With the highly anticipated Starfield Shattered Space DLC, Bethesda is making a notable pivot from procedural generation (proc-gen) content while delving deep into their beloved historical titles. They recently released a ‘Deep Dive’ feature, providing players with intriguing insights into what to expect from Varuun’kai, a unique content island. As the newly introduced space buggy ventures into the expansive horizon of this alien world, it evokes memories of the Velothi fishing market in Vos from Morrowind.
Creative Lead Alan Nanes remarks in the featurette:
“Vorun’kai has a very distinct visual identity. We say it’s alien.”
Reflecting on the extensive Bethesda library, it becomes clear that you can’t get more alien than Morrowind.
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However, based on current knowledge, we hesitate to determine how much it truly embodies ‘Morrowind’ beyond some architectural inspirations and the concept of a content island. The journey of the Starborn through Vorun’kaai is designed to be an immersive adventure, primarily on foot (and the trusty dune buggy). Bethesda has assured us that players won’t have to leave the planet since House Varuun is known for its isolationist tendencies.
Similar to the ash-laden northern island of Vvardenfell in The Elder Scrolls, Varuun’kai is characterized by its unique culture and political dynamics, isolated from the remainder of the Settled Systems. Additionally, like the Dunmer Houses of Morrowind, House Varuun engages in incessant power struggles among its many lesser houses.
Fortunately, our comparison ceases here. The story retains elements from another classic Bethesda title, leading you on a path toward becoming the ‘chosen one.’ If you’re a Starfield player, you’ve already joined the ranks as a ‘Starborn’. Within the realm of House Varuun, your mission is to cement your legacy to the Will of The Great Serpent.
Bethesda’s initial ‘Deep Dive’ primarily showcases their art design choices and offers a glimpse into the plot’s premise. Players will reach Dazra City, the capital of Vorun’kai, amidst its own version of the Oblivion Crisis. A catastrophic event known as the ‘Vortex Incident’ has torn a rupture in the space-time continuum, consuming the central Citadel and unleashing “creatures from the other side.”
Some gameplay highlights featured include the zero-gravity fields of Varuun’kai, a powerful particle beam cannon, and elements of horror reminiscent of a budget-friendly Prey (notably another Bethesda release).
Developers have noted an effort to enhance combat mechanics with a renewed focus on melee, although little melee gameplay was showcased in this initial reveal. More updates are anticipated in future dev diaries as we approach the release of Starfield Shattered Space on September 30.
Don’t miss the Deep Dive here:
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