Fallout 4 is one of the most anticipated, heavily marketed, and rapidly selling games of the year. But how does it resonate with a player unfamiliar with the franchise? We tasked Jerry, a newcomer to the *Fallout* series from our editorial team, to find out.
*Fallout 4* allows players to switch between first-person shooter (FPS) and third-person perspectives.
I had heard about the lauded *Fallout* games for years, especially after a close friend became engrossed in *Fallout 3: New Vegas*. He demonstrated scouting techniques, issuing commands to his canine companion, and navigating what appeared to be endless menus. Initially, the appeal eluded me. While I appreciated the scope and ambition of Bethesda, in crafting such a detailed and interactive post-apocalyptic world, it seemed primarily geared towards established RPG enthusiasts.
Upon receiving the *Fallout 4* code and installing it on our PS4, my anticipation grew. I wondered if this iteration would offer a different experience, potentially captivating me for hundreds of hours. The initial download of *Fallout 4* is relatively quick, around 2 GB. However, the primary installation begins upon launching the game, requiring a significant time investment. In fact, it took so long that the PS4 entered sleep mode (we maintain a 1-hour inactivity sleep setting in the office to conserve energy). Therefore, prepare for a substantial initial wait; initiating the installation while engaged in other activities is advisable. During the installation, short clips featuring PipBoy, the blond hero against the backdrop of a post-nuclear 1950s America, play like vintage Disney films.
In essence, *Fallout 4* is a first-person shooter (FPS) enriched with robust role-playing elements. Strategic character development, focusing on attributes like strength (enhancing combat and carrying capacity) and charisma (unlocking dialogue options), is crucial. Players explore a post-nuclear war Boston, undertaking quests and collecting resources. I aim to avoid plot spoilers, but the narrative begins engagingly and surprisingly. After customizing your character’s gender, appearance (eye color, hair, ethnicity), and attributes, the primary objective involves searching for your lost son. *Fallout 4* is undeniably massive. The game prioritizes exploration and experimentation over extensive tutorials. Combat and exploration are intuitive; combat can be approached directly as a first-person shooter (challenging and potentially lethal) or via the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.). V.A.T.S. allows players to target specific enemy body parts, providing a percentage-based hit probability, resembling a turn-based system. While V.A.T.S. offers improved accuracy and accessibility, the sheer volume of encounters may lead to a degree of repetition, though not excessively so.
A core mechanic in *Fallout 4* revolves around material acquisition, weapon crafting, and settlement construction. These settlements function as bases, housing encountered NPCs and facilitating resistance movements. This aspect is complex and lacks intuitive design. While instructional videos are readily available online, the expectation to recycle resources for improved structures and armaments can be unclear. A secondary frustration lies in the pervasive collection mechanic. *EVERYTHING* in *Fallout 4* can be recycled, collected, sold, or utilized for enhancements. However, character carrying capacity is limited, leading to frequent inventory management, requiring the player to deposit items at bases or transfer them to companions. Companions include Dogmeat, the robot Codsworth (programmed with numerous name pronunciations), and additional characters discovered later. Companion development and dialogue options are varied, presenting compelling narratives that can be overshadowed by the extensive exploration and looting.
Codsworth is one of the selectable companions in the game.
The technical aspects of the game present a mixed experience. Graphically, *Fallout 4* is somewhat basic compared to contemporary standards. While environments and colors are aesthetically pleasing (despite the somber theme), character models and animations appear rudimentary. However, the advantage of Bethesda’s engine choice lies in its stable performance, maintaining a consistent 30 fps. Both PS4 and Xbox One render at a native 1080p, with minimal discernible difference between the platforms. High-end PCs can achieve greater detail and frame rates, but may encounter V-sync issues. Bethesda is developing patches to address these issues across all platforms, including the numerous graphical bugs present in the game. Xbox One users should note reports of occasional stuttering due to hard drive performance, potentially mitigated by installing the game on a faster external HDD or replacing the internal drive (this issue appears less prevalent on the PS4).
The audio design is commendable, with strong voice acting and enjoyable 1950s radio stations featuring eccentric DJs. However, the limited selection of stations leads to repetition, prompting many players to disable background music. The controls are intuitive and responsive, complemented by the consistent frame rate.
There are visually superior next-generation games compared to *Fallout 4*.
*Fallout 4* offers a unique experience. Initially, it may appear somewhat unpolished. The game’s pacing is well-maintained, but it lacks a grand, cinematic introduction. However, the more time invested, the more rewarding the experience becomes. Its sheer scale is remarkable – so vast that fully completing the game seems daunting. While side missions and settlement building can be bypassed, character leveling remains essential, and experiencing the complete narrative is desirable. While a game, regardless of its depth, cannot continue indefinitely, players become heavily invested after 40-50 hours. However, the frequency of surprises diminishes compared to the initial hours (with the exception of certain plot developments). *Fallout 4* is a demanding and challenging game until players understand its mechanics and develop their character to withstand encounters. Resource management, particularly ammunition and carrying capacity, is a constant concern. The perpetual cycle of collecting and managing items is driven by the potential to utilize them for crafting essential upgrades.
The Power Armor is a formidable asset in *Fallout 4*, but its availability is limited.
*Fallout 4* is an ambitious project, and its immersive qualities are evident. The potential for character progression seems limitless (theoretically up to level 65535, at which point the game may crash, though no one has confirmed reaching this cap; level progression slows considerably around level 80). However, the expansive scope may be overwhelming. Time will determine whether players will fully complete the main storyline, side quests, and settlement construction. While I anticipate further exploration of post-nuclear Boston and interactions with its inhabitants, the extent of my commitment remains uncertain.
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