Summary
Falloutis one of the long-running RPG franchises out there, andFallout 5will usher it into the modern era. But with the next chapter in theFalloutfranchise not coming until 2030or later, it will have to not only compete against recent smash hits likeBaldur’s Gate 3, but any other potentially groundbreaking RPGs that will launch in what remains of the 2020s. With that in mind, and with the game introducingFalloutto a whole new generation of players, it might be best as a sort of soft reboot.
After being acquired by Bethesda in the mid-2000s,Falloutunderwent a radical transformation, pivoting from a traditional CRPG similar to something likeBaldur’s GateorPlanescape: Tormentto an action-oriented, full-3D adventure game befitting of the seventh console generation. This significant shift resonated with general audiences, andFallouthas since become more popular than ever. That being said, aside from noticeable improvements to things like graphics, shooting mechanics, and quality of life, not too much has changed since the release ofFallout 3, with the series' core gameplay pillars, tone, and lore elements feeling mostly homogenous acrossFallout 3,New Vegas, andFallout 4. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, as the formula certainly works, butFallout 5should offer something different.
It’s Time for Fallout to Shake Things Up
Fallout 5 Is Perfectly Positioned as a Soft Reboot
WhileFallout 3isn’t perfect, and not all long-time fans of the franchise were happy with its radical shift away from the CRPG format, it ultimately proved to be a success, at least in terms of broadening the series' appeal and visibility. Indeed,Fallout 3was a breath of fresh air back in 2008, and even if the new perspective and approach to RPG conventions aren’t to everyone’s liking, they certainly helped make the series feel new, modern, and innovative.
But it’s been quite a while sinceFallout 3—more than two decades will separate it fromFallout 5—and the franchise could use another shot in the arm. It’s not an unpopular opinion that the modern spate ofFalloutgameshit its peak withFallout: New Vegas, withFallout 4’s reception being relatively lukewarm, andFallout 76’s being ice-cold. With the series arguably being over a decade removed from its strongest release, and with theFalloutbrand being more popular than ever thanks to peripheral releases like theFalloutTV show, there’s no better time to introduce new players to the series through a soft reboot.
What a ‘Fresh Start’ for Fallout Could Look Like
While Bethesda’s RPG formula has helped makemodernFalloutgames more immersive, it’s not without its flaws. For one thing, moment-to-moment gameplay is often deprioritized, with functions like V.A.T.S. serving as a bit of a crutch for combat. A revamped gameplay system could work wonders forFallout 5, perhaps allowing the series to make better use of features like weapon crafting through more engaging combat or movement mechanics. A soft reboot would be the perfect chance for the series to truly innovate through a complete reframing of its gameplay, adopting new genre conventions and potentially even moving away from the iconic first-person perspective.
Third-person gameplay is an option in all modernFalloutgames, but it can be argued that the games aren’t designed with that perspective in mind.
As for story and worldbuilding, theFalloutfranchise already follows a bit of a loose anthology format, so a soft reboot wouldn’t be too much of a departure in this area.Fallout 5could offer a different take on long-running lore elements though, maybe showing a different side of iconic factions like the Raiders or Brotherhood of Steel. These wouldn’t have to be fundamental changes, just unique perspectives and tweaks, perhaps eveninformed by the upcomingFalloutTV showor other supplemental content released in the wake ofFallout 3.
Fallout 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, invite you to the ambitious open world of Fallout 4. Do whatever you want in a massive Commonwealth with hundreds of locations, characters and quests.As the sole survivor of Vault 111, only you can rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone - the choices are yours.From a Power Armor-toting soldier to the charismatic smooth-talker, be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system and develop your own playstyle from hundreds of Perks.Experience exciting first- or third-person combat with the dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S., targeting enemies for maximum tactical advantage (and cinematic carnage!) Collect, upgrade and build thousands of items with Fallout 4’s crafting system. Weapons, armor, food and with the right materials, even entire settlements are possible. Welcome home.
