War may never change, but has Fallout 4 evolved for current gen?
Its also the companys first proper foray into current gen, so the pressure is surely on.
Fallout 4is Bethesdas firstFalloutgame sinceFallout 3, having passed the reigns to Obsidian forNew Vegas.
Its a pretty much self-contained story, though, so no prior knowledge of the series is needed.
This is one densely packed game.
Very early on youll get the chance to set up your own settlement with a small group of people.
Its surprisingly complex, and its implemented brilliantly, with an easy to use interface.
Its a powerful system, and you might create some impressive locations.
Should a settlement fall, youll lose it and your allies.
The base building may be great, but its the core gameplay we all want, andFallout 4doesnt disappoint.
Even reading a letter found on a dead character can open up a new quest.
Importantly, these missions and quests are always interesting, and always have their own back story and detail.
The actual real time combat, however, was broken, but not any more.
Its actually possible to forego the use of V.A.T.S.
if you so wish, and youre able to fight foes with the standard FPS controls.
This includes responsive aiming, iron-sights, and even the ability to hold your breath when using sniper scopes.
Other elements have also been improved, including dialogue.
The various mini-games return, including lock-picking and computer hacking.
For example, youll need the expert lock pick ability to even try an expert lock.
Without it, your character will simply say its too hard.
One of the cooler new additions is the wayFallout 4handles power armour.
Whereas previous games featured this armour, it was always handled just like other apparel.
It granted more defence, with more weight, but that was it.
Here thats not so.
Power armour is now more like a vehicle, in that you actually step into it and drive it.
Parts are interchangeable, so you’re able to style your suit as you see fit.
you could move fast, survive falls, and can wield heavy weapons with ease.
Of course, you’re able to also take a lot of damage.
To use it you better fuel it with fusion cores.
This means youll need to use the armour in special situations when you really need it.
Its a great move, and one that keeps the armour a cool feature, not an overused one.
This isnt new toFallout,but its used here in a much better way.
For one, your companions cant die.
If they take enough damage, theyll become incapacitated, unable to help.
Its a change I gladly welcome.
Companions are also more useful, with better AI and a streamlined command system.
One of your most important pieces of equipment is the Pip-Boy, you wrist mounted computer.
This is your menu, inventory, map, radio, and much more.
Its much more than a simple menu, though, mainly as the game integrates the mobile app.
Shockingly, it does so in a way thats actually useful.
Using your phone you could access your Pip-Boy, allowing you to manage your character remotely.
Another improvement I should mention is with weapons and armour.
UnlikeNew Vegas, though, theres no more degradation.
This is a devastated and grim, but strangely gorgeous nuclear wasteland.
AI pathing is still as much a problem as ever too.
The audio is spot on, much more so than is usual from Bethesda.
Its richer all around, but also not without bugs.
From experience, Id say no, but thats just one experience, so take it as you will.
This gave players a hydration and hunger meter, which would decrease over time.
To stay healthy, you needed to eat and drink.
This is absent here, replaced by the survival mode instead.
This doesnt operate in the same way, and theres no hunger or hydration.
Its a challenging mode, but Id prefer a proper survival mode.
They just wont store your life and be as time sensitive.
Other issues I have are more down to sloppy coding.
The autosave feature, for example, seems totally pointless.
Even when the game says its autosaving, it isnt.
Traps, which can outright kill you, are often a little odd.
Im unsure if this is by design to keep things random, or a glitch.
Its either a clever, challenging touch, or an oversight.
Its hard to say.
Rating:
5 out of 5
