One Highly Anticipated Starfield Update Will Totally Change The Game, & It's Not The DLC

and represent fairly different implementations of Bethesda's open-world formula, but when it comes to their shortcomings, they both end up falling into the same trap. There's always a certain level of familiarity to Bethesda RPGs, from the strong points like worlds full of varied possibilities, to the weaker elements like outdated engine design. Not everything has stayed the same over the years, however, and the newer ideas in and are exactly why they don't measure up to the best qualities of Bethesda's most memorable games.

's ship builder is probably the easiest way to waste away hours in the space-faring RPG, and a big May 2024 update is adding a whole new dimension to the system. It makes sense that ship customization features heavily in, as quite a lot of time is generally going to be spent in space across the course of a playthrough. Although the fast travel system makes intergalactic flight irrelevant, exploring space within smaller areas can lead to plenty of memorable encounters both large and small.

has made waves as a live-service game that offers the complete package of fun gameplay, an engaging community, and interesting updates, but one move could undo a huge portion of what it's built over the past few months. As a sequel to the modestly popular top-down shooter, the third-person follow-up has managed to go toe-to-toe with major IPs and stands out as one of the biggest successes of 2024. Not everyone has been able to get in on the fun – isn't available on Xbox – but that hasn't slowed its momentum much.

There's a lot to enjoy in the base version of , but one particular feature that didn't show up until DLC definitely should have been included for free. has always had a somewhat contentious space in the franchise, and a big part of it is a feeling that the game falls into a one step forward, two steps back problem. Enhanced gunplay and settlement building are just a couple of the significant new attractions, but missing roleplaying elements and fewer narrative complexities can be disappointing compared to prior titles.

's long-awaited next-gen update has now refreshed the game on both the Xbox Series X/S and the PlayStation 5, but it's still a better game on the former option thanks to one huge difference between the versions. Ever since first making its way to consoles with, the post-apocalyptic RPG series has had plenty of struggles with bugs and performance issues showing up in every game to varying degrees. The next-gen update does fix some key problems that have persisted in the game since launch, even if it introduces some of its own.

The new is an interesting addition to , but more than anything, it's a reminder that one older game in franchise deserves to have a proper comeback. Although the release model of has long relied on extensive amounts of expansion packs, the series also spent much of its lifespan spinning things off into proper side games. Although this could sometimes get very far from the original concept (like in ), the franchise also had its fair share of games that fulfilled core concepts in their own interesting ways.

Based on rumors so far, the Nintendo Switch 2 seems to be mostly focused on keeping what people love about the Switch and improving on it, but a new report indicates that one iconic element of the system could be going away with its successor. The long wait for news on the console has been full of ups and downs, dating back to the time when a Switch Pro was expected before a new system entirely. More recently, a presumed 2024 date seemed to slip out the window in favor of a 2025 release, making the wait even longer.

Navigating the world of isn't that tricky as a whole, but one element that's easy to get tripped up on is the game's approach to relationships. makes a major departure from both the original and by making relationship progress with party members a central part of the game, with the ultimate payoff lying in a number of potential dates at the Gold Saucer. Although the basic thrust of the system is clear enough, some key aspects aren't actually revealed until after the credits roll.

has finally received a next-gen update to squeeze in some improvements on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and it also makes some key changes and additions that are reflected on PC as well. Released in 2015 for the prior console generation, remains the most recent mainline installment in the post-apocalyptic RPG series. Anyone looking to scratch the itch has no choice but to stick with or previous games in the series, so the prospect of getting an update could be a tantalizing one.

might not look like a game that would have much of an emphasis on the story at first glance, but by the time it reaches the ending, it proves that its narrative ambitions are greater than might be expected. As an unusual twist on the soulslike genre, packs intense fights and a healthy dose of platforming into a package that's more charming than most of its peers. Although the framing might seem like it wouldn't dwell in the grim, quiet corners that most soulslike games frequent, the story ends up having some serious weight.

Playing through to the credits in can take a while, but anyone particularly enraptured with the game might want to keep the adventure going after the ending. tells the story of a futuristic soldier named Eve working to retake a ruined Earth, a task that requires fighting plenty of hostile creatures with uniquely challenging attacks to parry and overcome. It can be tempting to rush through to keep the focus on the action, but there's also an appeal in ferreting out secrets in its harsh world.

isn't content to just be an average, everyday city-builder, and the game's commitment to doing something unique goes beyond its central concept. The obvious thing that makes different from other games in the genre is its blend of tactical battles into the mix, which gives it an extra dose of appeal. This isn't the only feature that's hard to find elsewhere, however, and another fairly unique addition also contributes to making its medieval settlements feel more like real places with real people.