Fallout 4

A continuation of the iconic post-apocalyptic role-playing game series. The game features a completely redesigned character progression system and gameplay, changes to its RPG elements, and, for the first time in the series, weapon upgrades and item crafting. The game takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, where for the first time we see a few moments of peaceful life before the atomic bombing.

Fallout 4, a single-player shooter with RPG elements, was released on November 10, 2015, for PC, Xbox One, and PS4. The game is set in the future, in a world that has survived a nuclear war, with elements of 1960s retro-futurism. The developers focused on creating a large, detailed game world, combat, and character progression. The story and quests receive little attention, and the game suffers from an underdeveloped dialogue system.

The new version of the Creation Engine made it possible to deliver high-quality graphics, with high-resolution textures and very good lighting, including realistic light and shadow effects. The animation is decent, but Fallout 4’s main feature is its realistic physics, which makes weapons feel better than ever.

Fallout 4 takes place in Boston and its surroundings, known as the Commonwealth—a large, seamless world with no limits on where you can go. The developers brought many Massachusetts landmarks into the game, including the State House, Bunker Hill, the Boston Public Library, the ship Constitution, the rivers that cross the city, Fenway Park baseball stadium, and more.

Although the Commonwealth was hit by two nuclear blasts that left almost nowhere untouched, central Boston survived, though many skyscrapers have started to crumble, and some can be explored. Outside the city, players can explore nearby towns, industrial areas, and distant suburbs—hills, farming villages, fields, and forests—as well as the Glowing Sea, a vast radioactive wasteland.

The world of Fallout 4 is home to nine factions. Three are hostile from the start, and two may become hostile as you progress. There is plenty of wildlife in the Commonwealth, mostly dangerous mutants such as Deathclaws, Yao guai, and Behemoths. Early on, however, smaller mutants and ghouls will be more of a nuisance.

Much of the content is hidden from view. An unremarkable building might be the entrance to a secret multi-level laboratory, a Vault, or a military outpost filled with rare weapons, ammunition, and armor. The subway is there, but heavily damaged, and only a few stations can be explored.

For the first time in the series, combat is built around shooter mechanics. Players have a huge arsenal to suit different playstyles—you can be a ninja or a hammer-wielding daredevil, a sniper, an assault trooper, a machine gunner, or a mix of everything. The game features a workshop where you can build a cozy settlement. You can manage its residents, craft and upgrade weapons and ammunition, and modify regular and power armor.

Fallout 4’s RPG system is based on S.P.E.C.I.A.L.: seven core character attributes, such as Strength and Intelligence, rated from 1 to 10, plus a set of perks with 10 categories, each divided into 2–5 ranks. Perks do all sorts of things: improve your speech skills, increase weapon damage, or let you carry more items.

As you explore the game world, complete quests, kill enemies, upgrade your gear, and perform other actions, you earn experience and gain levels. Each level gives you points to spend on S.P.E.C.I.A.L. The higher your level, the more powerful gear and armor you can find—and the more dangerous enemies you’ll encounter.

Fallout 4’s biggest flaw is its dialogue system, which offers just 3–4 similar choices: yes, no, ask a question, or be sarcastic.

Fallout 4 takes place in 2287. The protagonist wakes from cryogenic sleep and must search for their family. After reaching the surface, they learn that the Commonwealth is slowly dying under the threat of super mutants, raiders, and the sinister Institute. The Minutemen, the region’s defenders, have been completely defeated.

The search for their family goes hand in hand with helping the Commonwealth’s ordinary people, exploring the world, rebuilding the Minutemen, and strengthening their position. The story is linear, with no unexpected twists or replay value. If you focus only on the main story, you can finish it in 10–12 hours. It’s not always best to fight your way through—sometimes it’s better to negotiate or buy the information you need.

The player soon encounters synths—powerful, hostile androids created by the Institute. As the story progresses, the Railroad enters the picture. This organization aims to help synths escape the Institute’s control. The Brotherhood of Steel also appears, hoping to bring order to the Commonwealth and make it part of the Capital Wasteland.

The player can join these organizations or turn them down, but will inevitably face the Institute in the finale. Each faction offers its own set of quests and nice rewards for joining, and determines which ending the player gets. There will also be plenty of interaction with independent settlements.

Fallout 4 features all kinds of companions, from synths to super mutants. Each has a unique personal backstory, detailed character development, a set of personal quests, and their own goals—which may not always match the player’s playstyle. Still, you’ll have to find a way to get along with each of them.