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 steadily improved over time, and the introduction of Seasons and other content updates keeps the experience fresh and gives players more things to look forward to.

Cons

1. Lack of NPCs and Limited Storytelling (at Launch):

   • One of the most significant issues at launch was the absence of traditional NPCs. The world of Fallout 76 was inhabited entirely by players and a handful of robots or computer-controlled characters. This drastically impacted the storytelling experience, making the world feel empty and lacking in personal connections or depth.
   • While updates like Wastelanders have reintroduced NPCs and added more story content, the initial lack of NPC interactions was a major drawback for those expecting the rich narrative elements of other Fallout games.

2. Technical Issues and Bugs:

   • Upon release, Fallout 76 was plagued by numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues, including frame rate drops, crashes, and inconsistent server performance. While Bethesda has worked hard to patch these issues, the game still suffers from occasional technical problems, which can disrupt the experience.
   • There have been reports of issues like invisible enemies, broken quests, and other frustrating bugs that can pull you out of the immersive experience.

3. Limited Endgame Content:

   • After completing the main story quests and exploring the world, the game can feel repetitive. While there are random encounters, events, and daily challenges, some players may find the endgame lacking in variety. The games focus on grinding for loot and materials to build up gear and settlements can feel monotonous for those looking for more meaningful content.
   • Some critics argue that Fallout 76 lacks the depth of endgame content that would keep players engaged long-term. This might be an issue for players who are used to Fallout's story-driven endgame.

Verdict

Fallout 76 has come a long way since its controversial launch, and while it still has its share of issues, the game has evolved into a more enjoyable experience with consistent updates, the return of NPCs, and a focus on multiplayer collaboration. The vast world, improved combat mechanics, and robust crafting systems make it a solid entry for fans of the series who enjoy online play.

However, the games reliance on multiplayer may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who enjoy Fallout's traditional single-player storytelling. The lack of meaningful narrative, some lingering technical issues, and the presence of microtransactions may turn some players off.

For fans of survival RPGs or those looking for an online Fallout experience, Fallout 76 can be a lot of fun, but its still not quite the Fallout experience that some players may have hoped for.

Score:

• Fallout Fans: 7/10
• Multiplayer Enthusiasts: 7.5/10
• Solo Players: 6.5/10

Fallout 76 is a game that has shown considerable improvement since launch but still struggles with some of its design choices and technical issues. It offers a solid experience for those looking to play with friends, but its lack of depth in certain areas holds it back from reaching its full potential.