Bethesda's Game Design Was Outdated a Decade Ago
NakeyJakey
37 min, 22 sec
The video is an extensive critique of Bethesda's past and present game design, focusing on shortcomings and disappointments, particularly with the recent release of Starfield.
Summary
- The creator starts by discussing their previous criticisms of Bethesda's game design, expressing both respect for the developers and bafflement at the outdated aspects of Bethesda's recent games, including Starfield.
- The video highlights the fundamental issues with Starfield's gameplay mechanics, such as exploration, combat, and quest systems, comparing it unfavorably to past successes and other contemporary games.
- Bethesda's reluctance to modernize their game design and engine is scrutinized, with examples showing how Starfield fails to meet the standards set by other titles in terms of optimization and innovation.
- The video goes into detail about the flaws in Starfield's various systems, such as the bounty system, the lack of meaningful exploration, and the underwhelming combat and role-playing elements.
- Despite a love for Bethesda's past works, the creator expresses deep disappointment with Starfield and concern for the future of Bethesda's titles, including the upcoming Elder Scrolls game.
Chapter 1
The creator introduces their perspective on Bethesda's outdated game design, despite previous respect and admiration for the developer.
- The creator has made two videos criticizing Bethesda's game design as outdated and stands by those critiques.
- They did not plan to use the 'outdated' critique again but feel it's necessary for discussing recent Bethesda games.
- Despite the critique, there is a clear respect for the individuals working hard to make these games.
Chapter 2
Starfield is presented as a new low for Bethesda, failing to innovate or improve upon past formulas.
- Starfield is seen as a shocking disappointment for its lack of improvement over the past decade.
- The game's outdated engine and unambitious design choices are highlighted as major issues.
- A personal desire to enjoy Starfield is expressed, but the game's flaws are too significant to overlook.
Chapter 3
The video reflects on what Bethesda games used to mean in terms of freedom and player experience.
- Bethesda games used to symbolize open-world action RPGs with total player freedom and diverse ways to interact with the world.
- The atmosphere and world design of games like Fallout 3 are praised, despite the limitations and bugs.
- Bethesda's ability to create compelling open worlds is contrasted with the lack of depth in Starfield.
Chapter 4
A comedic break in the critique occurs with a mock sponsorship segment.
- The creator humorously introduces a mock sponsorship by a browser company, parodying typical YouTube sponsorship segments.
- The segment is presented as a diversion from the main content, poking fun at the 'outdated guy' series.
Chapter 5
Exploration of the term 'Bethesda game' and its evolution over the years.
- The term 'Bethesda game' once described games with vast open worlds and player freedom but has since lost its positive connotations.
- Recent Bethesda games are criticized for failing to evolve basic gameplay mechanics and relying on mods to fix issues.
- The creator reflects on the charm of Bethesda's earlier games and how they have struggled to maintain that standard.
Chapter 6
Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 are discussed as indicators of Bethesda's resistance to progress in game design.
- Fallout 4 is seen as the beginning of a noticeable decline, with archaic game design choices and technical issues.
- Fallout 76 is characterized as a disaster, exploiting fans with a broken product and questionable business practices.
- The shared responsibility for Fallout 76's failure among Bethesda's teams is examined.
Chapter 7
Starfield is critiqued for its lack of engaging content and failure to deliver on the promise of a space adventure.
- Starfield's gameplay is criticized for its monotony and lack of meaningful content across its many planets.
- The ship building aspect, although praised, is undercut by the inability to fully utilize the ships in exploration.
- The potential for a survival aspect in Starfield is discussed, but the reality falls short of those expectations.
Chapter 8
Technical problems and poorly implemented game systems in Starfield are highlighted.
- Starfield's optimization issues are spotlighted, with examples of required unofficial mods to improve the experience.
- The game's combat and stealth mechanics are described as lackluster and behind the times.
- Quest design in Starfield is criticized for being uninspired and repetitive, lacking the engagement of previous Bethesda titles.
Chapter 9
The bounty system in Starfield is dissected, revealing its harsh and poorly explained consequences.
- Starfield's bounty system is scrutinized for punishing players excessively for certain play styles, with a focus on an XP debt mechanic.
- The lack of clear guidance and the impact of the bounty system on the overall game experience are criticized.
- The creator expresses frustration with the punishment system, which seems at odds with the game's intended design as an RPG.
Chapter 10
The creator concludes with a reflection on their disappointment with Starfield and hopes for Bethesda's future.
- Despite wanting to enjoy Starfield, the creator cannot overlook its many flaws and expresses concern for Bethesda's future titles.
- The video ends with a personal anecdote about a yoga ball, adding a light-hearted touch to the otherwise critical content.
- The absence of aliens in Starfield is humorously noted as a missed opportunity in the space genre.