In an exclusive interview with IGN during Gamescom, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, offered intriguing details about the highly anticipated game, Starfield. Spencer's revelations paint a picture of Starfield as "more Oblivion than Skyrim," drawing from his extensive 200-hour gameplay experience.
"I think I'm on my 15th playthrough," Spencer shared with enthusiasm. "I start, we change save game formats, blah blah blah, all that stuff. So I started in November, but I'm playing - I think - my final character playthrough. Total space pirate. I'm a total space pirate. I think it's more Oblivion than Skyrim - for people who've played, maybe they'll get that. It is an epic, epic game."
While Spencer didn't delve into specific details regarding how Starfield leans more towards Oblivion, gamers are left to speculate. Perhaps it boasts a more relaxed atmosphere, dynamic NPC interactions that spark enduring memes, or even dramatic city portals releasing mischievous imps that wreak havoc. The mystery will soon be unveiled when Starfield launches on September 6.
One returning feature from Oblivion is the Adoring Fan, notorious for their irksome presence. After conquering the arena in Oblivion, this overly enthusiastic follower would hound players relentlessly, appearing at the most inconvenient moments. Most players opted to end his relentless companionship with violence.
The Adoring Fan makes a comeback in Starfield, but this time, players have the option to welcome this character from the very start of the game via a perk. One can even engage in a little space-bound "accident" by pushing them off a cliff. An essential detail to note: the Adoring Fan is immortal, persistently returning to your side after each demise, adding to the curiosity and annoyance. Is he a curse or a jest of a Daedric Prince? The immortal companion will assist in combat and surprise you with gifts, akin to a Minecraft cat.
However, considering the grand scale of Starfield, with a staggering 1,000 planets and ambitious scope, Spencer's reference to Oblivion over Skyrim likely extends beyond the presence of a single NPC. It hints at a potentially more flamboyant and light-hearted gaming experience, setting it apart from the grittier tone of Skyrim.
Phil Spencer isn't the sole source of information at Xbox, as Jerret West, Chief Marketing Officer, alluded to Starfield marking the commencement of a "multi-year relay race of first-party titles." This suggests an exciting future with a flurry of exclusive Xbox games in the pipeline, leaving players eager to explore if they share the charming ambiance of Oblivion.
