Shattered Space is already taking the an iconic Elder Scrolls game and it seems that sense of familiarity was intentional.
Per GamesRadar+, Bethesda Design Director Emil Pagliarulo noted that Dazra, the capital of House Va'ruun which was introduced in Shattered Space, took plenty of inspiration from The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind:
"I think it’s really unique fictionally and aesthetically, especially when you compare it to the other cities in the game. It tells the story of a human faction that is at the edge of 'normal' civilization. Pushing the boundaries of the game’s NASAPunk aesthetic, certainly, but also, on a lot of levels, pushing the boundaries of what is and is not culturally acceptable. In fact, Morrowind and its themes and overall vibe were a big inspiration."
Morrowind stands out amongst the Elder Scrolls settings as a grimy swampland that's seen as a "weird" version of the more traditional fantasy setting of the franchise. Dazra, and by extension the whole planet of Va’ruun’kai, is undoubtedly the strangest locale in Starfield, giving fans exactly what they wanted from the original game.
What Else Inspired Shattered Space?
Less NASA-punk, More Klingon
Morrowind's influence on Shattered Space is plain to see for anyone who knows their way around the third mainline Elder Scrolls game but the DLC does evoke several other franchises. The hostility and brutality of Va'ruun'kai drew from Star Trek, specifically the Klingon homeworld, according to Pagliarulo. While the Design Director doesn't mention this, it's also not hard to see Battlestar Galactica's impact on the aesthetic of House Va'ruun's homeworld.
Bethesda made it clear from the outset that Shattered Space was looking to lean into horror, embracing the inherent fear of exploring new worlds in an unknown area of the galaxy. Its goal was definitely achieved as the expansion is, overall, an incredibly eerie experience populated by strange monsters and enemies that wouldn't have fit into the base game's vision of the future. The pivot in aesthetics may have been drastic but it all works together to paint an appropriately sinister picture of House Va'ruun.
What Level Should You Be Before Playing Starfield: Shattered Space?
Starfield’s Shattered Space DLC has a recommended starting level for those who are just about to jump in and brave the harsh world of Va’ruun’kai.
Is Shattered Space Worth Your Time?
It's An Easy Win For Fans
Shattered Space does many things right and it's already being hailed as one of the best DLCs Bethesda has ever released but it likely won't be enough to bring back lapsed players. Fans who've already spent hours exploring the universe in Starfield should check it out since likely won't be swayed by the expansion.
Source: GamesRadar+
