethesda world with planetary systems. Intricate side stories that can be more engaging than the main plot. Customizable spaceships catered to player desires. Majestic maps showcasing vastness of space. Attention to detail in game world construction. | Combat feels unchallenging; enemies aren't threatening. Main quest may not showcase game's best features. Some side quests are monotonous with dull busywork. Character interactions and dialog feel stiff and artificial. Combat and exploration are easy, lacking tactical depth. |
| Forbes | 9.5/10 | Engaging companion stories. Rich exploration and world-building. Improved combat system. Stunning in-game visuals. Expansive sandbox gameplay. | Dated character models and animation. Frequent loading screens. Oxygen system is cumbersome. Presence of bugs, albeit less than usual. Ambiguous endgame and New Game Plus. |
| TheGamer | 4/5 | Evolves classic Bethesda gameplay. Stellar writing and memorable characters. Engaging main missions with unexpected twists. Improved RPG elements and base building. Engrossing stories and faction dynamics. Mechanical space battles enhance immersion. | Lackluster exploration; many lifeless planets. Repetitive procedural generation diminishes immersion. Unintuitive shipbuilding controls and instructions. Over-reliance on combat in missions. Limited interaction in space travel and landing. Outdated NPC behavior and interactions. |
| Screen Rant | 4.5/5 | Engaging storytelling and charismatic characters. Deep RPG mechanics with refined Perks system. Comprehensive shipbuilding and outpost creation. Massive, meticulously detailed open-world. Fewer bugs than previous Bethesda titles. | Frequent loading screens hamper immersion. Inconsistent graphics and facial animations. Menu-heavy, can cause navigation fatigue. |
| CGMagazine | 9.5/10 | Epic Space Voyage: Engaging storyline, exploration, and environmental storytelling. Freedom of Choice: Choose main quest or faction paths, abundant content. Vast & Diverse World: Various factions, planets, and quests for immersion. Immersive Exploration: Random encounters, rich environmental storytelling. | Repetitive Content: Reused locations and enemies outside major quests. Main Quest's Strength: Main storyline not as deep as previous Bethesda games. Unclear Mechanics: Insufficient tutorials for certain game mechanics. Skill Tree Challenges: Some abilities locked behind skill tree ranking. |
| PrimaGames | 9/10 | An entire galaxy to explore. Dozens of well-written side quests with multiple ways to complete each one. A game that gets better, and more nuanced, the longer you play. | Menus and user interfaces can feel unintuitive. Cities can feel lifeless. The main story doesn't gain traction until act 3. |
| Washington Post | 4/4 | Ambitious narrative: Explores tech and humanity. Monumental achievement: Vast universe, planets. Open-ended gameplay: Choices, consequences. Rich detail: Diverse quests, stories. | Intimacy loss: Sacrifices connection. Spatial disconnection: Loading, menus. Limited character interaction: Detached. Technical hiccups: Occasional issues. |
| Toms Guide | 4/5 | In-depth side quests: Complex and engaging. Exploration variety: Side quests, activities, landmarks. Attention to history: Detailed world-building. Procedural world design: Potential for diversity. | Limited creative problem-solving: Limited options. Navigation limitations: Tedious menus for space travel. Graphical inconsistencies: Mixed quality visuals. Combat mechanics: Competent but not exceptional. |
| IGN Japan | 10/10 | Vast universe with diverse planets Engaging characters Unique storytelling Minimal bugs | Some UI issues Complexity may be overwhelming |
| IGN Spain | 10/10 | Exceeds expectations. Vast, diverse experiences. Emotional and surprising moments. Deep storytelling. Memorable characters. Enriching exploration. Impressive visuals. Great soundtrack. | Moments of tedium. Some artificiality. Sterile environments. Tedious menus. Slower early hours. Missed potential in exploration. Repetitive scenarios. Hindered momentum. |
| Trusted Reviews | 4/5 | Fantastic side quests to dig into Superb gunplay and variety of weapons Ship customisation is excellent Expansive skill tree for true RPG experience | Mostly boring story campaign Space and planet exploration is a chore Overencumbered system is incredibly frustrating |
| Gaming Trend | 90/100 | Diverse faction quests Engaging side stories Base building options Survival-lite mechanics Polished performance | Limited base structure variety Suit protection not imposing 30fps cap on Xbox Some minor bugs Pop-in during landing and loading |
