Bethesda Game Studios has finally launched Fallout 4 after a ridiculous development schedule that dates all the way back to late 2009. The game has taken a few major leaps forward from previous Fallout entries, but several issues prevent it from achieving true video game greatness. Many of my fellow critics fawned over this game, while the average user’s impression was less than stellar. I love the concept that Fallout 4 offers, however, I do have an issue with the overall execution. Let’s take a look at the 10 reasons Fallout 4 will come up short for the Video Game of the Year award.
The Graphics
I’ve got a huge issue with the graphics in Fallout 4 . Now before you go mouthing off in the comments section, think about the time it took to develop this project and the platforms it were designed for. Yes, graphics are everything when the proper platform is there for the taking and no excuses can be made for this one. Polish those character models, Bethesda!
Recycled Assets from Fallout 3
Those developers over at Bethesda Studios sure are some slick folks, using recycled assets from previous Fallout offerings . Computers, desks, furniture, and just about any household items have all been ported over from Fallout 4 ’s predecessors. Come on, guys, you’re better than that.
Easter Eggs
Perhaps you’ve noticed the rather large amount of hilarious Easter Eggs scattered around the massive landscape for players to enjoy. Unfortunately, these hilarious fixtures tend to pull players away from the immersive tone the game intends to provide. Kicking open a bathroom stall to find a skeleton sitting on the toilet with a bowl of cereal is downright hilarious, but ultimately it pulls players away from the game’s serious tone.
No More Talking
Character dialogue is painful to say the least, and the option to “choose” what your character is going to say is rather convoluted. The displayed options are vastly different from what is actually said and can leave players second-guessing their choice. I’d rather be concrete in my decision to recruit allies than roll the dice and end up hanging with Codsworth, that tin can of long-winded conversations, all day.
So Many Bugs
No, I’m not talking about the giant cockroaches that seem impossible to target at times. Fallout 4 is loaded with bugs, glitches, and just a general disregard for quality assurance. Yes, the game is huge and a patch should be out sooner rather than later. However, that’s still not a viable excuse for me – you had the resources and the time to iron these things out, so pick up the slack, Bethesda.
Lackluster World
Fallout 4 ’s world seems to be pretty boring for the most part. Gone are the days of mind blowing levels and pathways that made progressing forward worthwhile. The game quickly takes on a lackluster feel as gamers will quickly question why they’re even rummaging through this abandoned building in the first place. I think we were spoiled with Fallout 3 ’s epic world because this installment is anything but a memorable experience.
Enemy Interactions
Enemy interactions feel more like a prearranged meet-up than a spontaneous showdown, not to mention they quickly become repetitive. Grinding out enemy battles is reminiscent of Destiny but without the spot-on aiming controls as some many of my fellow critics have suggested. At times, it felt like we phoned ahead to let the bad dudes know we were coming.
Loading Screen Lies
I’m surprised more people haven’t complained about both the length and overall number of loading screens within Fallout 4 , especially after Bethesda promised to cut most of them out. The loading screens are killer and can take anywhere from 15-40 seconds depending on which platform you’re playing on. Welcome to the world of instant entertainment, which definitely doesn’t apply to Fallout 4 .
The Community Has Spoken
I find it hard to believe the panel of 32 international judges will vote for Game of the Year strictly off potential and prior launch buildup. The community has spoken – all you need to do is checkout Metacritic’s user score for Fallout 4 and you’ll see exactly how core gamers feel about the latest addition. Similarly, I’m still a bit confused as to why so many of my colleagues raved about this title when their reviews hit the mainstream. Yes, it provides some unique options but not enough to field a near perfect score in my humble opinion.
Metal Gear and The Witcher
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are the two main reasons Fallout 4 will not take home the coveted prize of 2015 Game of the Year. These two projects were just plain better than Fallout ’s latest offering and in just about every category as well. I really do like Fallout ’s overall concept, but as I said before, the execution wasn’t up to par and the game doesn’t offer anything new to the landscape other than a few upgrades from its predecessor. My guess is Metal Gear Solid 5 takes home the crown this year while Fallout 4 fades into obscurity. Let the comments roll, my people!