David Jaffe, the creative genius behind iconic titles like God of War and Twisted Metal, has given Bethesda’s new space RPG, Starfield, a rousing endorsement.
Available on the Xbox Series S/X, PC, and the Xbox Game Pass, Starfield has garnered its share of early buzz, but Jaffe’s enthusiasm feels like rocket fuel for the game’s nascent reputation. With decades of experience in the gaming industry, Jaffe’s perspective carries undeniable weight. He raved about Starfield on his social media channels, describing it as “easily one of my top 3 games of all time.”
Jaffe’s endorsement comes from a place of true gaming affection. He encouraged everyone to put aside their console allegiances and try out Starfield, emphasizing that great games transcend the platforms they’re played on. Interestingly, his perspective mirrors that of Todd Howard and Pete Hines, who echoed similar sentiments about the futility of console wars. His words call out to gamers to come together and appreciate a spectacular game for what it is – a masterpiece of digital art.
I don't THINK I've ever played a game this much in the amount of time it's been out.
I am so LOVING this game SO MUCH. Not sure if it hits us kids of the 70's/80's harder than most (cause of our pop culture) but this is a treasure. Thanks @BethesdaStudios @StarfieldGame @Xbox… pic.twitter.com/i7UNJfULTX
— David Jaffe (@davidscottjaffe) September 3, 2023
Jaffe also suggested that even those without an Xbox could experience the brilliance of Starfield through the Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. These alternatives make the game accessible to a broader audience, allowing everyone to test the cosmic waters without a significant financial investment. His recommendation is especially compelling considering that Jaffe himself has a background deeply rooted in PlayStation titles. His bipartisan acclaim underscores the game’s ability to captivate audiences irrespective of their console loyalties.
Jaffe’s comments aren’t the only praises Starfield received. Now that it’s out of Early Access, many are loving Bethesda’s latest title, echoing Jaffe’s statement. Starfield is a stunning achievement and a passion project done right. Of course, it isn’t perfect, and critics are already picking it apart. But, what Starfield lacks can always be improved in future updates and mods, such as better inventory systems and resource management, their criticisms were largely constructive. Those excited about the game also look forward to how the modding community will enhance it, considering it already feels like one of Bethesda’s most polished releases.
Starfield’s performance, particularly on Xbox Series X, has also been commendable, showcasing remarkable resolution and quality seemingly unattainable even on high-end gaming PCs.
Unfortunately, Jaffe’s statement hasn’t gone well with everyone on the internet, continuing a recent trend of the review bombings and backlash faced by key personnel for supporting the “other” team. Alanah Pearce, who currently works at Sony Santa Monica and contributed to God of War Ragnarok, also faced flak for streaming Starfield, illustrating that the console tribalism often witnessed online is far from dead. However, this kind of fanaticism doesn’t reflect in the attitude among developers. Professionals in the field often applaud each other’s achievements, exemplified recently by Naoki Yoshida openly endorsing The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom while doing press rounds for Final Fantasy 16 ahead of its launch.
The real animosity appears to exist mostly among a relatively small but loud subset of fans who are excessively invested in these electronic boxes and what they stand for.
Either way, David Jaffe’s endorsement of Starfield isn’t just a stamp of quality; it’s a call to action. If you’ve found that it aligns with your taste, Jaffe’s advice is clear: don’t let console wars or preconceived notions prevent you from diving into this remarkable adventure.
Starfield, in its fledgling days, promises not just a spectacular gaming experience but also a massive step towards unity in a community too often divided by the inconsequential.
