Summary
With nearly a decade since the release of the last mainlineFalloutgame, fans are naturally wondering what’s coming next. There’s no shortage of potential when it comes tothe future ofFallout, but with such a long lapse between mainline entries, advancements in gaming tech and design trends, and general criticism of Bethesda’s own RPG tendencies,Fallout 5may be best suited as a soft reboot, rather than a direct continuation that builds offFallout 4.
Althoughthe modern, post-InterplayFalloutreleases are often consideredsome of Bethesda’s best games, they aren’t without their problems.Fallout 3andFallout 4have both been criticized for their lack of meaningful choice, overly restrictive and definitive main questlines, and apparent emphasis on action over classic RPG systems—critiques that were more relevant than ever with the series' last official release,Fallout 76. On top of this, die-hard fans have been quick to point out a number of lore inconsistencies introduced in Bethesda’sFalloutgames, with some speculating that the upcomingFalloutTV show will muddy the canonical waters even further. PerhapsFallout 5can address these narrative and design concerns, but maybe it would be best to simply start over.
How and Why Fallout 5 Could Hit the Reset Button
Overhauling the Fallout Formula
In the years following Bethesda’s acquisition of theFalloutIP, the franchise has seen a number of well-received changes, with even much-maligned titles likeFallout 76adding some worthwhile features. That said, players have been criticizing Bethesda’s approach to RPG design as early asFallout 3, arguing that it lacks depth and real, impactful choices. Games like the Obsidian-developedFallout: New Vegashave drawn additional attention to the perceived faults of Bethesda’sFalloutreleases, and even more recent games likeBaldur’s Gate 3have shown what can be accomplished with an approach that eschews most AAA RPG design conventions.
The Bethesda formula was put under a particularly harsh spotlight thanks to themixed reception ofStarfield, which may prompt Bethesda to rethink its game design pillars.
With a soft reboot, Bethesda could offer a refreshingFalloutexperience.Fallout 5wouldn’t necessarily need to adopt the CRPG perspective of the first two games in the franchise (though that wouldn’t be out of the question), but it could benefit from some fundamental changes to things like combat, dialog, class building, and world design. Essentially, Bethesda is at a bit of a crossroads withFallout 5: the company can either stay the course and release another game likeFallout 4orStarfield, or it can take theFalloutseries in a new direction, thus bringing the franchise back to the forefront of innovation in gaming and avoiding a repeat ofStarfield’s shortcomings.
Fallout 5 Could Fix the Series' Timeline
When it comes to lore, theFalloutfranchise has become a bit messy. Since each game takes place in a new location, with an almost entirely new cast of characters, there’s quite a bit that Bethesda has been able to get away with, but certain worldbuilding elements stand out as awkward and inconsistent. For instance, there are several elements introduced inFallout 3,4, and76that are too significant to ignore, like the Institute’s incredible advancements in science and technology.
Despite this, the franchise doesn’t treat these lore developments with the gravity that it perhaps should, leading to numerous unanswered questions and logical problems. In general, there are countless aspects of theFallouttimeline that make no sense, and the best way to address these problems may be to simply wipe the slate clean.
Whatever route Bethesda decides to take with the next officialFalloutgame, it will be important to introduce meaningful and beneficial changes to the series' formula. These could be subtle, keeping things mostly familiar, or drastic and revolutionary for the franchise. If Bethesda takes the latter path, then a soft reboot might be the best option.
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.
