Fallout 4: the Trailer! · 7:23pm Jun 9th, 2015
art by Piecee01
Last week, Bethesda gifted us with the trailer for Fallout 4. And with it comes a wealth of hints and outright confirmations regarding the content of the game. This is it, the moment of squee!
There's so much awesome here, including the amazing reveal about the protagonist: for the first time ever, in a Fallout game or possibly any game within the post-apocalyptic or FPS genres, we get to play as a dog!
Just kidding.
Actually, there is quite a lot of speculation about the protagonist thanks to a combination of information from the trailer and the previous leak to Kotaku whose content has been effectively confirmed. Theories range from the idea that the protagonist is a pre-war soldier (featured in the trailer), or the child of that soldier, to an android implanted with the memories of that individual. Certainly, there are enough clues to make an argument for any of those, but not enough for more than speculation.
Since the release of the trailer, fans everywhere have been breaking it down and analyzing it, to the point that doing my own analysis would be largely redundant. Instead of re-hashing what you have probably already read or heard dozens of times, I'm going to offer up a couple of videos from the most interesting and entertaining fan reviewers that I've found, and then add my own additional commentary afterwords.
Let's start with the breakdown by one of the kings of Fallout Let's Plays, YOGSCAST Will:
So yes, those of us who have believed for years that the game will be set in Boston have had their faith rewarded. I'm not as sure about William's assertion regarding a metro system. His suggested "Massachusetts Bay Transit Center" ignores that the final letter in the obscured third word looks (at least to me) like an "L". There hasn't been any evidence that we will be treated to more sprawling, maze-like metro tunnels again... although I would be a little surprised if Bethesda didn't take advantage of the potential in underground map additions.
The idea of a voiced protagonist is shocking to many fans of Fallout, but it isn't that strange nor does it have to be as character-limiting or immersion-breaking as some people have been suggesting. The protagonist has never been a mute or exceptionally laconic character; we have always had conversations with dialogue boxes where we can choose our response. Personally, I am hoping Bethesda chose to take a page from BioWare's playbook and give us customizable avatars with a choice of voices just like we got from the amazing game Dragon Age: Inquisition.
art by Keponii
The scene with the Paul Revere statue is notably not the only point in the trailer where we see weather effects. This is something that has me really excited, as I always love when the next iteration of Fallout incorporates elements that I added to the previous game(s) through mods. And dynamic weather is one of those environmental elements that greatly enhances immersion.
While it is nearly impossible to spot it in a still frame, the brief scene above features more than just what I'm going to call the world's weirdest fire hydrant -- it features rain. The rain is most easy to spot on the left side of the screen. Also featured on that side is the curiosity-stimulating sign for the "Memory Den". Remember that theory about playing an android with memories from pre-war? (I won't comment on the central figure beyond noting the rampant fan speculation that this is the Mysterious Stranger and/or an android.)
While most analyses of the Fallout 4 trailer didn't pick up on the "Memory Den", it was noticed by good ol' Jolly Jack:
One thing that Jolly Jack also points out is all the color!
Since the release of the trailer, Bethesda has been taking hits from fans decrying the game as "ugly". The reason for this is that the game appears to use the same Gamebryo engine as used in their previous games, and is definitely not up to the same level of superb quality that we are coming to expect from the top-rated games in regards to textures, meshes and animations. I don't mind that at all. The quality of graphics and animations did not hinder me from enjoying Fallout 3 or Fallout: New Vegas, or prevent them from being my favorite computer games, with over 2000 hours invested between the two. (Nor did I have issues with Skyrim in the same areas.) The aspects of the Fallout games that appeal so deeply to me transcend how many layers of textures are used to simulate fur on Dogmeat.
That said, I do very much appreciate a non-restricted palette in games. I won't play Fallout 3 without the Fellout mod that removes the green haze over everything and allows me to enjoy the richer colors the game is hiding. So unlike others, I'm going to herald the game as beautiful! I think that the richness of palette that we see in the Fallout 4 trailer is a major upgrade in the environmental design. And it is clear that they took care to enhance the visual appeal, even adding in colorful elements in parts of the game world that have been traditionally (an exceptionally dull) grey.
(Side note: the use of Gamebryo would mean that we will sadly not be getting vehicles in Fallout 4. No raiders running around in dune buggies constructed from scrap, or people crossing rivers on salvaged and armored boats with bodged-together engines. It feels ironic that on the very same day that The Secret World -- the only MMO I play -- gave me a motorcycle, Bethesda dashed my hopes for vehicles in Fallout 4.)
