Summary
Fallout 5is a world of potential; the fifth entry in the iconic RPG franchise has the chance to offer fans something completely unique, building on what players have come to love about the series, both before and after Bethesda’s acquisition of it, while avoiding some of the pitfalls suffered by the third and fourth games. While the specific components that will comprise theFallout 5experience are innumerable, Bethesda should hone in on its implementation of the protagonist.
WhileFallout 4is full of beloved characters, the main character generally isn’t regarded with much generosity. Bethesda’s bold decision to make them a fully-voiced protagonist, greatly streamlining dialog options in the process, was a controversial one, with many fans arguing that it undermined the role-playing elements of the game. The game’s linear main narrative, which centers on the protagonist’s search for their son, is something of an evolution from the central questline ofFallout 3, wherein players search for their long-lost father. In both of these instances, Bethesda’s bespoke storytelling gets in the way of player-created narratives and freedom.Fallout 5can address this.
Shaking Up the Hero of Fallout 5
Fallout 5 Should Give the Player Narrative Freedom
Bethesda’sElder Scrollsfranchiseserves as a good example of how player freedom can define a contemporary RPG. InSkyrim, for instance, players are given the title of Dragonborn, making them a sort of Chosen One hero, tasked with stopping the aggressive dragons' path of destruction. This is a solid, simple, and broad premise that doesn’t interfere too much with the player’s imagination or role-playing experience, whether they choose to pursue the main quest or not. This stands in stark contrast to the main quests ofFallout 4andFallout 3, as the player is essentially forced into the desperate parent or loving child role. If the player chooses to ignore the main story, they are forced into the role of the heartless, careless parent or child instead.
As theFalloutfranchise evolves and expands, it should turn back the clock and get back to the fundamentals of Western RPGs, at least when it comes to narrative. Taking some notes from theElder Scrollsgames,Fallout 5ought to present players with an interesting but non-specific main quest, while letting them explore the world and craft their own persona. Rigid, predefined backstories should be left out, as they stand in the way of the player’s imagination and creativity.
Going Beyond Narrative Freedom in Fallout 5
More flexibility and less definition when it comes to a player character’s backstory and personality is important, but Bethesda could take this idea of freedom even further.The best Bethesda gamesoffer open-ended gameplay, though they can be mechanically shallow. To address this while focusing on the importance of player expression,Fallout 5could offer more options when it comes to things like class-building, combat, dialog, and traversal.
For instance, investing in a melee build could be more rewarding ifFallout 5featured broader and more varied movesets, offering both a much higher skill ceiling and a greater incentive to focus on a specific style of play. If this depth were to be consistent across a number of different classes or archetypes, such as thief, engineer, or gunslinger, players could become more invested in their custom character, and this could have synergy with the elevated narrative freedom as well.
Generally speaking,Fallout’s RPG roots should be the focusof the next game, and how the protagonist is used will play a significant role in this regard. If Bethesda prioritizes freedom and creative expression when it comes to both narrative and gameplay,Fallout 5’s protagonist, though loosely defined, could be one of the best in the series.
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.
