Fallout: The Franchise
The Fallout franchise is well known by many for its computer games and for it’s TV show that aired in 2024. It has a distinctive post-apocalyptic setting, rich storytelling and its computer games boast open world exploration.
It was originally created by Interplay Entertainment and later acquired by Bethesda Game Studios. This was due to the company running into financial difficulties and after their not so popular game release for the franchise Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004).
In this review I am going to run through what makes the Fallout franchise so popular. Discussing the games, the TV show and the merchandise released. So what are we waiting for, lets delve into what made this franchise go nuclear!
Oh and if you are looking for Fallout-themed party ideas, check out this article next.
World-Building and Atmosphere
The setting is unique, that sets it apart from other franchises. It is set in an alternate universe of America, that has 1950’s style-futuristic clothing, items, buildings and music. Set many years after a nuclear explosion has gone off in The Great War in 2077. The futuristic technology derives from how 1950’s people envisioned how the world would be. The dystopian landscapes outside of the vaults offer a sharp contrast of a safe ignorant haven, to a dangerous eerie feel in the wasteland.
Destroyed buildings, 1950’s- futuristic setting, strange communities and mutants are aplenty in the Fallout franchise.
Storytelling and Characters
Fallout is renowned for its narrative depth. Some characters have a dark sense of humour that make light of the apocalyptic world, or make it worse for unsuspecting victims. Each instalment offers a main storyline filled with moral and ethical dilemmas to choose upon, allowing players to shape the fate of the world through their decisions. The series is populated with memorable characters, from charismatic companions to enigmatic antagonists, that include:
The Vault Dwellers:
Predominantly the main protagonists in the computer games and TV show. Being a Vault Dweller gives them a surreal view of the world. This is apparent when they step foot outside of the vault and to uncover its mysteries. Their Pip-Boy technology also helps with computer game exploration and managing their stats.
Brotherhood of Steel:
A paramilitary presence in the Fallout franchise. They have many varying factions throughout the games. Their hierarchy includes squires and knights (the ones who wear the power armour).
Mr Handy:
A type of robot helper that can either be helpful or dangerous. They are usually oblivious to the apocalyptic world around them and say some funny antidotes because of this. Their weapons can include a buzzsaw, a flamethrower and a charge and self destruct mode if gets too damaged.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The franchise has evolved significantly in terms of gameplay. The earlier isometric, turn-based combat of Fallout and Fallout 2 laid the groundwork for the more modern, first/third-person. This is seen in Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76.
The introduction of the V.A.T.S. (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) in Fallout 3 added a strategic layer to combat. This blended real-time action with turn-based tactics and helped with the transition away from the earlier mechanics. The system allows players to target enemy body parts, whilst fighting in the first/third-person.
Crafting, base-building, and survival mechanics have been integrated. Its added depth and replay-ability to the games. With a way to turn those scrap items you find into something useful other than just selling them.
Exploration and Freedom
A hallmark of the Fallout franchise games is the open-world exploration. Players are free to roam vast, detailed landscapes, uncovering its hidden secrets. This sense of freedom is coupled with a reactive world where player choices have tangible consequences. Their actions affect relationships, settlements, and the overall game world. Underneath the nuclear wasteland the pre-war world can be seen, that tells silent yet evocative tales of survival and loss.
Players can spend hours walking around the wasteland fighting enemies and searching for loot, but must be wary not to get overencumbered!
Criticisms
Despite its many strengths, the Fallout series is not without criticisms. Technical issues and bugs have plagued many of the games, particularly the ambitious but often unstable Fallout 76. These bugs can sometimes ruin the overall game experience, however since the launch of it improvements have been gradually made.
Some fans feel that since Fallout 1 and 2 it has moved away from its RPG routes, due to the shift from a turn based system towards a more action-oriented gameplay style.
Additionally, while Fallout: New Vegas is praised for its writing and faction system, Fallout 4 faced criticism for its comparatively linear narrative and simplified dialogue options. This was later brought back in Fallout 76 with a dialogue list instead of one word options to pick in Fallout 4.
Games in the Fallout franchise include
Fallout (1997):
Set in a post-apocalyptic Southern California, in 2161, players take on the role of a Vault Dweller tasked with finding a water chip to fix their broken one and save the vault. The game introduces Pip-Boy, Vault Boy and the SPECIAL attribute system, detailing areas in which players can level up in.
Fallout 2 (1998):
Following on from its predecessor, Fallout 2 expands the game world and deepens the lore. Set in 2241, 80 years after the original, players assume the role of the Chosen One, a descendant of the first game’s protagonist. The game retains the isometric view and turn-based combat but offers a larger map, more quests, and increased interactivity.
