The wait for a new mainline Fallout game is likely to be a long one, with Fallout 5 not expected until well into the 2030s, following the eventual release of The Elder Scrolls 6. This extended gap between installments has prompted discussions among fans about the series' past, present, and future.
Remastering the Classics
While Bethesda has confirmed remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, some fans argue that the original two Fallout titles deserve a similar treatment. These games, released by Interplay, are considered foundational to the series but can be clunky and less accessible to modern players. An updated release that ensures flawless performance on platforms like the Steam Deck could introduce these foundational entries to a new generation of players.
Rethinking Gameplay and Lore
Discussions also touch upon the gameplay and narrative elements of existing titles. Fallout: New Vegas's Hardcore mode, which introduces survival mechanics like mandatory eating, drinking, and sleeping, and permanent companion death, is highlighted as a way to significantly enhance the game's challenge and immersion. Conversely, Fallout 4's ambitious experiments, such as settlement building and a voiced protagonist, are seen as less successful compared to its predecessor's more focused approach. However, even Fallout 4 is considered more interesting than Fallout 3, which is described as a functional but less remarkable entry.
The Fallout television series has also sparked debate, particularly regarding its approach to established lore. Some argue that, similar to real-world historical accounts, fictional narratives can and should take liberties with established canon. This perspective suggests that deviations from game lore are not necessarily detrimental and can even enrich the universe by introducing ambiguity and alternative interpretations.
Expanding the Fallout Universe
Beyond the mainline RPGs, fans are keen to explore new directions for the franchise. There is a sentiment that Fallout need not always center on a Vault Dweller or even remain strictly an RPG. The success of Fallout Shelter, a mobile city-builder, demonstrates the brand's appeal in different genres. Suggestions include traditional city-builders set in the wasteland, intrigue management games akin to Crusader Kings 3, or even narrative-driven experiences like novels penned by acclaimed authors. The overarching desire is for Fallout to evolve and offer genuinely different experiences while players await the next major installment.
