Starfieldhas several traits that will augment the player character, and one such trait could be worthy of becoming a recurring element in Bethesda titles. SinceStarfieldwas such a departure in terms of setting from past games, that made it an excellent opportunity to experiment with some new ideas. Some of its features might only be workable for other space-themed RPGs, but others could be incorporated into Bethesda’s other projects, such asThe Elder ScrollsandFallout. One of the traits thatStarfieldintroduced could have plenty of possibilities if it is applied to future Bethesda games.
The list ofselectable traits inStarfieldall have an impact when chosen, similar to the traits fromFallout: New Vegasor birthsigns inThe Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. Each one grants a bonus, usually offset by a downside. For example, the Terra Firma trait increases the player’s health and oxygen while they’re on a planet’s surface, but lowers it while they’re in space, with the Spaced trait having the opposite effect. There are also some traits that automatically affiliate the protagonist with a certain faction, such as Neon Street Rat or Raised Enlightened.Starfield’s traits can affecta character’s backstory as well as gameplay.
Starfield’s Kid Stuff Shouldn’t Be a One-Off For Bethesda
Kid Stuff Gives the Protagonist Loving Parents in Starfield
The Kid Stuff traitadds the protagonist’s parents toStarfield, one of the few traits that add something completely new to the game. With Kid Stuff, the player can visit their parents at their home on New Atlantis, the first major planet visited in the game. In addition to the parents being generally pleasant and supportive, they act as a surprising source of bonus items. Players with Kid Stuff will be able to collect several items from their parents and various encounters with them, making the perk surprisingly valuable, even with the downside of sending some of the player’s weekly in-game earnings back home.
Starfield’s Optional Family Is a Welcome Choice for Players
Bethesda games have given the protagonist a family before, with theprotagonist ofFallout 4having much of their story revolve around their family. The difference betweenFallout 4’s story andStarfield’s Kid Stuff is that Kid Stuff is ultimately optional. InStarfield, players had the opportunity to choose whether their character has a family that is important to them. SinceFallout 4made the decision to make the protagonist married with a child, that could hurt immersion for some players.Starfield’s approach with Kid Stuff is effectively another layer to character customization, which can help the player appreciate the family more.
Future Bethesda Games Could Do a Lot More With Family Dynamics
Kid Stuff and what it brought toStarfieldcould be a solid influence forfuture games from Bethesda. An optional family that isn’t tied to the story can provide plenty of gameplay opportunities. They could simply provide a more slow-paced opportunity for players to relax, possibly with a minigame or side game. On the other end of the spectrum, it could also open up a potential side quest regarding the family for the player to take on with its own missions and rewards. There is still more ground that Bethesda games can cover with a family that isn’t tied to the game’s main story.
Starfield’s approach with Kid Stuff is effectively another layer to character customization, which can help the player appreciate the family more.
Starfield’s Kid Stuff trait is something that should be taken into account, not only forfuture installments ofStarfield, but for other Bethesda games as well. Giving players the option of family and other close connections in the game opens the door for plenty of new ideas in any of Bethesda’s franchises.Starfieldhas provided a solid foundation with what the protagonist’s parents could do with the Kid Stuff trait. After Kid Stuff inStarfield, Bethesda has a new dimension to explore when it comes to fleshing out characters in RPGs.
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.
