By Parker Sublette
Staff Writer
Going into a game with high expectations makes it easy to be let down, but Fallout 4 meets and exceeds its expectations with an interesting plot, expansive crafting systems, fast paced combat, and a reimagined game design, only barely falling short graphically.
Fallout 4’s events revolve around The Sole-Survivor, the protagonist of the game whom the player can customize and edit any way they see fit. The game centers around the Sole-Survivor’s search for their kidnapped son Shaun. Once the player has been introduced to the main story, they are thrown out into the wasteland to fend for themselves and find their son.
Fallout 4 takes place in post apocalyptic Boston and the areas surrounding it which are known in game as the Commonwealth. Since Fallout 4 is based in a more urban area it gives the game a different artistic feel than Fallout 3, which was largely open wastelands. The game being more urban in environment provides players with the opportunity to explore the Fallout universe in a way not possible before.
At first, the game seems very similar to its predecessor Fallout 3 in many ways due to the fact that the gameplay mechanics like how you move, shoot, and explore have not changed much. But upon closer inspection one can see that Fallout 4 is entirely different from Fallout 3. As though every single aspect was re-worked, from visual design down to sound effects.
In previous Fallout games combat has been somewhat of a strategic process with everything happening more slowly and at a controlled pace. In Fallout 4 things are a bit different, as combat is more fast paced and the player has little time to think strategically. While this definitely makes combat more difficult, it also adds an element of excitement to the game that wasn’t present in previous Fallout titles.
When compared to other modern games like Metal Gear Solid V, Fallout 4’s graphics aren’t exactly cutting edge. Every bush and street corner are not hyper-realistic in design, while it isn’t something that is going to make or break the game, it certainly affects enjoyment of the game since players know that the graphics are not up to par with modern technology.
For a game that has an uncounted number of quests, characters, and locations it would make sense if it lacked an in-depth plot but luckily for players, it is the exact opposite. The main story presents an exciting and intriguing plot that showcases the insanity of the post-apocalyptic world through guns-for-hire and noir style detectives, giving players an interesting mix of classic apocalypse themes and vintage mystery devices.
Fallout 4 presents players with the option to craft their own weapons and armor. In previous Fallout games, crafting was limited to only a few items. But in Fallout 4, players are able to craft hundreds of different weapons and armors using the scrap materials you find out in the wasteland. The extensive crafting system gives players a unique way to use and create equipment that fits their style of play perfectly.
Players are also given the opportunity to build their own post-apocalyptic settlement in Fallout 4. Early on in the game players are presented with the concept of being able to build a settlement of their own, using materials they find in the wasteland. While confusing at first due to little explanation of how it works, the building system is very expansive, giving players a variety of ways to customize their little post-apocalyptic suburbia.
All in all, Fallout 4 is a well-rounded game that gives the player a satisfying successor to the much loved Fallout 3, and even though it may not be amazing graphically, it makes up for this shortcoming in nearly every other category.
Fallout 4 was released November 10th and is available for Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC at $59.99.
Leave a Reply