Starfield: Here’s What Happens In Its Opening Mission | gamescom 2023

23.08.2023 - 08:51 / ign.com

If there’s one thing Bethesda is known for, it’s those “step-out” moments. That first foray out in the unknown - whether it’s the opening of a long-sealed Fallout vault or a soaring Skyrim dragon welcoming you to a whole new world of danger and wonder. Starfield is no different, wasting no time in introducing you to the vast beauty of its world to great effect. But we’ll get to exactly how it does that just a little later. Here’s a rundown of exactly what happens in the opening minutes of Starfield’s first mission, fittingly titled One Small Step, after seeing it at gamescom 2023.

The Sol date is May 7, 2330. You find yourself on the Argos Extractors Mining Outpost on the Moon of Vectera. The first voice heard is that of Supervisor Lin, the obvious leader around here who has one simple rule: Listen to Lin. She’s accompanied by fellow miner Heller who provides a sense of levity and charm. It’s clear from the outset that Starfield will be home to Bethesda’s typical mix of quirky characters supported by punchy writing.

That writing also does a great job at this very early stage of exposing you to in-universe language and lore. Slang such as “Dusties” is casually thrown around as you piece together what these new words mean. The well-worn industrial mining spacesuits only add to the sense of place created in these opening moments, as do the designs of the machinery being wielded – in particular a huge whirring drill that reminded me of Thunderbirds’ Mole.

The mine itself is one long cavern that you walk through as Lin and Heller remind you of the task at hand – more minerals, more money. The atmosphere isn’t breathable without a mask, an early example of this being a place humans aren’t meant to be. Stalagmites and stalactites frame the cavern, while red lasers slicing through the air cast a scarlet glow across the sand-coloured rocks.

The visuals here are a noticeable step up for Bethesda Game Studios, but maybe not quite comparable to recent graphical powerhouses. Environments look great, but character models still seem to possess that classic Bethesda stiffness – there doesn’t look like there’s a lot going on behind those eyes. One thing that doesn’t threaten to underwhelm, however, is the simply majestic-sounding music, with stirring and mystery-laden strings accompanying these early footsteps.

After a quick tour, you're encouraged to pick up a laser Cutter for yourself. A red beam all of your own bores into Beryllium deposits before exploding them and sending them off into your inventory. Mining for ore may not be the most exciting way to start an adventure of such thrilling potential, but this is all a ruse for something far more valuable. You’re soon find yourself wander ing into a tunnel alone. What