Fallout has captured the attention of viewers this month as a standout TV show based on a video game. While fans eagerly await new Fallout game releases, the Amazon Prime series has reignited interest in the franchise, leading to significant player count increases across all titles. As we enjoy the current-gen upgrade of Fallout 4, thoughts of Fallout 5 start to stir in our minds.
Todd Howard of Bethesda has hinted that Fallout 5 will be the next major project following Elder Scrolls 6. While the release may be far off, the anticipation grows as we speculate the potential directions a single-player Fallout 5 could take. Here are three key elements that I hope to see in the upcoming installment.
Exploring New Territories
The setting of each new Fallout game is always a highlight. With various locations already explored, the possibilities are endless for the next installment. Venturing into the Midwest, with cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, could provide a fresh backdrop for Fallout 5. This region offers rich material to critique and reimagine iconic landmarks within a post-apocalyptic context. While staying true to America is appealing, exploring international locations like London, Russia, China, India, France, or Italy could offer a unique spin on the Fallout universe.
Reviving the Classic Dialogue System
The simplistic dialogue system of Fallout 4 received mixed reviews, contrasting with the more complex and choice-driven systems of past titles like Fallout 2 and Fallout: New Vegas. To truly enhance the player experience, Fallout 5 should prioritize a return to a more intuitive and detailed dialogue system. Drawing inspiration from successful games like Starfield and Fallout 76, as well as external titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Bethesda has the opportunity to elevate the dialogue mechanics in the next Fallout installment.
Connecting with the TV Series
Fallout 5 should incorporate elements from the TV series beyond just character outfits. With the show delving into the origins of Vault Boy and Vault-Tec’s role in the apocalypse, the game’s narrative could benefit from these revelations. As Todd Howard confirms the show’s canon status, integrating references through gameplay elements like flavor text, audio logs, or collectibles would deepen the lore and enhance the overall Fallout experience.
While introducing characters from the TV series into the game may pose challenges, acknowledging the impact of the show on the franchise’s canon is crucial for future Fallout installments. Bethesda must consider these factors when shaping the narrative of Fallout 5 to align with the established TV series.
