Fallout 4 (rated M for Mature) is the fifth major installment in Bethesda Softworks’ Fallout series after Fallout New Vegas, (hence the numbering mismatch). The game takes place in 2077, 200 years after a nuclear holocaust that left the world devastated. The player emerges from an underground bunker—Vault 111—in post-apocalyptic Boston. They’re completely alone at first, having lost their family, but as the game progresses they’ll pick up companions, including a faithful dog friend.
Also, Bethesda says the dog definitely won’t die. Honestly, that’s all we needed to know.
Gameplay will be most similar to Fallout 3. Players can explore the open world, doing quests to earn experience. Additional party members can accompany the player and assist them in battles. You’ll also be able to construct and deconstruct buildings and items in order to add to your settlement, which will then attract NPCs (non-player characters) who want to move in. Familiar enemies such as mole rats and feral ghouls will return.
The game’s music is an important feature; the soundtrack includes a mix of familiar tracks from the jazz and early rock ‘n’ roll eras, as well as more obscure songs. Lynda Carter of Wonder Woman fame will provide original music and voice talent, too.
Bethesda says that Fallout 4 will be continually updated, and that those updates will be a pretty big deal. Modding will be fully supported, with Bethesda planning to release Creation Kits for the game in 2016. The Season Pass is $30, and will let you access all future DLC for the game. Bethesda apparently has big plans for DLC, and promises that whatever they put out will be worth at least $40. The entire Fallout series was recently released on PC, so if you haven’t caught up on the series now is the best time to do it.
Fallout 4 will be available November 10 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC.