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001):
A move away from the series’ RPG roots, Fallout Tactics focuses on tactical squad-based combat. Set in the Midwestern United States, in 2197, it follows the Brotherhood of Steel as they expand their influence. The game offers a more combat-oriented experience, with detailed tactical options and the first time a multiplayer option is introduced.
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004):
An action RPG for consoles, this game is often considered the black sheep of the franchise! It deviates significantly from the series’ core elements, offering no open world. It’s a hack-and-slash experience and some music is not of the 1950’s genre. Set in Texas, in 2208, you control a faction of the Brotherhood trying to bring order. The story is less engaging, and the gameplay feels repetitive.
Fallout 3 (2008):
Made by Bethesda Game Studios, Fallout 3 brought the series into the modern era with a first/third-person perspective and a fully realised 3D open world. Set in the ruins of Washington, D.C., in 2,277, players emerge from Vault 101, to find their missing father. The game reintroduces the SPECIAL system, V.A.T.S. combat, and a branching storyline with multiple endings. It also gives the player choices to make that with then effect their karma and how other character will then perceive and act towards them. This game was well received and set a new standard for the games that followed.
Fallout: New Vegas (2010):
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas is often hailed as the pinnacle of the series. Set in the Mojave Wasteland, in 2281, players take on the role of the Courier, seeking revenge for being attacked and left for dead and uncovering a complex web of factions vying for control. The game features a refined dialogue system, deeper role-playing elements, and a faction reputation mechanic that influences the storyline, characters and ending.
Fallout 4 (2015):
Bethesda’s next main entry, set in the Commonwealth (Boston), in 2287. Players assume the role of the Sole Survivor, emerging from Vault 111 to search for their kidnapped child. Fallout 4 introduces a robust crafting and settlement-building system, making other items by breaking down items you find, and features improved gunplay.
Fallout 76 (2018):
A significant departure from the series’ single-player focus, Fallout 76 is an online multiplayer game set in West Virginia, in 2102. Players are Vault 76 dwellers exploring a world that has other players bases in them. The game launched with a lack of traditional NPC-driven storytelling, which led to widespread criticism. Over time, Bethesda has released updates to add NPCs, and enrich the content. Gameplay modes include Adventure Mode, Custom Worlds, Private Worlds and Public Worlds.
Fallout TV Show
The “Fallout” TV show, an adaptation of the beloved video game series, has been generally well-received for its faithful yet creative take on the post-apocalyptic world.
It is set in Los Angeles, in 2296. Following the story of Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell) as she ventures from her sheltered life in a Vault to the dangerous Wasteland in search of her kidnapped father Hank MacLean (Kyle MacLachlan). On her journey she encounters various characters and creatures from the Fallout universe and discovers first hand how dangerous the world really is outside of the vaults.
The TV show stays true to Fallouts dark sense of humour, nostalgia and 1950’s-futuristic settings. It also provides more details on how the world was like before the Great War, the possible origins of Vault Boy and how ghoul creatures survive. It has done a great job of re-captivating fans imaginations and attracting new fans to the franchise. It has been nominated for 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, Walton Goggins as The Ghoul for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and the show for Outstanding Drama Series.
Merchandise in the Fallout franchise
There are many forms of merchandise currently available for the Fallout franchise, some being official merchandise to Fallout inspired fan made products and include:
Clothing:
T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and caps.
Footwear:
Limited edition collaborations with brands such as Converse.
Action Figures and Statues:
Vault Boy, Brotherhood of Steel soldiers, and various in-game creatures are among the most sought-after collectibles. Companies like Funko Pop! and NECA produce a range of figures that capture the distinctive look and feel of the game’s characters.
Replica Weapons and Props:
Pip-Boy, Nuka-Cola bottles, and mini nukes, are particularly popular.
Bags and Backpacks:
Inspired by in-game items, these accessories are both stylish and functional. They often feature multiple compartments and durable materials, suitable for daily use or as part of a cosplay outfit.
Jewellery and Watches:
Rings, necklaces, and watches, often incorporate game elements like the Vault-Tec logo or miniaturised versions of in-game items.
Drinkware:
Mugs, water bottles, and flasks. Nuka-Cola branded drink ware is particularly popular. Home Decor: Posters, wall art, and even themed furniture, allow fans to bring a touch of the wasteland into their homes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Fallout franchise has evolved dramatically over the years, with the more being added to it with every game release and the TV show.
Its games have change from their isometric, turn-based origins to the expansive, open-world and multiplayer experiences of recent titles. All have contributed uniquely to the series’ rich lore. The games have had missteps and some do have bugs, but this is forgiven due to its incomparable theme, complex narratives, memorable characters and ambitious open worlds on offer of the recent game titles.
Due to its popularity many merchandise lines have spawned. Some have been Fallout inspired creations from fans, which just goes to show the how popular the franchise is.
Overall one of my favourite franchises by far!
References
Fallout (online). https://fallout.bethesda.net/en
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