Taking a look at Bethesda’s recent screenshots for Fallout 4, you’ll notice that graphically, not much has changed since Fallout 3. The textures, artwork, and animations are similar to Fallout 3. There was a possibility that New Vegas would be released as an expansion for Fallout 3, but development has changed hands in such a way that I am willing to pay.
The original Fallout games were developed by Black Isle Studios, which allowed for more freedom in both action and morality. Fallout 3 felt diluted and restrictive in terms of character choice. You could use civilized conversation, infallible logic, proven science, or even a cheap shot in the first two Fallout games.
Many Black Isle Studios employees now work for Obsidian Entertainment. From what I’ve seen so far, Bethesda is serving as producer this time, and Obsidian Entertainment is using the Fallout 3 engine as they see fit. In addition to groin shots once again, V.A.T.S. now includes weapon-specific finishing moves. Fallout 4 offers much greater rewards for those who specialize in social aspects of their character than Fallout 3.
Fallout 3 also diluted my character as I reached max level. You had every skill in the game, with the only difference being how you chose to max them out. According to New Vegas, characters become very specialized based on their skill routes. Upon release of Fallout: New Vegas in North America on October 19th, I will plunge deep into the man cave and return enlightened by Obsidian Entertainment’s development power. You can call me out if it fails.
