Recent reviews by niv

the worst parts of cod and the worst parts of battlefield combined into an awful game

probably the best narrative star wars game ever released

♥♥♥♥ sony for even starting the whole controversy and doubling down on it. they saw they strangled their golden goose and backed down from one of the most idiotic corporate decisions ive ever seen.

good game and devs tho. unfortunate they're stuck with a ♥♥♥♥♥♥ publisher.

edit: update 11/28/24 game started good, then there was a rough patch with nerf after nerf, but has done a reversal and made the game fun again

*My config file is at the end of this review, for those having the same problems as me.

How does this game have a horrible PC port in 2023?

If you 1) play with a controller, 2) accept the default settings and never change it, 3) are not bothered by low fps, 4) don't care about graphical settings including FOV, and 5) don't have tinnitus/not worried about getting it on top of not caring about Steam achievements, then fine this pc port works for you. Though, I'd question why you're not playing on console if you hit all the points above. I'll get into point 5 later.

I don't understanding why I have to spend 2 hours fiddling with mods and an non-existent config file to get MOUSE SENSITIVITY to work properly. Mouse acceleration is on by default and there's no way of turning it off (bMouseAcceleration=0 is placebo). But what's super astonishing is how the X and Y mouse sensitivity axis are not at the same ratio. Controller gameplay is fine.

I can't play in 32:9 even though it's advertised as such. Have to modify the config file, but even then certain things are broken (scanner hud isn't stretched). FOV is awful, with no way to change it in game. And again, it's broken on ultrawide resolutions since it places the weapon models closer to the camera.

It's also insane to me how I can barely manage to get a stable 30 fps. i7 8700K, 2080ti for those wondering.

For a game that also takes a lot of inspiration from Elite and Star Citizen, it's appalling there's no HOTAS support. Have to download an external program to have it emulate a controller for it to work.

Lastly, the tinnitus. Clearly it's not just me having my ears actively hurt when bringing up the scanner since there's an entire mod dedicated to removing the frequency. The best part is, your game is considered "modded" and thus can't get achievements. That's remedied by downloading a different mod.

So for this game to be playable for me at least:

• Create and tweak config file (Solves* 32:9, FOV, mouse sensitivities)
  
• Menu and Scanner High Pitch Fix mod (Nexusmods, solves ear ringing)
  
• x360ce (Solves HOTAS support)
  
• Achievement Enabler mod (Nexusmods)
  
  It's 2023 and I personally don't find that acceptable. Maybe in 1-3 years they'll patch all this. Past all these problems, yes the game is a Bethesda game so if you enjoy the branching RPG aspects, writing, and mechanics from previous games then it's good.
  
  
  TL;DR there are a fair bit of initial problems. Once you get past that and can actually play the game, then it's fine.
  
  Here's my config file to help anyone having the same problems as me to save some time. I highly recommend visiting Starfield's page on PCGamingWiki for more specific info, but this config file is primarily for those with 32:9 resolutions (3840x1080). Change any values you see fit, and make sure you also modify sensitivity values in game.
  
  [Display] fDefault1stPersonFOV=100 fDefaultFOV=100 fDefaultWorldFOV=100 fFPWorldFOV=100 fTPWorldFOV=100 fWideAspectLimit=3.5556 [FlightCamera] fFlightCameraFOV=100 [Camera] fDefault1stPersonFOV=100 fDefaultFOV=100 fDefaultWorldFOV=100 fFPWorldFOV=100 fTPWorldFOV=100 [Controls] fIronSightsLookSpeedYaw=0.5000 fIronSightsLookSpeedPitch=0.5000 fLookSpeedYaw=0.5000 fLookSpeedPitch=0.5000 bMouseAcceleration=0 fMouseHeadingXScale=0.021 fMouseHeadingYScale=0.07467 fMouseHeadingSensitivity=0.0060 [General] bEnableMessageOfTheDay=0 sIntroSequence= uMainMenuDelayBeforeAllowSkip=0 [Interface] bPhotoModeLetterBoxed=0 fSafeZoneXWide=960

This is one of those games where you wish it never ends or wish you could relive it for the first time again.

It has so much to offer. True freedom in almost every aspect: a branching narrative where every decision you make affects your personalized story, a plethora of ways to tackle battles and combat, and exploring the carefully planned and constructed Faerun.

Your story is yours. Within 30 minutes of playing alongside a friend, we already had completely different narratives going on. On top of that, the main quest and subsequent side quests make the game breathe and feel alive. The acting performances -- not just voice acting, but also motion capture and movement -- of all the characters are so believable, and suck you right into the narrative. The best part is nothing is filler. Truly every quest you do, book you read, dialogue you encounter are important and never throwaway. There wasn't a single moment in my ~60 hour campaign where I felt like I was wasting my time or making a decision that wouldn't come back later.

Three acts, with two "intermissions", are sprawled before you and your journey. The first act structured as an exploratory segment where you figure out the game, mechanics, and characters. You really do build your party here and learn about the world and its lore. The second act is more focused, providing a more (but not fully) linear structure where you are tested for what you've learned. And finally the third act opens everything up to your disposal: it's up to you to figure out what you want to do at this point in the story, and how you want to go about it.

Performance-wise, the game runs phenomenally. Very occasional small bugs and crashes, but nothing that makes me feel frustrated to continue playing. Ultra wide support, with seamless M KB/controller, and beautiful graphics. The art style never feels uncanny, nor hyperfictionalized. A wonderful blend that allows you to look at a these characters and actually care about them.

I was never a fan of turn based combat until I played this. Everything can and will be used in your environment, spells, conditions, etc. It's bewildering to me that I can cast an ice spell, have it melt a few turns later and give a water condition to that area, then cast a lightning spell to electrify the area again. Owl bear from the top rope. Planting three crates from your pocket and stacking them on the battlefield, then climbing them to get high ground advantage as an archer. Throwing pouches full of explosives. Freedom.

The writing is also incredible. It's funny, melancholic, exciting, and full of wonder without resorting and relying on tropes and modern day quips. All your companions react to the story around you and provide their insight and feelings.

No filler. Every minute feels important. Realistically written characters and relationships. A captivating narrative that is shaped by you.

ive never had a worse time gaming

actually incredible

what a tremendous game

its gotten a lot better, but it is still unfortunately lacking in maps, weapons and (surprisingly) operators.

this game is ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ epic and stressful