| Hardcore Gamer | 4/5 | Vast and detailed open-world galaxy to explore Variety of factions and choices that impact the story Engaging side quests and random encounters Diverse cast of characters with unique skills and personalities | Lackluster main story missions Some repetitive and uninspired planetary exploration Skill progression system with repetitive unlocking requirements Clunky and underutilized spaceship combat Technical issues and bugs (though improved compared to previous Bethesda games) Inconsistent distribution of interesting content across the galaxy |
| Stevivor | 4/5 | Strong RPG elements with intricate dialogue and mission structure Exploration of multiple planets and solar systems Impressive visuals, especially in planetary settlements and cities Variety and depth in side quests and branching dialogue Seamless blend of main and side questlines | Limited planetary exploration within designated sections NPCs lack expressive animations and body language Some issues with progression and continuity in missions Lackluster ship combat and limited flying mechanics Resource gathering and base building can feel slow and tacked-on |
| Tech Raptor | 8/10 | Space setting used to its fullest Incredible depth of side quests and content Plenty of player choice and dialogue options New Game Plus shakes things up for multiple playthroughs Solid soundtrack and audio direction | Performance woes and various bugs Repetitive main story Stale combat for at least a good chunk of the game Some frustrating design decisions |
| Windows Central | 4.5/5 | An incredibly rich and fresh take on sci-fi realism Deep lore and consistent backstories make a lifelike universe High-quality, hand-crafted story content for quests Some of Bethesda's best environmental design work Improved gunplay with spectacular ship combat Creation Engine nails zero-G combat, seamless construction systems, and environmental effects The single most polished game launch in Bethesda's history | Introductory hours overwhelm with reams of systems, quests, and concepts delivered too quickly Uncanny NPCs are too ugly and stiff in 2023, with close-up shots detracting from great voice acting UI is too minimalistic for its own good, considering the complex systems within |
| GameCrunch | 4/5 | Ambitious scope Detailed world-building Compelling quests Rich interior design Retro-futuristic aesthetics Satisfying combat Intriguing scenarios | Fast-travel system Lack of exploration Overwhelming menus Limited character animations Excessive NPC chatter Character interactions Small universe feel |
| Player2 | 100/100 | Immersive storytelling Detailed environments Rich character interactions Freedom in approaching situations Authentic relationships with companions Meaningful side quests Rewarding exploration | Overwhelming ship customization for some Large game may feel overwhelming Ship-building mechanics complex Some aspects may be underutilized Imperfect character animations NPCs' excessive dialogue Minor technical quirks |
| Gaming Nexus | 95/100 | Enormous and hand-crafted content Dozens of mechanics create an amazing space adventure Mind-boggling amount of stuff to do Quests pop up from casual interactions Faction questlines rival entire AAA game stories Dynamic reactions to player's actions | UI can be clunky, especially the star chart Pathfinding for quest markers can be problematic Some minor Bethesda jank present Fast travel heavily emphasized, reducing trekking Not a perfect experience at launch A few minor visual and interaction glitches |
| PCGamesN | 70/100 | Expansive open-world space RPG. Diverse mechanics and quests. Detailed and densely packed cities. Complex facial animations and interactions. Customizable ships and space exploration. | Feature creep and lack of focus. Tedious procedural planets. Lackluster side quests and consequences. Homogenous culture despite diversity. Limited character growth and chemistry. |
| DigitalChumps | 95/100 | Explores space travel allure effectively. Vast, mysterious, and opportunity-rich universe. Slow burn main quest and character management. | Lengthy and complicated tutorial. Takes time to reach outstanding gameplay. Game's mechanics might not be instantly intuitive. |
| GamerNo | 7/10 | Impressive visuals and realistic lip movements. Shooting mechanics improved, satisfying flight experience. Many side quests and experiences in cities. Character customization leads to unique playthroughs. Concept of Starfield is compelling. | Lack of seamless exploration in space. Awkward NPC behaviors and animations. Performance issues and areas feeling repetitive. Big cities lack excitement. Not on par with previous Bethesda titles' "wow" factor. |
