Starfield: Genesis

Starfield boasts the deepest character creation system Bethesda has ever built. To allow players more freedom and diversity in crafting their own explorer, the studio built up a massive data set from high-resolution 3D scans of real people—faces from a variety of age groups, genders, and ethnicities. You’ll start by selecting one of 40 preset designs, and from there you’ll be able to tweak just about everything with settings and sliders. The system is so robust, it’s actually what the developers used to build the NPCs you’ll encounter in the game. If you see someone you like in a screenshot, you can steal their look.

Of course, physical appearance is just the start. You’ll also be able to select your character’s background, which informs your starting skills and may offer special opportunities during the story. Are you a former diplomat, and therefore gifted in the art of persuasion and commerce? Or did you work as a cyber runner for the megacorps, giving you training in stealth combat, hacking, and pickpocketing?

Finally, you’ll be able to round out your character by selecting one of three optional traits, which offer both advantages and disadvantages. If you’re an introvert, for example, you’ll get a buff when adventuring solo but a debuff when you’re with a companion. If you’re wanted, you’ll do increased damage when your health is low, but mercenaries will occasionally show up to try to kill you. You can even pick a religious background, opening up new opportunities with people who share your faith but potentially closing doors with those who worship differently.