Fallout 76 Preview Rant
Bethesda has released some information regarding the new Fallout 76 during E3 and Quake-con. I guess the developers finally got around
to making a multiplayer Fallout game. Sadly what I feared has come
true. In order to fulfill such a request, many things that make a
Fallout game has been radically altered. Some might already say that Fallout isn't Fallout anymore. Let's review some of the details.
In order for the game to be a multiplayer game, it must:
- Have a server: Active players connect with each other through the use of a server. This discourages people from trying to pirate the game. People with poor Internet connectivity might not be able to play at all. The developers have control on how long the game will last depending on how long they keep the servers running. Bad Choice: Bethesda has decided that everyone must be online in order to play; there is no offline mode. To add insult to injury, everyone must first connect to their Bethesda.net service and then start the game.
- Be real-time: You aren't able to manipulate time in the game. This completely nullifies the "freeze-frame" of Fallout 3 or "bullet-time" of Fallout 4 V.A.T.S system. It still exists in Fallout 76 but I don't think anyone knows how exactly yet. The game won't stop the moment you pull up your pip-boy. You won't be able to eat, drink, use chems, equip, or use stimpacks in the heat of the battle.
- Keep count of your character: You won't be able to have save slots anymore. You won't be able to reload to a certain point if something happens. If you make a mistake, it is permanent. Good Choice: Bethesda has made it so your investment in your character will be flexible. You can gain all the perks, swap current perks, and manipulate your physicality (including sex) at anytime. Sadly, this has struck quite a nerve with some people wanting a more RPG experience.
- Have communication: Voice chat will always be the quickest and easiest way for communication but some people vote against hearing others spout discouraging and distasteful words at them. Though with the help of programs like Discord or Ventrilo, many developers would rather use their resources elsewhere. Simple use of emojis or other gesture icons has been widely popular. Good Choice: Bethesda has chosen an all-of-the-above approach, including the ability to opt-out of voice completely.
Now let's get to the heart of the problem. The reason why people are upset is because there are no NPCs. Did you get that? There will be automatic, robotized stores to trade items. There will still be holotapes and notes to tell a story. The vault overseer will still give you assignments and converse with you over the pip-boy. There will still be robots roaming the area. But... you will no longer have dialogue. No more skill checks. You won't be able to see people express themselves or offer you quests. Worst of all, no more companions.
There is a lot more I didn't cover. I just had to get that part off my chest.
8-12-2018