Introduction to Fallout 4
Growing up I loved the Bethesda games, and couldn't wait to explore Oblivion or Fallout 3. They were a couple of the first games I ever bought as a teenager/adult, as I played them on my uncle's systems growing up. Eventually I'd move onto Skyrim, New Vegas, and overall many other games.
One game that eluded me for a while was FO4, which for some reason I held off on playing. Maybe it was because I kept hearing the controversies from friends/other fans. Maybe it was because I was focused on Skyrim, but in the end I avoided playing it up until recent years.
This post I wanted to make to figure out a way to explain this game, and why it is really IS fun to play. Just maybe not what you're expecting.
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Fallout 4 received mixed reviews due to its numerous bugs and glitches, but some fans argue that these issues are a result of Bethesda's focus on gameplay systems and freedom of exploration.
Why it matters:
- Fallout 4's launch highlighted the ongoing debate around the acceptability of launching games with bugs and glitches.
- The game's mixed reviews also raised questions about the importance of narrative in RPGs and the impact it has on player engagement.
Details:
- Fallout 4 is a solid open-world exploration looter shooter, but not a traditional RPG.
- The game's story, which revolves around finding a kidnapped child, can prevent players from engaging with the best parts of the game.
- Fallout 4 is not the only game to struggle with this issue, as other RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 have faced similar criticism.
The big picture:
Despite its flaws, Fallout 4 remains a popular game among fans, and its launch sparked a debate around the importance of polished games versus gameplay systems and freedom of exploration. The game's mixed reviews also highlight the ongoing challenges facing game developers in creating engaging narratives that don't detract from the overall player experience. Fallout 4's legacy may serve as a cautionary tale for developers as they continue to navigate these challenges in future games.
https://www.brevity.sh/article/eTL96izDbaAM3I9jerj7
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Why is Fallout 4 Controversial?
It changed a lot from the previous games in the series, and while FO3 got praised for it's changes. The same cannot be said for all of the changes in FO4.
From the improvements to power armor, to the neutering of the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system.
There were plenty of changes to choose from. Walking around in power armor actually felt like it was something rather special. At least until you find your first Raider wearing power armor. Although theirs certainly felt janky, as compared to the rather pristine Brotherhood sets.
The simple light medium heavy enemy design played full force, and simplified how you would react in combat. The repetitive grinding that was present in previous games, almost felt like the dial was turned all the way up.
Finally, the story was rather overly basic in comparison to the stakes that were felt in previous entries. New Vegas a shining example.
The Criticisms of Fallout 4
Meddling with the RPG systems in an Open World RPG series (which Fallout certainly is), that is something that is bound to cause some feathers to be ruffled.
Scaling back the skills and perks systems was a mistake in my opinion. They essentially turned it into a gameboard where you choose your skills over time.
Shifting the focus to more combat centric gameplay, which would be fine if some guns weren't obviously better than others. It also heavily required you to rely on power armor, and just like with previous games your over encumbrance would be the death of you.
Defending Fallout 4
I for one think it was a good game, and although it took me far too long to get into. Once I did, then I couldn't put it down. I finally got tired of it when I first entered Nuka World, which I hear is a fun DLC. Meaning that when I pick it back up, there will be a bunch to enjoy.
The ability to build your robots was fun mechanic, and wish it was expanded (hello mods). Now I should say my experience was on console, and I've not played it a whole lot on PC.
There is a lot to enjoy in the vanilla package, and the beauty of being able to mod to hell and back. Then you get to play it, well there is nothing else like it... except Skyrim/Elder Scrolls.
The Impact of Fallout 4 on the Gaming Industry
It took the Bethesda games into the next generation, and paved the way for them to release Skyrim once again. However this time with a major update to the graphics and system.
Any fallout or elder scrolls game lands with fanfare, and the game itself is still a success. Even with it's shortcomings, and some of them obvious. There was a lot to enjoy in the game itself, the DLC's were quite engaging as well. Bringing back the Mechanist, and being able to interact as FO4's SilverShroud was a really enjoyable experience.
Bethesda games always show what can be done in an open world game, and deepens the level of connection you have with your characters. While the follower mechanic is extremely limited, and the city building aspect of FO4 is constrained. These issues are fixed with mods, which can be said for any issue with any Bethesda game.
Conclusion: Fallout 4 Revisited
While gamers shouldn't have to resort to mods to fully enjoy a game... I'm looking at you Skyrim with no footprints in the snow! This is what we have come to expect from Bethesda games. The groundwork that FO4 placed, is what lead to Starfield's ability to build ships for example or outposts.
I plan on replaying this game for ages to come, just like I do with Elder Scrolls games or Megaman Legends. A good game is a good game, and even with it's issues they don't change that.
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