Fallout 76 (PS4)

Status:

• Complete in Box
• Play Tested

Fallout 76 (PS4) Review

Genre: Action RPG, Open-World Survival
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: November 14, 2018

Overview:
Fallout 76 is a multiplayer-focused entry in the beloved Fallout series, set in a post-apocalyptic West Virginia, 25 years after the Great War. Unlike previous Fallout games, which were narrative-driven single-player experiences, Fallout 76 emphasizes online multiplayer, where players work together or compete to survive in an open world filled with dangerous creatures, irradiated environments, and scarce resources. Players can explore the world, build shelters, complete quests, and interact with other players in a constantly evolving world.

Pros

1. Expansive Open World and Environmental Detail:

   • Fallout 76 presents a vast, open world that is a visual treat in many areas. The games depiction of post-apocalyptic West Virginia is rich with detail, from ruined towns to lush forests, abandoned military bases, and irradiated valleys. The games map is one of the largest in the series, offering hours of exploration and a sense of freedom in the wasteland.
   • The environment design is impressive, filled with different biomes, unique landmarks, and environmental storytelling that rewards exploration. Its easy to get lost in the world and discover new locations that add layers to the backstory of the area.

2. Multiplayer Gameplay and Collaboration:

   • As a multiplayer survival RPG, Fallout 76 shines in its cooperative gameplay. You can team up with friends or strangers to take on tough quests, fight enemies, and build bases together. The world feels more alive with other players, especially when exploring or tackling group activities.
   • The addition of Fallout's traditional building mechanic, allowing players to craft settlements and shelters, is a nice touch. Players can build their own outposts using the C.A.M.P. system, adding a personalized element to the gameplay. This is ideal for those who enjoy crafting and establishing their own territory in a shared world.
   • Events and dynamic world events keep the world engaging, with timed objectives and random encounters offering spontaneous challenges that players can team up to complete.

3. Improved Combat and V.A.T.S. System:

   • Fallout 76 improves upon the combat system compared to its predecessors, introducing more fluid gunplay and melee combat. The game also retains the V.A.T.S. system (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System), which allows for targeting specific body parts of enemies in a turn-based manner.
   • The V.A.T.S. system is still a core element, though it functions more in real-time combat compared to earlier games, giving players a mix of strategy and action during encounters. The ability to target limbs and use V.A.T.S. in combat adds depth to the mechanics, making fights feel more tactical and dynamic.

4. Post-Launch Support and Updates:

   • Since its rocky launch, Fallout 76 has received numerous updates and improvements from Bethesda, including new quests, bug fixes, and expanded content. Notable additions like the Wastelanders expansion, which brought NPCs back into the game, helped address one of the biggest complaints about the game at launch the lack of NPC interactions.
   • The game has