One of the most anticipated open world games is finally back and there are some changes that will blow you away – reminding long-time fans why they love the Fallout series.
The story begins on a normal day in the lives of a typical Bostonian family in the suburbs. When the threat of nuclear war quickly becomes a reality, they dash for safety in Vault 111. The player then takes the story in their own hands once their character has emerged years later from the Vault to explore the fallout that has decimated Boston. So, for the first time you will get a glimpse into the fictional world before it was reinvented into a mutant wasteland.
A huge part of Fallout games has been choosing your own way and Fallout 4 brings us extensive new customization systems that include creative improvements to your weapons in order to create drastically different and unique combat tools, incredibly detailed character creation, power armor modification, and even building your very own settlements.
Weapon System
A similar idea was initially seen in Fallout: New Vegas but has since been re-created into something new.
This time around, instead of buying the mods, you can actually build them from the once useless scrap around the wasteland. For instance, to build a long scope at your workbench you’ll need duct tape, an alarm clock, a globe, and a wrench. This adds value to items that were irrelevant in previous games and changes the way you will scavenge. There are 50 base weapons and 700 additional mods to add and discard as you see fit. That’s a ton of different combinations to test out.
Character Creation
The character creation starts organically as you look into the mirror during a typical morning routine. Bethesda has created a new dynamic system that allows you to develop the facial features of your character without the painful use of sliders and instead has you alter your character’s look by grabbing parts of their face to manipulate. This is the same manner in which the developers created the game’s NPCs, so there are innumerable possibilities. Also, there is finally the ability to create and play as a female character. Once you’ve finished both genders the game creates a baby that combines the look of the parents, which may play a part in the story or it could simply be yet another pedantic addition that is becoming a trademark.
Power Armour Customization
This special amour has become something that is not just heavy amour, it’s a suit that exists outside of your inventory and requires maintenance. But the most radical part is the introduction of power suit mods that let you switch out arms, legs, and helmets, but most delightfully includes the ability to take flight with a jet-pack.
Building Your Settlement
Though it is similar in premise and reminiscent of Skyrim’s Hearthfire, it would be a disservice to compare the two. The depth afforded to the player in building their settlements is vast. You will collect salvageable debris to use as materials to create walls, stairs, and floors, as well as more exciting objects like turrets and other defenses to inevitably turn your home into a fortress as you defend against envious raiders.
There is far more to it than building a single structure as you can build at multiple sites and even connect them with a Brahmin caravan. The cherry on top, of course, is the use of terminals that serve as logic centers for infinite possibilities – think Minecraft redstone.
Companions
There was limited mention of many companions, but what was showcased in demonstrations was a dog.
Fallout 4 brings back your canine companion, but this time your interaction is more diverse. You can communicate directly with your furry pal to issue commands to fetch items, have him fight by your side in combat, and move just about anywhere you point, as the system is contextual.
Graphics and Appearance
There is a major overhaul of the graphics going from Fallout 3 to Fallout 4. It appears to be somewhat analogous to the jump from Elder Scrolls: Oblivion to Skyrim. Something that stood out was the focus on changing the dull color pallet from Fallout 3 that was laden with bland grays and browns and replacing it with more color and distinct variety in the visuals. In game Boston is a far more detailed and dense city than Washington, which gives you more to explore and makes for a richer experience. Every little detail is important in this game from the small knobs and nozzles on a random piece of machinery to a blade of grass. This focus exists so there is no compromise to the player’s immersion in either third person or first person perspective when you get right up close to the world.