Starfield

Final Fantasy XV and the upcoming Starfield are two highly anticipated open world role-playing games featuring massive worlds to explore. While details on Starfield are still limited since the game isn't out yet, we can compare what we know so far to the recent Final Fantasy XV.

Game Worlds

Final Fantasy XV takes place in the world of Eos which includes the kingdom of Lucis and surrounding lands. The world features varied landscapes to explore including forests, deserts, and cities. Starfield, according to the Starfield Wiki, will allow players to explore over 1,000 planets across many star systems. Both games promise huge open worlds but Starfield's sci-fi setting gives it a unique advantage in scale and diversity of environments.

Customization

In FFXV, you play as Prince Noctis along with three companions. You can customize their outfits but are limited by playing preset characters. Starfield offers more customization by allowing you to create your own character and backstory from scratch. The Starfield Wiki says you can choose your character's traits, skills, and appearance to roleplay different classes and playstyles.

Combat

FFXV features real-time action combat with Noctis using weaponry like swords, lances, and magic. Starfield promises a refined FPS-style combat system with modifiable weapons including rifles, lasers, and explosives that can be tailored to your preferred playstyle. Starfield's sci-fi arsenal and zero-G environments could provide more diverse combat options.

Vehicles

Noctis and crew road trip across the world of Eos in their car the Regalia. Players can drive, fly airships, and ride chocobos for faster transportation. In Starfield, you can fully pilot the spaceship of your dreams and engage in ship battles and upgrades. The ability to fly your own spaceship gives Starfield an advantage in freedom and customization.

With more details yet to be revealed on Starfield, it's hard to definitively compare the two RPGs. But Starfield's emphasis on sci-fi exploration and customization gives it the edge over Final Fantasy XV's more linear world and preset characters. We'll have to wait and see how the ambitious new IP from Bethesda stacks up when it launches.

Introduction

As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of Bethesda Game Studios' upcoming project, Starfield, comparisons with existing open-world RPGs are inevitable. One game that has captured the attention and hearts of many is Final Fantasy XV (FF15), released by Square Enix. While both games offer expansive worlds to explore, the manner in which they present their stories, characters, and gameplay mechanics differ significantly. If you're looking for an in-depth analysis, your best resource would be the Starfield Wiki for details about the unreleased game and various Final Fantasy fan sites for information about FF15. In this article, we’ll dive into the similarities and differences between these two juggernauts.

Setting and Universe

Final Fantasy XV

FF15 offers a unique blend of fantastical elements and real-world environments. The game is set in Eos, a world divided among several nations, each holding a magical crystal that lends them power. The game successfully marries magic with technology, giving players access to everything from swords to cars.

Starfield

According to the official description, Starfield is set in the year 2330, where humanity has become a spacefaring civilization, settling new planets and exploring the vast expanse of the galaxy. You'll join "Constellation," the last group of space explorers, as you traverse through more than 1000 planets.

Character Customization

Final Fantasy XV

FF15 focuses on the journey of Prince Noctis and his three friends. The story is deeply rooted in their relationship, and there isn’t much room for personal customization. You control Noctis, while the AI controls your companions.

Starfield

Starfield emphasizes unparalleled freedom in character creation. From the get-go, players can choose their character's appearance, background, and traits. Whether you want to be an experienced explorer or a stealthy cyber runner, the choice is yours.

Exploration and Combat

Final Fantasy XV

In FF15, you venture through various landscapes, including bustling cities, dense forests, and arid deserts. Combat is action-oriented, involving a combination of magic and weaponry. The use of the Regalia, a customizable car, adds another layer to exploration.

Starfield

Starfield allows players to captain and customize their spaceship, exploring a multitude of planets with unique fauna, flora, and resources. Combat includes high-stakes dogfights in space, and the presence of Zero G environments and boost packs add chaotic elements to fights.

Crafting and Building

Final Fantasy XV

FF15 has a crafting system mainly for magic and cooking. Players gather elemental resources and food items for recipes but don't engage in building structures or outposts.

Starfield

According to its official description, Starfield features extensive crafting systems for medicine, food, equipment, and weapons. Additionally, players can build outposts and establish cargo links to transfer resources between them.

Storytelling and Quests

Final Fantasy XV

The story in FF15 is pre-defined and revolves around the quest to reclaim Noctis's kingdom. The game offers side-quests but they generally don't affect the main storyline.

Starfield

In contrast, Starfield promises a narrative where "the most important story is the one you tell with your character." Quests across various factions and the opportunity to recruit a cast of memorable characters suggest a more dynamic storytelling approach.