Starfield: Here’s What Happens In Its Opening Mission | gamescom 2023

ign.com:

If there’s one thing Bethesda is known for, it’s those “step-out” moments. That first foray out in the unknown - whether it’s the opening of a long-sealed Fallout vault or a soaring Skyrim dragon welcoming you to a whole new world of danger and wonder. Starfield is no different, wasting no time in introducing you to the vast beauty of its world to great effect. But we’ll get to exactly how it does that just a little later. Here’s a rundown of exactly what happens in the opening minutes of Starfield’s first mission, fittingly titled One Small Step, after seeing it at gamescom 2023.

The Sol date is May 7, 2330. You find yourself on the Argos Extractors Mining Outpost on the Moon of Vectera. The first voice heard is that of Supervisor Lin, the obvious leader around here who has one simple rule: Listen to Lin. She’s accompanied by fellow miner Heller who provides a sense of levity and charm. It’s clear from the outset that Starfield will be home to Bethesda’s typical mix of quirky characters supported by punchy writing.

That writing also does a great job at this very early stage of exposing you to in-universe language and lore. Slang such as “Dusties” is casually thrown around as you piece together what these new words mean. The well-worn industrial mining spacesuits only add to the sense of place created in these opening moments, as do the designs of the machinery being wielded – in particular a huge whirring drill that reminded me of Thunderbirds’ Mole.

The mine itself is one long cavern that you walk through as Lin and Heller remind you of the task at hand – more minerals, more money. The atmosphere isn’t breathable without a mask, an early example of this being a place humans aren’t meant to be. Stalagmites and stalactites