When it comes to excitement for games, few generate as much excitement as those from Bethesda Game Studios. Their open nature, quality of writing and level of immersion are constant high standard setters in the RPG genre. Bethesda Game Studios, as we edge closer to release in November 2022, are slowly drip feeding us more Starfield information. Our most recent snippet comes in form of a video from Bethesda Game Studios Lead Artist, Istvan Pely, via IGN. Although not a long video, there is plenty to unpack from this, as we learn a lot about how companion VASCO supports the player, as well as a bit about his origins! See the video below!
Right before we highlight what we have learned from this video, if you need to refresh your memory on what we know about Starfield already, (before this video) have a look at our previous piece on Starfield.
So what did the VASCO video tell us about Starfield?
- VASCO is an ‘early model’. This language suggests that we will see later models of VASCO in Starfield, perhaps friendly… Or perhaps hostile.
- He was built by Lunar Robotics. We do not know what role they might play in the game, but I would imagine they are not just limited to utility bots like VASCO.
- VASCO has been refurbished to meet the Constellation requirements of space travel. Seemingly R2D2 like with a focus on utility and support and ‘defence’ very much secondary. Having this kind of companion setup really allows the player to focus upgrading other areas, such as combat skills and speech.
- VASCO provides ‘survival gear’ and will also support with carrying large loads.
- VASCO also does come with some defensive capabilities ‘should the need arise’. His primary role is peaceful. This language definitely tells us that offense is not VASCO’s main strength(s). So don’t expect some battle droid.
- VASCO was originally designed for and used by Constellation, sporting their livery. The video does suggest a couple of times though, that he may no longer serve Constellation ‘many years in the field may have worn the paint and dented a few panels’. It causes us to wonder if VASCO might be gifted to you early into the main questline.. Or has VASCO been abandoned and the player encounters very early on…
- ‘… A companion an intrepid explorer, like yourself, can depend on’. VASCO’s abilities supports the player with extended exploration.
A clear ramp up in marketing bodes well for a summer reveal for Starfield
The frequency with which we are being graced with more Starfield information seems to be increasing. It does seem then, that a full gameplay reveal will happen in summer. How much more information will we get prior to this…? There could be at least a couple more little videos. If Starfield is that true next gen step-up we think it will be. Surely then, there will be a couple more details Bethesda Game Studios will need to share, prior to the full gameplay reveal.
Just for fun, we are going to speculate 3 more things we think we will find out about, prior to the gameplay reveal…
- Another faction… We know of a few already, such as The Crimson Fleet, United Colonies and Ryujin Industries. There is definitely a chance we find out about one more.
- Another companion. We have seen VASCO and it looks so cool. But it is possible that we find out about a different companion… Maybe one that compliments a different playstyle.
- The Spaceship. Bethesda Game Studios have all but said you will have a spaceship. To truly go into a deep dive, as Todd Howard loves to do, surely we have to know a little more about the spaceship and it’s utilities… Fingers crossed this is what we find out about next.
But that is enough speculation for now. We will see you again, with the next Starfield news drop!
