Summary
Starfieldmay not have brought VATS over fromFallout, but it has one feature that may prove thatFallout 5doesn’t need VATS. The idea of leaving behind such an iconic mechanic of the series does sound unusual at first glance. However,Starfieldintroduced something that could prove to be a valid alternative. Admittedly,StarfieldandFallouthave some rather notable differences despite both being Bethesda RPGs; there are some mechanics that are far better suited for one than the other. Even with that in mind,Starfieldcould have developed what could become a new version of VATS.
It’s only natural to expectFallout 5to include VATS, since it’s one of the most iconic aspects of the franchise. When players use VATS, the game freezes and lets the player directly aim their shots at certain parts of the enemy. In addition to lining up easy headshots, this can also be used to damage legs to slow enemies down, or even shoot weapons out of their hands on occasion. VATS never fails to make the protagonist seem like the wasteland’s greatest gunslinger, especially for players with high accuracy. Its general usefulness makes it a good addition to almost any fight.
Starfield’s Boost Assault Training Could Be the Next VATS
Starfield Has Its Own Time-Slowing Combat Mechanic
While it may have been a disappointment to seeStarfield’s combat without VATS, it has its own equivalent of the iconic skill. At the highest level of the Boost Assault Training skill, time will slow down significantly when using the boost pack to hover. This will make it easier for the player to line up their shots, similar to the Dead Eye skill fromRed Dead Redemption 2. The effect lasts as long as the player continues hovering, so the player can use it to take down multiple foes. In addition to its utility, the slow-motion effect adds a cinematic aspect to firefights.
Starfield’s Boost Assault Training Has More Steps Than VATS, But Is Equally Satisfying
There are some limitations to this skill. First, obviously, it requires one ofStarfield’s equippable boost packsto be in use to activate the effect. Second, Boost Assault Training will take a while to level up to maximum, so players will be several hours into the adventure before they can fight in slow motion. Requiring the player to jump through so many hoops is a definite distinction betweenStarfield’s slow motion andFallout’s VATS, since the latter is typically readily available to the player with no extra steps. Even so, it’s a satisfying addition to combat that is well worth the effort to unlock.
While it may have been a disappointment to seeStarfield’s combat without VATS, it has its own equivalent of the iconic skill.
Fallout 5 Could Use a New Combat Gimmick
IfFallout 5makes a change to VATS, thenStarfield’s inspiration could prove key. While nothing short of areboot of theFalloutfranchisewould be likely to get rid of VATS entirely,Fallout 5could change things up by offering something based onStarfield’s Boost Assault Training perk. Rather than requiring the player to use a jetpack, it could just be a charged slow motion mechanic that allows more precise aiming. It would have a similar function to VATS, just with a different method. It was fun inStarfield, and the same idea could work wonders inFallout 5.
Fallout 5could be the game that shakes up a series mainstay, andStarfieldcould be an inspiration for that. While it may sound odd forFallout 5to retire VATS, sometimes it’s worth trying something new. A slow-motion mechanic inspired byStarfieldcould give players the improved precision that they seek from VATS while also adding a cool visual effect that would be unlikely to get old for some time. VATS is a staple of theFalloutuniverse, butFallout 5might have a valid replacement with some help fromStarfield.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
