There are plenty of stylistic differences betweenStarfieldand Bethesda’sFalloutgames. However, considering thatStarfielddesperately needs to stand out, especially among Bethesda’s star-studded catalog, it would make sense for Bethesda to want to keep the game unique compared to the company’s other titles, such as deliberately not taking certain directions for futureFalloutgames. Even so, that doesn’t necessarily mean thatFallout’s future will be facing any shortage of options.
WithStarfieldbeing a new IP, it had a contentious path to walk from the beginning. Of course, it had the benefit of bringing a new RPG from the same company that producedThe Elder ScrollsandFallout, both of which are highly successful franchises. That same distinction meant that it had to measure up to these two legendary franchises with its first installment and, with such a high bar to clear,Starfieldinevitably faced a lot of scrutiny from critics and players alike. Resting on its laurels alone can’t guarantee its success, though, andFalloutshould give it some room to breathe a bit.
Starfield’s Spaceships Are Iconic in a Way that Fallout Doesn’t Need to Repeat
Starfield’s Spaceships Are One of Its Most Iconic Features
Among its peers, theshipbuilding mechanic inStarfieldis one of the game’s signature features. Being a game based on space travel, it’s only natural that the player would have a ship to use to jet from planet to planet. While the player gets a ship to start with, they can buy, customize, and build their own ships throughout the game.Starfieldplayers have used this ability to create a wide variety of creative ships, from recreations of famous vehicles to sillier concepts.Starfieldwould be missing something special without its shipbuilding mechanics, and a sequel will need to preserve that feature.
Fallout Games Have Not Put an Emphasis on Vehicles
While players can find plenty ofvehicles inFalloutgames, they typically take the form of either set pieces or abandoned cars scattered around the wasteland.Fallouthas nothing in the vein ofStarfield’s spaceships, and it may be for the best if it doesn’t create an equivalent. The idea of making a wasteland-roving machine to cruise across the barren landscape in aMad Max-influenced fashion admittedly sounds pretty cool; however, it may not be a perfect fit for the usual pace and ambiance ofFalloutgames. Not to mention, adding such a mechanic could take away from what makesStarfielda unique package.
Fallout Does Not Need Vehicles the Same Way that Starfield Needs Ships
Adding new vehicles may not even be necessary withFallout’s iconic power armorbeing such a recognizable image for the franchise. This is even more true as the games have evolved to feature more power armor designs and builds. Just like howFallouthas power armor to set itself apart,Starfieldhas its spaceships. Both have very different uses, but their presence is an important part of their respective games' identity.
Fallout’s world can mostly be traversed on foot, while a multiplanetary adventure likeStarfieldrequires a spaceship, and both games have defining features that perfectly fit their needed roles.
Customizable spaceships are one ofStarfield’s big advantages overFallout, and they give players something special that other Bethesda games don’t match. IfFalloutstarts including big vehicles, especially customizable ones, it could makeStarfieldfeel less distinctive in comparison.