| Games.cz | 70/100 | Incredible characters enhance the story and quests. Unexpected plot twists and meaningful decisions. High-quality writing in main and side quests. Abundance of content, including space station building. | Main narrative might raise questions. Some fetch quests and generic activities. Game lacks innovation in terms of gameplay mechanics. Despite issues, the game is enjoyable due to familiar Bethesda gameplay. |
| App Trigger | 90/100 | Vast exploration Rich storytelling Cohesive gameplay Varied skills Improved mechanics | Tedious planets Initial overwhelm |
| Polygon | Unscored | Vast and expansive universe Diverse gameplay options and choices Interesting and surprising moments of wonder and discovery Some engaging stories and side activities Customization options for character and ship Improved shooting mechanics and combat Moments of personal connection and human interaction | Sterile and lifeless environments Tedium and overwhelming menus Repetitive and derivative gameplay loops Lack of momentum and pacing issues Buried moments of wonder beneath layers of artificiality Struggles to balance handcrafted content with procedural generation Underwhelming execution of the game's ambition |
| Attack of the fan boy | 5/5 | Magnificent size and scope. Diverse array of worlds. Stable, layered experience. Abundance of activities. Game Pass value proposition. Ambitious and successful. Xbox Game Studios' best. | Frame rate compromises. |
| VideoGamer | 9/10 | Vast exploration potential. Engaging combat with weight and consequence. Richly detailed world design. Diverse quest design and player agency. Captivating sense of discovery. Balanced technical performance. Thoughtful attention to space aesthetics. | Frame rate drops on consoles. Procedurally generated planets can feel bland. Occasional minor bugs. |
| GameRant | 5/5 | Freedom to explore and play as desired. Engaging combat mechanics and ship battles. Vast and diverse planets with meaningful content. Well-written characters and companions. Multiple factions and questlines with varied gameplay. Quality-of-life features enhance convenience. High replay value with New Game+ option. | Dated mission design in some cases. Repetitive missions in the main quest. Occasional technical issues and jank. |
| GOGConnected | 90/100 | Visually Stunning A lot to do Fascination with Space Very polished | Repetitive Exploration Loading screens |
| Wccftech | 9/10 | Engaging story filled with space mystery Well-developed companions Excellent ground and space combat Huge amount of meaningful content Extreme freedom to be whoever the player wants to be Some stunning vistas and locations Great performance on PC and minimal amount of bugs | Lack of truly seamless exploration hurts immersion The first few hours of the game are a little dull Though refined, the gameplay formula is still the same as in the other games from the developer |
| ZTGD | 8/10 | Great characters and side quests Most polished Bethesda game to date Exploration can be super fun Combat feels great | So many barren planets Clunky menus and navigation Too many ammo and gun types Melee combat feels non-impactful |
| Digital Trends | 3.5/5 | Strong sidequests Impactful choices Impressive scope Beautiful space landscapes Great ship and outpost customization | Flat main story and characters Dull exploration Disappointing flight Stability issues |
| ACG | Buy | | |
| We got this covered | 4.5/5 | Rewarding aerial combat with skill-based piloting. In-depth crew system and diverse companions. Settlement mechanics offer depth and management simulation. Overwhelming scope and attention to detail. Minor bugs do not significantly impact gameplay. Holds players' attention for extended periods. | Bugs and minor glitches present. Settlement mechanics may not appeal to all players. |
| RPG Fans | 98% | (Website is down currently :'( ) | |
| Press Start | 9/10 | An exciting new setting rich with lore A great twist on new game plus An unprecedented level of polish for a Bethesda Games Studio title The mix of combat styles, both on-planet and off, feels dynamic | A few visual bugs There's some of the sense of exploration that's been lost |
| Paste Magazine | 5/10 | Vast universe to explore Engaging exploration Improved combat mechanics Meaningful player choices | Lackluster writing Bland characters Repetitive environments Confusing mechanics |
