Fallout – PC

With the release of Fallout 4 just days away. I take a look at the game that started it all.

Little Bit of History: Developed and published by Interplay Entertainment and relased in 1997. Made available for MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS and OS X. Fallout was originally going to be a direct sequel to Wasteland, a RPG relased in 1988 which was also developed by Interplay Entertainment. But Fallout used an all new system called SPECIAL, this new system made Fallout similar but too different to Wasteland for it to be considered a true sequel, so a new IP was born. The SPECIAL system went on to become the backbone of all Fallout games from this point onwards.

Little Bit of Plot/Story: Fallout’s plot is set in an alternate timeline with a post-apocalyptic and retro-futuristic aesthetic. Technology, politics and culture followed a different course and while technology more advanced then we know. But cultural and societal progress has stagnated which gives the world a 1950s art deco style. On October 23 2077, a global nuclear war occurs and most major cities around the world are destroyed. The aftermath of the war do not start to fade for a hundred years. Many humans live in underground fallout shelters known as Vaults. In one of these, Vault 13 lives the protagonist’s in Southern California, where the game begins in 2161, 84 years after the war.

Little Bit of Character: You create you own custom character at the start of the game or can chose for three already pre-created characters. In your adventure you meet numerous other NPCs too many to list here. But one character worth a mention is Dogmeat, a canine companion who becomes a regular throughout the series.

Little Bit of Influence: Fallout had humble beginnings but went onto become its own successful franchise with four direct sequels, three spin offs and even four games that were ultimately cancelled. The Fallout series has become infamous for its deep, open style gameplay and branching stories.

Little Bit of Memories: I have to admit to never playing this one originally, but I did discover it years later when my brother introduced me to Fallout 3.

Little Bit of Playability: It is a little clunky and slow, but the game still offers a great deal of depth and enjoyment. Its also a game that is screaming out for a iPad/Andriod remake, the touch screen would be perfect for Fallout and Fallout 2. Still a great game today and well worth a play if you have never experienced the original Fallout (though Fallout 2 was the better of the two original games)

Fallout 4 is relased in just four days…and I can’t wait!
Remember. War, war never changes.