There are many pitfalls withFallout 4compared to other RPGs, but these criticisms shouldn’t extend to all the game’s features. Despite many justified complaints about the fourth main entry to theFalloutseries, the characters in the wasteland still carry a unique depth that matches the post-nuclear war setting. The specific NPCs you meet leave a mark, with some having more memorable experiences than others.
Immersion inFalloutgameshas always been one of the series' strong suits, as its landscape has always had a rich history. The story of a lone vault dweller making their way into an unforgiving nuclear dystopian world has captivated players over and over.While the RPG systems ofFallout 4faltered, the depth of the characters and setting were still fascinating enoughto compel players forward.
Fallout 4’s Companions Are Fantastic
Unique Personalities And Storylines Enrich An Otherwise Bland RPG
Arguably the best aspect ofFallout 4are the excellent companion NPCs you’re able to meet and travel with throughout your journey.There are 17 unique, permanent companions you can partner with, if you include those found in theAutomatron,Far Harbor, andNuka Worldexpansions.
Each companion has unique storylines that feel perfectly in sync with the world, revealing new aspects about it and adding much-needed depth to the locations you visit. Some characters are tied toFallout 4’s many factionsthrough personal questlines that help develop your vault dweller’s relationships with those who occupy the wasteland.
Gameplay-wise, companions are excellent combatants who can all compliment your character builds in different ways. Beyond the character-specific quests,companions are surprisingly competent fighters, giving you a leg up in battles where you would ordinarily be outnumbered. The AI that controls companions is above-average in many cases, which is a rarity in other Bethesda RPGs sometimes.
The quirks and personalities of each companion are unique enough to make them worth investing in as you play. Building relationships with companions canhelp them develop Affinity Perks, which increase their strength through exclusive abilities.
Without spoiling anything, every companion has a story, creating adiverse cast of characters that you’ll want to learn more about. Some of my favorite companions, like the Super Mutant Strong, the German Shepard Dogmeat, and Paladin Dense from the Brotherhood of Steel are all compelling in their own ways, with each possessing mechanics to aid your character immensely in their ongoing explorations.
Other Fallout Games Are Better RPGs Overall
Past Titles Have Deeper Mechanics And More Impactful Choices
WhileFallout 4’s many different companionselevate the game’s world, the RPG mechanics have been dulled down from past titles in the series. This is one of the largest complaints for the game, which features a low number of role-playing elements compared to previous entries.Some have claimed thatFallout 4focuses more on being an FPS than an RPG, and this is apparent in some sections of the game.
Take the dialogue trees from other titles likeFallout: New Vegas, which offered intricate choices when talking to characters. In that game, the stats you had directly impacted how you could speak to different NPCs, sometimes unlocking rare interactions that felt rewarding. InFallout 4, these are rarely present, boiling down to an illusion of choices that lead to the same outcomes.
While leveling systems inFallout 4may be easier to understand for new players, it comes at the sacrifice of complex character builds. In previous games,Falloutcharacters could be extremely diverse, having clearly defined strengths and weaknesses. With only SPECIAL stats and perks inFallout 4,it lacks the depth of character creation with unique traits and skillsthat made for distinct builds in previous games.
Companions Provide The Only True RPG System In Fallout 4
Deeper Quests For Characters Are Contrasted By Superficial Elements Everywhere Else
Despite the fact that you can visit different locations, earn XP, craft items, and build settlements inFallout 4, each of these systems feels underwhelming when put together. In my experience,everything feels surface level but the companion quests, which have the most depth out of any missions in the game.
One of the most glaring problems withFallout 4is the way certain areas and encounters are designed with pure FPS combat in mind. Instead of being able to cleverly solve situations without violence like other RPGs, most dangerous areas turn into shooting galleries with poorly controlled AI enemies.
Thankfully, thecharacters scattered throughoutFallout 4keep the game interesting enough to engage with, both with companions and other NPCs. Without decently written characters, no one would want to pursue any quests or accept requests from anyone they meet.The compelling narrative behind different faces in the wasteland even adds some replayabilityto an otherwise bland"RPG."
I would even go so far as to say that I enjoyed some of the companions in the Commonwealth more than in past games, for both how useful they were in stressful situations and to see their stories unfold. For players looking for a true RPG, they likely won’t find it inFallout 4, but at least the companion system takes the best queues from the genre.
