Comeback kid stories may not be rare in gaming, but CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most memorable on record. The developer turned around the fate of its disastrous launch through small incremental improvements and finally an impressive expansion. Phantom freedom last year Bounce on Cyberpunk 2077Counting players after the DLC reaffirmed the unspoken belief in the industry – additional content, if done right, could completely revolutionize the way the game looks. However, while Phantom freedom’s achievements are now seen as the gold standard, not all DLCs need to live up to their savior billing. in StarfieldThe case of, while Shattered space The good work of the base game should continue, this is one of those that doesn't need a burden Phantom freedom-esque expectations.
There's hardly a Bethesda game that doesn't have some form of post-launch content, hence the developer's announcement StarfieldThe DLC surprised few at Summer Game Fest 2024. Shattered space Primarily concerned with advancing the intergalactic narrative StarfieldStarted the base game, as opposed to bug fixes. With that in mind, Shattered space Not necessarily breaking new ground and becoming Bethesda's version Phantom freedom.
Phantom Liberty and Shattered Space have different references after their release
One of the marked differences in expectations for Phantom freedom and Shattered space The base game is the meta that expansions should grow. While Starfield's launch wasn't free from its fair share of performance issues and annoying bugs, Bethesda didn't experience even a fraction of the heat CD Project Red did. Cyberpunk 2077.
Such was the urgency of the latter situation that Sony pulled the game from its PlayStation Store and offered refunds on purchases, highlighting the extent of the criticism.
Cyberpunk 2077
faced
Given the disastrous launch, everything was on the line for the developer, and Phantom freedom An update is needed to overhaul almost the entire base game. This process took about three years to complete Phantom freedom Many core mechanics were overhauled in addition to new content and playable areas. DLC is traditionally seen as extra content, but within Cyberpunk 2077In the case of, it became a redemption story and a second chance to deliver on its original vision.
Starfield's launch response gave Bethesda a platform to make incremental improvements, not overhauls
StarfieldOn the other hand, it was a smooth ride compared to its CD Projekt Red counterpart. Yes, it had very mixed reviews, though that was to be expected given the ambitious heights Bethesda was trying to scale. While criticism surrounded its navigation mechanics, maps, and perceived lack of content on its many planets, minute details like Vasco's robot companion's close human interaction formed slivers of light amid the cloud of anger that Bethesda could build up.
As a result, Bethesda didn't have to take a firefighter brigade approach to prevent their precious ship from sinking the way CD Projekt Red required it. where Phantom freedom had a difficult make or break attempt, Starfield It may be able to enhance its experience through DLCs — just as the post-launch gimmick originally intended. Even before Shattered spaceAnnounced publicly, the updates greatly enhanced the base game's offerings.
Bethesda's piecemeal approach to addressing the issues eliminates the need for a Phantom Liberty encore
For example, one of the community's early complaints Starfield There was a lack of detailed maps and the complexity of planetary exploration. In response, Bethesda released an updated map with new features such as 3D renderings of interior spaces and markers for points of interest such as shops, giving players the option to fast travel to them. This addition was a significant improvement in quality of life compared to the nondescript bunch of blue dots that previously dominated the map.
Bethesda also introduced the REV-8, the first land vehicle in 2015 Starfieldwhich addresses a large portion of the planetary exploration problems players face while traveling on foot. With the developer's piecemeal fixing approach StarfieldThe issues are in full brightness, there is no pressure Shattered space To perform in any capacity other than story creation. Instead, it can focus on prosperity StarfieldKnowledge as players make their way through Wa'ruun'kai to uncover the secrets of House Wa'run.
Additionally, there are also signs of more Starfield DLCs planned in the future, so the weight of expectations for improvement should be distributed evenly, rather than resting squarely on the shoulders of Shattered Space, like Phantom Liberty.
