Summary
Borderlands the Pre-Sequelis generally considered the underdog of the franchise, although it still has its merits. Namely,Borderlands the Pre-Sequelintroduced many new features, some of which ended up returning inBorderlands 3and will likely be carried forward into futureBorderlandsgames. A few ofBorderlands the Pre-Sequel’s unique features were a result of the game being set in locations with either low gravity, a lack of oxygen, or both. Since some ofStarfield’s explorable planets also incorporate these same elements,Starfieldshould consider adapting some ofBorderlands the Pre-Sequel’s unique combat features.
Given thatStarfieldpassed up on VATS from theFalloutfranchise and cover mechanics,Starfield’s combat has plenty of room to grow. Stealth, weapon variety, and Boost Packs can help to make combat more interesting, but these often require a bit of an investment to have a noticeable impact. This isn’t to say thatStarfield’s gunfights aren’t enjoyable, but thatStarfieldcould benefit from adding some additional layers and variety to the player’s arsenal, and other games with space-combat likeBorderlands the Pre-Sequelare a great example to learn from.
RELATED:Even Without VATS, Starfield’s Combat is a Cut Above Fallout 4
Starfield’s Combat is Missing Out on a Fun Feature
Borderlands the Pre-Sequelwas the firstBorderlandsgame to introduce Butt Slams, where players could rapidly descend from an elevated position to deal damage in a small radius. This maneuver is extremely viable, especially in environments with reduced gravity, because players could almost always execute this attack after performing a boosted jump. Not only is this attack something that players can pull off in any environment, but players can also invest in gear that buffs the butt slam with increased damage, increased attack radius, status effects, and/or a variety of other unique effects.
Not all of theexplorable planets inStarfieldhave reduced gravity that is as noticeable or exaggerated as the planets fromBorderlands the Pre-Sequel, but this is generally whereStarfield’s Boost Packs shine. With the height that players can reach even with a standard Boost Pack and minimal investment in the perk required to use Boost Packs, it’s arguably a missed opportunity thatStarfielddoesn’t feature a butt slam attack. It may not fit in with the overall realistic tones thatStarfieldplays into, but a butt slam attack could potentially be a lot of fun to use, and would just need to be given a less comedic name.
Starfield Should Consider Making Player and Enemy Gear Destructible
Anotherfeature thatStarfieldshould consider adoptingfromBorderlands the Pre-Sequelis the ability to break enemy oxygen masks. Unlike how oxygen passively regenerates inStarfield, players have to manually generate their oxygen levels inBorderlands the Pre-Sequelby collecting oxygen from designated sources or consumables. This means that when players fully deplete their oxygen, they will take suffocation damage until it is replenished. However, players can weaponize this mechanic by breaking an enemy’s oxygen mask to make them take suffocation damage.
The ability to destroy enemyBoost Packs inStarfieldis a fun feature, but it only scratches the surface of how destructible gear can have an impact on combat. If this kind of feature went both ways, not only would players have to maintain their space suit, helmet, and boost pack, but this could also allow players to compromise an enemy’s suit and helmet to get an upper edge in combat. Making the player’s gear destructible in any game is often a feature that receives overwhelmingly negative reactions from players, but if handled with care, it could provide an interesting layer toStarfield’s space combat. After all, players have to maintain their gear’s durability in theFalloutfranchise games, and these titles strike a relatively enjoyable balance with this feature.
Neither butt slams nor destroyable oxygen masks inBorderlands the Pre-sequelare game-changers, but they prove how much variety that different planetary environments can bring tospace combat inStarfield. Further, making the player’s and enemy’s gear inStarfielddestructible could also bring more depth toStarfield’s gameplay.
Starfieldis available now for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