The pre-war scenes we see simply lavish us with color, but even the wasteland is beautiful, with a variety of landscapes and scenery that at least rivals Fallout 3 but with lighting and color the earlier game didn't dream of. Check out the screen shots below:
The settlement design choices are particularly appealing in this game. We have a return of an Arefu-like "settlement on high ruins" (pictured below), but this time on what appears to be a grounded ship that is missing huge portions of its hull. I'm going to be pleased if that settlement is multi-level, taking advantage of the interior space. And I like the idea of Diamond City (above), a community built inside a baseball stadium. I'm also intrigued by some of the business establishments we see pictured in that shot, particularly the barely-visible place in the lower left where the only readable words on the sign are "Trust" and "Caps". (It makes me wonder if the game is going to have a quest that touches on the nature of Fallout's unique currency, much like Fallout: New Vegas did. But that's just wild speculation.)
I'm also intrigued by the new monster designs. One shot clearly shows a deathclaw with a rather fearsome enhanced look. Likewise, the above screenshot reveals what could be a new monster, but what is most likely a new take on our old friend, the mirelurk. It appears even the ghouls have had a makeover. I'm excited to see what brand new creatures the game adds to the Fallout bestiary.
One of the aspects of the trailer that I have been paying special attention to is the various signs and posters we see everywhere. The one below and to the left doesn't confirm anything, but is of particular interest to those of us hoping the rumor is true that Three Dog will be returning in Fallout 4.
I do have to disagree with Jolly Jack regarding a lack of interesting things to be gleaned from the ending shots.
I've spoken of mods that I felt compelled to use in previous games, and one of the most desperately needed for Fallout: New Vegas was a early-game player house mod. Especially with the open game world that allowed you to end up, as I did, in The Strip over ten levels before seeing Novak, many of us were hurting for a place to store the crap we accumulated with Calamity-like fervor. Fallout 3 gave us a player home very early into the game, and I am really hoping that Fallout 4 does so as well. From the looks of it, we will be getting a player home, and it will be here:
Bethesda has released an amazing 4K screenshot of this garage that offers a much larger and more detailed look at it. The bed on the right suggests that this is, in fact, a player home. The workbench on the right makes this a place to build schematics and/or modify weapons. There is storage, including ammo boxes. We even have the requisite radio.
There is plethoria of interesting elements visible inside this garage which seems a likely base. The main focus is of the shot is, of course, the power armor. And this armor is unique in that it seems to be in the midst of being repaired or modified. One of the cool additions to the Fallout world featured in Fallout: New Vegas was weapon mods. This image leads me to question if Fallout 4 is also adding armor mods? Alternately, you may have the ability to build your own power armor. This might be something as simple as acquiring various tiers of power armor schematics. But the prominence here suggests rather that this is part of a major story quest.
I'm personally more interested in the things we see around the rest of the garage. For example, there is a Vault-Tec case on the right which may be a container for collectables. (In fact, the compartments in the case look suspiciously like they are holding little statues or pictures of the perk icons.) The hanging board on the left holds one recognizable energy weapon, and a variety of tools and unrecognizable parts. Are those parts weapon mods? And is the content of that hanging board fixed, or will it function like a trophy wall where we can display unique weapons and other items we acquire throughout the game? On the workbench is a PipBoy. Are they going to be customizable too? Or is that just wishful thinking? In the very least, this suggests that PipBoys can be removed in this game, making them lootable.
Looking at the comic/magazine stand, my first thought was that I liked the variety in magazine textures -- the entire game seems to have a much better variation in objects and textures than we are used to. But I couldn't help but notice that Grognak is one of the few titles we can read, and that lends support to William's idea that this rack may be a display case for the various skill books that we pick up. This would mean that not only are the skill books back, but that they don't mysteriously disappear after we read them. (And, of course, I have to mention the return of the Vault-Tec bobblehead. However, the one we see here seems much larger than the ones in Fallout 3, and the fact that there is only one leads me to believe that the bobblehead isn't a stat-boosting collectable.)
The outfit above is reminiscent of Moira's armored upgrade to the Vault suit in Fallout 3. The weapon looks either heavily modified or custom built. I am hoping the latter, as this weapon suggests to me that we will see the return of schematics and custom-build equipment.
Of course, we will hopefully be getting a ton of new, juicy information from E3. There are several panels scheduled during E3 focused on Fallout 4, and I am sure that the contents of these panels will be disseminated throughout the internet soon after. So there will be much more to talk about in the near future.
art by Exlinard
I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD MENTION THIS SCENE FROM THE TRAILER TO MORE PEOPLE
Fallout Equestria reference confirmed?
The gun at the end looks like a laser rifle jury-rigged to a hunting rifle stock, with lenses to increase the focus.