| Gamersky | 9/10 | Vast RPG Experience: Richly detailed RPG with extensive exploration and engaging quests. Immersive Dialogue: Meaningful conversations and diverse dialogue options enhance role-playing. Faction Variety: Four distinct factions offer unique missions and branching storylines. Character Depth: Well-developed NPCs and companions contribute to an immersive experience. Skill Integration: Skills and traits impact conversations, combat, and exploration. | Loading Interruptions: Frequent loading screens disrupt immersion in the vast universe. Limited Exploration: Procedurally generated planets lack depth and feel disconnected. Repetitive Environments: Scenery can become monotonous due to similar designs. Technical Issues: Encounters crashes and technical glitches that hinder gameplay. Inconsistent Writing: While some quests shine, the main plot can feel mundane. |
| Spaziogames | Unscored | Stunning design & art. Improved technical launch. Distinctive environments. Strong audio & localization. | Occasional bugs. Frame rate drops. Mixed planetary details. Console limitations. Rigid character animations. |
| Gaming Bolt | 10/10 | Immersive setting with rich lore. Varied locations & impressive art. Engaging faction questlines. Well-developed companions. Strong emphasis on player freedom. Enjoyable combat & progression. Rewarding ship building. | Frustrating AI in combat. Minor technical issues. |
| Fexelea | 9.4/10 | Expansive, rich universe Unique faction dynamics Engaging quests & exploration Deep roleplaying mechanics | Mediocre combat Some technical glitches |
| Gameranx | Unscored | Engaging main quest Fun combat & weapon variety Ship building & customization Rich faction quests & activities | Buggy nature & immersion-breaking bugs Mixed visual quality & outdated graphics Tedious space exploration & loading screens Randomly generated planets feel dull |
| MattyPlays | Unscored | Engaging main story and faction quests. Improved mission variety and choice-driven narrative. Rich and immersive lore and dialogue interactions. Extensive amount of content and gameplay hours. Companions are more involved and interactive. | Lack of seamless exploration and freedom. Planets can feel barren and lack diverse content. Missed opportunity with background traits and dialogue choices. Some side quests follow a predictable framework. Overuse of persuasion mini-game instead of skill checks. |
| Digital Foundry (Performance based review) | Unscored | Consistent and stable experience on consoles with no obvious bugs. Graphics are excellent with high detail and beautiful environmental artwork. Game is smooth and stable with no glaring issues. Significant improvements in graphics quality compared to Bethesda's previous games. Xbox Series X and S both offer sharp and clean image quality. Motion blur helps to smooth out the 30 FPS frame rate target. Combat feels great, and main content of the game is in very good form. | World is segmented with frequent loading screens, interrupting the experience. Planetary exploration can be repetitive due to procedurally generated content. Framerate is locked at 30 FPS without higher frame rate options. Some significant compromises in distant detail, shadows, and reflections on Series S. Series S features softer shadow maps and lower resolution cube maps for reflections. Occasionally, performance issues in cities, particularly New Atlantis and Aquila. Procedurally generated content lacks the curated experience of prior Bethesda games. The motion blur effect might be too subtle for some players' preference. |
| JackFrags | Unscored | Engaging gameplay with different aspects like mining, combat, and space exploration. Detailed character creation and background choices. Intriguing story elements and mysteries. Smooth transition between planetary exploration and space travel. Tutorial system that introduces gameplay mechanics step by step. Varied gameplay mechanics, from combat to scanning creatures and resources. Atmospheric visuals and detailed environments. Ability to customize and upgrade your ship's systems. Multiple options for approaching encounters, including combat and diplomacy. Seamless transition between first-person and third-person perspectives. Interesting characters and interactions. | Some players might find the controls and mechanics overwhelming at first. Initial learning curve for managing ship systems and combat tactics. Some players might find the tutorial interruptions disrupt the flow of the game. Scanning and surveying mechanics might become repetitive over time. Initial interactions with some characters could feel a bit rushed or forced. Some players might wish for more ship customization options from the start. The transition between space and planetary exploration is cinematic, not seamless. The UI can feel cluttered and complex, especially for new players. Minor technical issues could arise, such as frame rate drops or bugs. The initial narrative pacing might not suit players looking for immediate action. Not all players might enjoy the blend of first-person shooter and RPG mechanics. |
