Summary
After it was recently revealed thatStarfieldwould be getting a little taste of horror with the upcomingShattered SpaceDLC, there are questions surrounding how Bethesda will pull off this genre excursion. Known for crafting action adventure RPGs, Bethesda continued this tradition withStarfield, butShattered Spaceis a surprising, and exciting, change.
As one of the staple RPG developers in the industry, some may be wondering if Bethesda has what it takes to craft a horror-themed space adventure. However, a perfect example can be found in an unlikely source:Fallout 4. BothStarfieldandFallout 4may share the similarity of being RPGs, but the worlds of these two games are vastly different. Despite the differences, one section ofFallout 4proves that Bethesda can create some great tension-filled moments. The Museum of Witchcraft is a unique portion ofFallout 4’s map, and it’s proof that the studio can nailhorror inShattered Space.
Fallout 4’s Museum of Witchcraft Could Be a Horror Blueprint for Shattered Space
An Unexpected Moment in the Museum of Witchcraft
When looking at theFalloutfranchise, one of the scariest aspects of each game lies in imagining trying to survive a post-apocalyptic wasteland. However,Fallout 4’s Museum of Witchcrafttakes one of the franchise’s most daunting monsters and uses it as a tool to build some serious tension. Once the museum is found, players often enter the building like any other location with the purpose of searching for some good loot. This all changes, though, when players get deeper into the museum and quickly realize they aren’t alone.
A massive Deathclaw can suddenly be heard walking around on the floor above, and it’s a moment in the game that makes many players stop in their tracks. As players walk through the building, the sounds of the Deathclaw lurking about and growling fill each step with dread.Deathclaws are some of the most dangerous enemiesin theFalloutfranchise, and they are definitely something players want to avoid running into within close quarters.
Inspiration From an Unlikely Source
The development team behindShattered Spacehas probably been researching some great horror stories set in space.Space and horror are a compelling combination, and althoughFallout 4has nothing to do with space, it still has the same themes of exploring the unknown and needing to be on guard at every turn in order to ensure survival. The Museum of Witchcraft may be a smaller portion of a much bigger game, but it sticks with many players, thanks to how surprising of a moment it is.
Shattered Space Debuts House Va’ruun
House Va’ruun has been one ofStarfield’s biggest mysteries, andShattered Spaceis finally bringing the group out of the shadows. Based on the first look atShattered Space,House Va’ruunis a dangerous cultthat is full of some serious horror potential. Evading a dangerous cult that worships a secret deity known as the Great Serpent is something that many players probably weren’t expecting based onStarfield’s tone in the base game, but this subversion of expectation is deeply compelling.
Bethesda may not be a full-blown horror studio, but the developer has shown through the years that it can really bring shocking scares to life. In the past,Fallouthas paid homage to iconic horror stories and tropes, and the Museum of Witchcraft is a moment inFallout 4that feels like it was taken straight out of a monster movie. The tense atmosphere the location builds is a fantastic moment inFallout 4, and it will be thrilling to see just how far Bethesda takes the horror elements inShattered Space.
