Summary
Starfieldplayers are expressing frustration over what they call a “lazy” detail after discovering that three mission NPCs are identical. The detail is annoyingStarfieldplayers because of how easy it would have been to fix, and has some lamenting the issues with the game in general.
Starfieldhad a huge legacy to live up to as Bethesda’s newest game and first new IP in years. With nearly a decade having passed since the release ofFallout 4, gamers were more than ready to step into a new world from Bethesda. While many enjoyed the game, it isn’t without its flaws.Starfield’s procedurally generated worldsstruck many as barren, traveling between planets utilizes a fast travel-like system rather than real-time navigation through space, and the game has bugs and glitches similar to prior Bethesda titles. Unfortunately, this recent discovery reveals that those aren’t the only bothersome issues with the game, as three different NPCs with ties to different side missions use the same model.
Reddit user and Starfield player JonBovi_0 pointed out this detail to fellow fans, noting that the child NPCs Sona, Cora Coe, and Annie Wilcox are all identical to each other. The three girls share no direct connections to each other, let alone being related. However, the three NPCs have the exact same face and hair, making for an uncanny experience for players once it’s noticed. This detail has been described by some players as “lazy” and left many wondering how and why this happened.
Starfield Accusations and Defense
Several players spoke up in the comments, pointing out how easy it would have been to change out one or more of the NPCs for one of the game’s child models that don’t play a significant role in the game, or are rarely seen. The fact that the three NPCs each play a role in a side mission makes the identical appearance all the more egregious. Others noted that simply doing something to change the character’s hair or even their textures would have helped to set them apart. Some speculated that thedevelopment ofStarfieldmay have been rushed, and that these NPC models may have been used as placeholders but weren’t swapped when time ran out.
Others came to Bethesda’s defense, pointing out the huge scale and scope of the game, making it a little more understandable for an oversight like this one. Some also pointed out that Bethesda’s prior games, likeSkyrim, have featured few child models However, this just seems to underline thatBethesda’s games haven’t changed their formulaover the years, for better or worse.
With players continuing to take issue with elements ofStarfield, some fans are worried aboutwhat the future holds for Bethesda andThe Elder Scrolls 6. Only time will tell, but with any luck, Bethesda is listening to fans and will makeThe Elder Scrolls 6an incredible experience worthy of the series.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
