Fallout 4 – The Best and Worst

Fallout 4 took the world by storm at the end of 2015, surprising everyone with it’s new gen spin on the classic game. It brought us joy as we blew up Raiders and Mirelurks. Made us cry when we realised we did not have enough circuitry to make a turret. It even frustrated us as our companions ran into traps we tried so hard to avoid. Now, as we see the final DLC release next week, I wanted to take a look back at the best and worst things this game gave to us.

Feeling nostalgic? Watch the original trailer below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE2BkLqMef4

A World to Explore

It is not uncommon within these types of Bethesda games to have a vast world to explore. The initial release of Fallout 4, people were complaining that the world was not big enough. In a straight run, you could get from one end of the map to the other in around ten minutes. Sure, to some this would be a problem. But, who really does that? I mean, seriously, why would you play an open world game to simply run from one end to the other? But, despite this news I went into it with an open mind. And, was pleasantly surprised to find it didn’t matter how big the map was.

My first time playing the game, I  spent around four hours just exploring and didn’t even make it to Diamond City. Perhaps, for some, size really does matter. For me, the world was bigger once you took the time to explore it. I guess you could almost say it is the T.A.R.D.I.S of game maps. And that’s why I’m classing this one as one of the better parts of the game.
Verdict – BEST

Companions

The companion system within Fallout 4 gave a lot of options in terms of how you wanted to play the game. Bethesda even implemented the like/dislike mechanic. So, when you did something that you companion liked, it often lead to an interesting side quest to get them to become your BFF. This for me was one of the better sides of the companion system. Then, of course, there was the romance options that came with certain characters. Once a character liked you enough, there were options to flirt and even romance them through the dialogue. To be honest, I quite enjoy the companion options in Fallout and I couldn’t imagine playing without one.

However, what frustrates me the most is how dumb your companions can be. I’m sure I am not the only one who has been in this situation. One moment you are happily shooting a raider in the face and the next, your companion has leaped in front of your bullet so they can get a better shot. Or the time when you are meticulously disarming a corridor of traps and your companion runs full pelt into all of them setting off every trap. Dumb AI is dumb. This one is a mixed bag for me; I equally love and hate the companion system.
Verdict – BEST and WORST

Role play? What Role Play?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love this game. Fallout 4 has so much to offer. However, role play is not really one of them. You may disagree, but hear me out. First of all, there is the character you play. Yes, you can still choose to be a male or female. And yes, you can customise to your hearts desire. What is lacking, unfortunately, is being able to put your own spin on the character you are playing. Now, as someone who thoroughly enjoys role playing in these types of games, this was a big let down.

Your characters back story is given to you the minute you start the game. As well as this, the dialogue options feel limited. It almost feels like Bethesda sacrificed real role play so they could have voice acting. There is also the choices you can make within the game. It makes it very difficult for you to be a wholly horrible human being. Of course there are options for you to be mean and violent but ultimately, you end up creating settlements for people and helping them out. For me, it was disappointing and, although not game breaking, I sincerely hope they do not implement it into the next Elder Scrolls game.
Verdict – WORST

Season Pass Heaven

From what I understand, some people were unhappy with the season pass for Fallout 4. However, I don’t think anyone can complain when you realise what we were actually given. Since March, we have had some awesome extras added to the game, especially with Far Harbour. Although I am lumping all of the DLC into one broad category, they each had their own merit. The Workshop DLCs gave us many more items for settlements as well the chance to create our own fighting pit by capturing various Wasteland creatures. This one was definitely created with the builders in mind. As someone who is not overly confident at building I have yet to utilise all the items. But, I can see there would be hours of fun for the avid constructor.

Far Harbour was by far the best DLC I have played in a while. It definitely is up there with the Dragonborn DLC in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Of course, we have yet to see what Nuka World will bring at the end of the month but I have high hopes for this finale. All in all, the DLC is a great addition to this already great game.
Verdict – BEST

Is that it?

Of course not! This was just a brief look at some of the best and worst parts of Fallout 4. There will be more to come as the last DLC is released. Perhaps you agree with my choices, perhaps not. Regardless, we can all agree that Fallout 4 is a mixed bag of emotions for all.