Bethesda’sStarfieldhas cemented its spot as one of the best and biggest role-playing games of the modern age over the past year. The AAA title features an expansive universe filled with numerous planets, breathtaking space vistas, and a galaxy’s worth of adventure. WhileStarfieldmay be raking in all the plaudits now, it took Bethesda a long road filled with updates and patches to get there, as there were a lot of complaints surrounding its maps and navigation mechanics at launch.
One such update brought the revolutionary REV-8 vehicle toStarfield, sparking a new avenue of possibilities for planetary exploration. In light of the excitement the REV-8 brought, it’s a no-brainer for Bethesda to consider expanding the concept. Adding more vehicle types and customization options could elevate the planetary exploration experience even further, making ground travel an engaging aspect of the game.
The REV-8’s Appeal Makes a Case for Future Vehicle Additions in Starfield
The REV-8’s addition toStarfieldaddressed one of the game’s most significant challenges: traversing the vast and often barren landscapes of its planets. Bethesda’s Executive Producer, Todd Howard, initially stated that its reason for not including land travel options in the game was how vehicles would affect pacing. However, after a barrage of complaints from the online community, Bethesda changed its mind and announced theREV-8 forStarfieldat Gamescom 2024.
Its addition solved an engagement issue that plaguedStarfieldsince its 2023 launch. Ships are the primary mode of interplanetary travel, but they aren’t useful once players have landed on a planet of interest. So, before the REV-8’s introduction, players had to venture through the vast landscapes of numerous planets on foot. This hindrance, combined with the monotonic scenery of some planets, made it hard for platinum trophy hunters to stay engaged in the game rather than just going through the motions.
The REV-8 filled that gap, providing a speedy and practical way to get around the planets. Its sleek design and utility made it an instant hit amongStarfield’s player baseas a shiny new toy in the quality-of-life section. However, like everything, its initial novelty is bound to wear off at some point, and there needs to be some diversification. With no other vehicle options available and no way to customize the REV-8 apart from upgrades, ground travel risks slipping back into suboptimal territory.
More Vehicle Types Are Essential If Bethesda Aims To Keep Ground Travel Fresh And Exciting
Encouraging player creativity and experimentation are the main staples in theStarfieldexperience, but the developer has not yet tapped into the full potential of the opportunity presented by the REV-8. SinceStarfieldintroduced the vehicle, modders have stepped in to craft some of thebest mods for theStarfieldREV-8. From the X-34 Landspeeder representing theStar Warsfranchise to Thomas The Tank Engine and NASA’s Lunar Rover, many great REV-8 mods have been brought to life, which should inspire Bethesda to tap into its creative juices.
Each planet inStarfieldoffers unique environmental challenges, and vehicles tailored to these challenges could enrich exploration, making each world feel distinct and immersive. In the interest of variety, there’s an opportunity for Bethesda to broaden the scope of land traversal by going beyond the boundaries of the average four-wheel vehicle. It could look to new planetary designs like that of the Mars Rover, or even tap into the likes ofCyberpunk 2077’s futuristic motorcycle blueprint to speed across planets.
Starfield’s ship customization systemcan also be extended to the REV-8 and any other vehicle Bethesda plans to include in the game. Players should be given the choice to modify speed, durability, and cargo capacity to suit their tastes. Those prioritizing resource gathering might opt for a bulkier vehicle with large storage, while those who prefer maneuverability can streamline their vehicular designs.
Additionally, visual customization options—such as paint jobs, decals, and cosmetic add-ons—could allow players to express their style much like they do with their ships. In a game as expansive asStarfield, the REV-8 should only be a small step toward making planetary exploration more dynamic.
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Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
