The Fallout series stands out in terms of its challenge factor, as most of the difficulty frequently arises from players intentionally creating more or less complex character builds. This is a common trait in many open-world RPGs, giving players the freedom to determine the level of challenge by selecting their game mode and play style.
Regardless of whether Fallout games have received praise or criticism, the franchise has consistently maintained its thematic elements. However, over time, different factors have unexpectedly altered the games' difficulty to significant extents, resulting in surprising shifts.
Fallout 2
Although Fallout 2 established the zany tone for subsequent games in the series by satirizing America, it shared many similarities with the first game and was the most challenging installment overall. Much like its predecessor, Fallout 2 provided an extensive array of choices, yet it remained a demanding turn-based RPG.
In Fallout 2, players could enhance their chances by selecting appropriate perks and adhering to specific combat strategies, a characteristic often seen in both turn-based and real-time RPGs. Nonetheless, the game remained consistently challenging, effectively portraying the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Fallout 3
Fallout 3 introduced the series to the 3D realm, offering not only an expansive open world to discover but also a captivating narrative that continued to resonate with fans even years after its launch. However, the primary issue with Fallout 3 revolved around its shooting mechanics, which were a new endeavor for Bethesda and required some refining.
The game's overall difficulty was set at a notably high level, a parameter that Bethesda would later moderate in their subsequent releases. The backdrop of Washington DC and the narrative woven throughout Fallout 3 contributed to its recognition as the Game of the Year by numerous publications. It still holds its place as one of the finest games in history. Nonetheless, it posed a more intricate challenge compared to both prior and subsequent entries.
Fallout
Released in 1997 during a time when the RPG genre was still relatively novel, "Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game" marked the inception of the Fallout series. Serving as the debut entry, the game adopted a top-down RPG format and followed the story of a Vault Dweller departing the safety of their shelter to retrieve a vital computer chip essential for their vault's survival. Along their journey, they confront the Master, who harbors intentions of transforming all of humanity into super mutants.
The mechanics of this initial game were far from settled, and several experimental elements were introduced in an attempt to refine the Fallout experience. Consequently, the first Fallout game was not the most polished or user-friendly within the franchise. Subsequent entries would witness the incorporation of mechanics that players have come to cherish about the Fallout series. Notably, the original game featured turn-based combat, a feature that would undergo significant transformation as the franchise evolved.
Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas stands out as one of the most acclaimed installments in the series, even though it technically falls outside the main sequence. Positioned four years subsequent to the events of Fallout 3, it reintroduced certain elements from Fallout 2, crafting an optimal version of the Fallout gameplay for numerous enthusiasts. Nonetheless, Fallout: New Vegas maintained a substantial degree of challenge.
During this period, Bethesda was still acclimating to the shooting mechanics they were endeavoring to refine, contributing to the elevated level of complexity players faced during combat. While mechanics from Fallout 3 underwent enhancements and refinements, enhancing the intuitiveness of various combat aspects, Bethesda's emphasis on accessibility for this new release led to a slightly lower difficulty level compared to some earlier entries.
Fallout 4
Fallout 4 presented an array of decisions within its storyline and diverse methods to dispatch the various mutants and marauders inhabiting the Wasteland. Nevertheless, several factors rendered Fallout 4 notably less challenging in comparison to other primary entries in the Fallout series. One of these factors was the VATS system, which significantly improved the shooting mechanics compared to previous attempts.
Melee combat adopted an overly straightforward approach, resulting in less engaging skirmishes overall. Once players had attained sufficient experience, they could adeptly confront a majority of adversaries armed merely with a makeshift weapon or even unarmed. However, certain challenges arose for players, especially if their perk choices during leveling were ill-considered.
Fallout 76
While Fallout 76 may not rank as the most straightforward entry in the Fallout series, its online nature introduces an excess of possibilities that notably ease gameplay. This dynamic translates to a reduced likelihood of players engaging in the game's most formidable battles on their own, as teaming up with friends tends to simplify even the most arduous encounters.
Regrettably, Fallout 76 did not sufficiently introduce challenges tailored for multiple players. The Fallout franchise had the potential to thrive within an online framework, yet even in the company of online companions, the game's difficulty is diminished. It's plausible that certain features from Fallout 76 might resurface in a prospective Fallout 5 installment.
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