Maybe weapon modding will get to the point that players create completely unique weapons with bits of scrap. Hell, if that's what's happening, maybe we'll actually be scavenging parts from guns and replacing them rather than selecting two guns and mashing them together in the Pip-Boy
3135148 Not big enough to be SPP towers. They're probably just radio towers.
Even then, I doubt they would do that.
So happy it is finally happening. After religiously checking steam, I finally pre ordered my copy. All I need now is to wait until June 14th to watch Bethesda's panel.
FINALLY, A FALLOUT GAME THAT HAS MORE COLORS THAN BROWN, GREEN AND BLUE
I've been wanting a second game for my PS4....looks like I found it.
3135167 But... That's how I got rid of extra weight!
I'd like to see that, even different kinds of failures for different components. Stuff like jamming, inaccurate fire, foggy scope or misaligned crosshairs. Stuff like that.
Although I wouldn't mind a simple play mode either. I play FO3 for the scenery and setting rather than gameplay or main story. Hell that has been one of my biggest gripes over the years with long running game series. Every game MUST be more complex and have additional mechanics added, while I approve of this to an extent many series have run themselves into the ground in order to be clever.
The mere fact that there is some confirmation that the game exist is good enough for me.
Bow before the Queen!
3135304 You forgot Gray.
All of Fallout would be dull without Gray.
Actually, My theory is that you are a Hibernate, a person who has been frozen/hibernated and resuscitated in 200+ years in the future, so that's why the emphasis in the trailer has shown us the world before the bombs fell ( I know it's a shortening, but calling it "pre-war" is wrong), and the same places in the Wasteland.
For me, the game will start in Pre-Apocalypse time, and then proceed with the Last Day evacuation and later on the hibernation of the character.
What do you think of this theory?
I like that memory theory. If it's true, I wonder where they got it? Memory orbs, perhaps? Eh? EH? I'd be poking you with my elbow if this were a face-to-face chat. I'm positive some of those developers have read your story. Glimpses of the past were a major part of your story that worked very well.
Great. I want to buy a new PC this summer to be able to actually play Witcher 3 inside the city. (1 fps/ minute in Novigrad XD)
And now Fallout 4, XCOM 2, Deus Ex Mankind Divided and more! What a nice turn of events!
But shiet - that game will sure slow down the next Fallout: Equestria...
3135304Don't forget abaut grey!
XD
And red when you start shooting.
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Red, blue, green, gray and brown
Mix 'em up to make your own Fallout Game!
I've been considering getting The Secret World. It looks super interesting, and the reviews are positive. Is it really worth 30 bucks though?
Oh yeah, Fallout 4, I guess. I'm happy it's got a trailer and all, but I was able to push it out of my mind and not worry about it when Bethesda was silent about it. Now it dominates my thoughts, and I can't help but worry about the game's release and if its just gonna be another Skyrim.
Cannot... Wait... I wish school would end next week so I can stay home and watch E3. I need more Fallout 4!
(P.S. Also, those colours...)
SO HYPED!
Yeah this is awesome love al the color, the look, everything.
And also, yes people complaining about graphics..... ugh. better graphics do not make a better game.
There are 8-bit, pixellated to hell games that are still better then a lot of AAA titles released today. it's the gameplay that makes a game good.
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Groovy.
3135177 doubt but still possible?
I don't know if anyone's noticed this, but in the garage screenshot, in the bottom-left corner is a minigun covered in tarp.
I was actually glad for the game not having vehicles. After the war I assume gas would be pretty hard to come by, and I kind of like wandering across the wasteland and running into a gang of raiders; with cars people will just drive past them like they don't matter.
I would really love that level of customization if it turns out to be in the game, and an early player home.
I'm a sucker for asymmetry and variety in weapons and armor.
Lets not forget The Institute here. We only got a brief glimpse into their workings in Fallout 3, and now we are going to be on their turf (also if memory serves a certain Purifier scientist headed that way as well....)
I just realized I'll need to buy a PS4
3136010 I'd instead buy a new computer if I were you.
Also, are we sure the engine is the same? I heard that it actually is like a breakoff from another engine or something like that.
Why does Gamebryo mean no vehicles? There are horses in Skyrim after all, not to mention the air vehicles seen here and in Fallout 3. Granted, vehicle physics is a bit different than horse physics, but it at least means it's not outside the capabilities of the engine.
I wonder if any of the Gary clones made it that far north.
I think I'm most concerned with the difficulty of the game more than anything else. Fallout 3 could be somewhat of a challenge to the relatively inexperienced player, but once you got a knack for the combat you were solid. I just hope that this next game doesn't have the ridiculous enemy radar mechanic where they can tell that you're there well outside the area you would expect them to detect you from. This wasn't so much an issue for Fallout 3 as New Vegas, but I could be sneaking around at 100 sneak skill, with silent running and medium or light armor, and the enemy would still be trying to find me well outside their area of detection just because the game doesn't like to be fair.
