4/10 is such an absurd score for this game.
What makes this review "honest"?
I agree 4/10 does seem harsh, but the actual review imo is spot on. I brought it up before, but BGS's design approach to Open World, RPG mechanics, and camerawork are old and outdated. They're sticking only to what they know, and aren't evolving their craft. It's been 17 years since Oblivion. Compare that to other studios like Capcom who've continued to experiment with Resident Evil, to mostly great results. Or Nintendo with their latest Zelda games. Even FromSoftware who tend to stick to their Soulslike design, have evolved and experimented with the formula with games like Sekiro, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring.
Bethesda has been doing the same shit, the same janky shit, for nearly two decades. On top of that while Starfield has it's good points, much of the game feels so shallow thanks to it's procedurally generated maps, abundant loading screens, repeated enemy and base placement, and braindead AI.
And look it's cool if you or anyone else love the game. But I'd wager that someone's enjoyment of Starfield, significantly hinges on how much they love the setting and can allow themselves to be immersed in that world. To people who crave exploring space in a more grounded tonal approach, Starfield is a dream come true. But if the things I listed above are enough to annoy you, it's going to demolish your immersion, take you out of the experience, and annoy you if anything else. This is what Jim is talking about, and while I do think the 4/10 is a bit extra, their actual points are sound imo.