A Modded Universe
Starfield is certainly stirring the pot in the gaming community, particularly now that it’s embracing mods. As noted by PCG’s editor, Robert, mods can breathe new life into this title. Was the absence of chaotic gibs a concern? Well, fret not; modders have already stepped in, and there’s at least one gore mod available to transform your celestial adventures.
Rethinking Realism
When Starfield first landed, it was apparent right away that it was less violent than its predecessors, Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Bethesda insisted on a more authentic vibe, but sadly, the gritty edges of their classic RPGs seemed to have been sanded down. While space is traditionally depicted as a chaotic arena, Starfield veered into calm territory instead.
Behind the Scenes: The Gore That Could Have Been
In an intriguing twist, Senior Artist Dennis Mejillones revealed to Kiwitalkz that Starfield originally intended to be grittier. Technical challenges and thematic coherence were the main culprits in scaling back the gore. Implementing a gore system meant more complexity with spacesuits. Imagine the inconvenience of cutting helmets correctly and dealing with ‘meat caps’—the grisly remains of a body, lingering next to your spilled guts.
For Mejillones, the absence of gore also comes down to fitting Starfield’s tone. Unlike the stylized violence in Fallout, Starfield takes inspiration from series like The Expanse and Star Trek, aiming for a lo-fi, realistic ambiance. So, while I won’t argue that a splash of gore would spice up the combat—which some say lacks a flicker of life compared to Fallout 4—it’s clear that Starfield chose to chart a different course through the cosmos, one with fewer anatomical fireworks.