As far as weapons go, I hope we get some promising energy weapons that don't necessarily break the game in terms of sheer power. Just the fully modded Laser Rifle alone is more than enough to get you through New Vegas, and Pew Pew with Max Charge energy cells just makes single or double shot KO's way too easy with guaranteed crits every time after you get yourself far enough, forcing out well over a thousand damage before you reload...
That might be the first Fallout that doesn't crash on my computer before leaving the main menu.
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Just looking at the characters in-game, it looks very similar to Skyrim. Skyrim used the Creation engine, which was a slight modification of the Gamebryo engine that Fallout 3/NV and Oblivion used.
Which means we're probably going to see quite a few of the same weird bugs we're used to.
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Cars in the Fallout universe actually run off small nuclear fusion engines! So gas isn't really an issue.
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Correct, although power would be. Fallout 2 allowed the player to repair a vehicle to working condition. That vehicle then required microfusion cells or small energy cells to remain powered. If implemented in Fallout 4, vehicles would certainly run off of energy weapon ammo or possibly fission batteries.
I too find great joy in wandering the wastelands, and understand the desire not to just "zip by raiders". But I see vehicles as a way to fix that problem, not cause it. My hope for vehicles is that a player vehicle would replace fast travel, while giving us mobile storage to grant much needed inventory micromanagement relief (while still requiring encumbrance management when entering buildings and similar areas).
In the picture of Diamond City, the sign on the shop(?) next to the "Trust [...] Caps" sign says Commonwealth Weaponry. Doesn't that pretty much confirm the Commonwealth's presence in this one? Or has that already been confirmed? I don't keep up with internet dissemination, so maybe I missed it, lol.
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By? Hell do y'all mean 'by?' If I see a group of raiders walking around in an open area, I'm going through them.
Also, I guess the reason why most people are worried about a voiced protagonist is because of two reasons: In the previous games, you gave them a voice, if only in your own mind, and them having their own voice to begin with would take away from the identity the player gives them. Another part of the worry is the way that Dragon Age II (and I'm guessing Inquisition, as well) handled dialogue choices: The player chooses a line for the character to say, only for them to say something only tangentially related to what the player chose. I guess those two games just left a bad taste in people's mouths and they're worried that if the voicing is like that, what else did Bethesda change that they won't like?
I guess I'm cautiously hyped about this. I started playing the Elder Scrolls series in Morrowind and seeing what all Bethesda took from it in just two games (R.I.P. Mysticism, Blunt, useless Medium Armor, and attributes), I'm worried about what they'll take from the Fallout series... Which I also got into through the third installment. Huh.
On a pseudo-related note, I really need to get around to reading Fo:E. I've listened to the radiocasts, but they come out so infrequently and it's been in my 'Read Later' list (something that's a different problem entirely) for ages... Guess the length is just daunting hurhur dick joke and I'm just lazy, hence the library of Lovecraft I have on my phone, of which I've only read Colour Out Of Space and part of Call Of Cthulhu.
Someone, if not you, will write/rewrite a Fallout: Equestrian fic based on Fallout 4.
Hell yeah. This guy knows who's the real youtuber for Fallout. I really love his videos, especially his guides as well. They were always helpful.
...I wonder if we'll ever get a Fallout game set further in the South. Gulf Coast had some serious oil refinery stuff going on, Lockheed-Martin has an HQ in North Texas, there is the CDC in Georgia. Heck, my town already has a Gov't bomb bunker that's been sealed off built below the city.
3135148 high tension power lines. You can see the lines but they are very faint.
Does anyone else just think this whole voice issue is just a FUS RO DA sort of deal?
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The non-cannon games, such as Brotherhood of Steel and the Fallout: Tactics series, take place in other areas. Pretty sure the both take place around Texas and New Mexico.
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Hadn't thought of it that way, but I like the idea of vehicles making fast travel make more sense.
It didn't go this far, but the concept reminds me of Skyrim's carriages, which you could pay to be taken to a major city.
Getting parts to repair an old vehicle could be a quest, and I'd love to dump all my random salvage into a vehicle to bring it to market.
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Personally I'd love underslung weapons as weapon mods - like an underslung Shotgun.
Generally I hope crafting gets a facelift, since it felt pretty limited in New Vegas.
I was 10000% disappointed at the end when I realised you DON'T get to play as the dog.
Looking forward to the inevitable mods that'll fix that.
It has begun....I'm gett that pip-boy, come hell or high water! Even if i have to beat someone to death with their very limbs for it lol