The ‘Fallout’: Bethesda Vs. Black Isle

Sex, Brats, And Addiction

by darkmurder

© 2008 Noel Schneider

Fallout 3 is out and we’ve played and conquered it, but when put under the microscope, how did developer Bethesda fair against the originals by Black Isle?

Fallout 1- The beginning of the end for human kind - Black Isles

Black Isle’s Fallout games were extremely unique and unlike anything the gaming world had ever seen. Only bankruptcy stopped Black Isle from creating more Fallout games, but luckily Bethesda stepped in and purchased the intellectual property (IP) to save the Fallout series.

So now that Fallout 3 has been released, how has it fared in keeping to the canon of the Fallout series that was so brilliantly implemented by Black Isle?

Here are some of the similarities, differences and additions put in by Bethesda. But before you do, take a long look at the history of Fallout and see what you’ve missed out on. Then look at what you have now, and you will see that they are poles apart in detail, visuals, gameplay mechanics AI and much much more.

Gamers of today have a whole different playing arena to fool around in, so be really thankful you live in such a fast growing industry that is willing to push the envelope for the end user.

Interplay, Kotaku’s look at Fallout

Fallout 3 - A cut above the rest and worth the time invested - Bethesda triumphs

Similarities:

• Atmosphere of the Post-Apocalyptic World:

Bethesda seems to have nailed the atmosphere successfully from the Black Isle originals. Sure, how hard can it be to copy a world wasted by weapons of mass destruction, but they might have tried to go in a new direction with Fallout 3.

By creating a juxtaposition between the seemingly hopeless world and the characters who seem optimistic despite that world, the game reproduces the vibe that Black Isle had first put in place. Life goes on, despite the bleak surroundings. Swearing, corrupt activities and slavery are just some of the actions that are left in the game that add to the devastated world’s ambiance.

• Brahmin is back:

Our favourite animal from the original is back, although not as predominantly as before.

• Drugs and their original names:

Our great Australian friends at the OFLC thought it would be a good idea to ban the game due to its use of real life drugs such as morphine. This was a blessing in disguise as Bethesda just changed the drug names for all regions back to those of the originals, which in turn allowed for a more authentic Fallout experience.

The drug use still attracted the ire of some, though, with Fallout 3 making the recent list of most “offensive games”, which you can find in this article.

• Humour:

Bethesda has managed to maintain the sadistic vibe and humour that was so often seen in the originals. Even when characters explode into thousands of splattered waste bits using VATS or when the cruel (even sometimes sick) actions are thrust upon your character, Bethesda use humour as a way to mask the horrible actions that are being depicted in the game.

• Action Points – VATS:

Bethesda keep the turn-based combat which was so vital to the isometric Fallout games before, although this time the combat is far easier than in the previous titles.

• Risky Exploration:

The traveling system is no longer risk free like in Bethesda’s previous title Oblivion, with certain areas being no-go zones until you are far stronger. This is extremely similar to what Black Isle had in place and ensures that when exploring you don’t venture into parts of town that are far too dangerous such as Washington D.C until you are strong enough.

• Dogmeat:

Our beloved canine friend makes a return.  Although lacking in sophisticated AI when compared to a game such as Fable 2,  he is still adorable and it is a nice feature to have him back in the game.

• Buddies:

The opportunity to buddy up with someone is once again available and it’s always great to have a friend in need who’ll follow you around.

What you do get this time around is a great cinematic experience

both in gameplay and visuals.

Fallout 2 - Black Isles extends the game further, but nothing like Fallout 3

Differences:

• Can’t kill kids:

Ok, I know that Emil Pagliarulo said that it doesn’t benefit the game, but the fact of the matter is that the game is meant to be about a total breakdown in morals and laws. Perhaps if they let you have the option to kill them but not totally mangle them that could have been an option?

It is hard to classify it as being cruel when some of the kids in the game are total brats. Though I personally have nothing against kids,we’re going for authenticity here right? (Ed’s note: remind me not to let you near my children…lol)

• Traits and missing perks:

Okay, where the hell are my traits and some of my perks? Instead of leaving the option to have traits Bethesda just merged some with the perks, thus taking a lot of the choice out of them. I want my Karma Sutra Master please!

• Lack of sex:

In Fallout 1+2 at least you could choose to sleep with prostitutes.  This is an adult game, so maybe a GTA-like screen could have been implemented for the women that are in the game (slaves included). Maybe if they’d put some of the perks in such as with the Karma Sutra Master, although it’s wrong (much like everything in the Fallout post-apocalyptic world), it would give you a title to go by, along with a few women for the night.  Wink wink nudge nudge. (Ed’s note: I’m going to tell your girlfriend…)

• A town forged by a G.E.C.K:

I would have liked to see just a slight bit more diversity to the environments.  Where is a town of the likes of Vault City that had been transformed by the Garden of Eden Creation Kit? Now available form Bethesda/Bethsoft for download.

• Drug addicts:

Sure, Bethesda put in a faint glimpse of the ravages that drug effects cause on people (such as Jet) but nothing along the lines of towns such as Redding in Fallout 2. There are no ‘greeters’ in towns looking for money to get their next fix also which would have realistically shown the damage addiction has on lives.

Additions:

• First Person:

Bethesda added this mode to appeal to Western fans of their classic RPG’s such as Morrowind and Oblivion. This added a whole new perspective to the series and early on Fallout fans were extremely nervous of the outcome. Fortunately this mode works quite well and while the combat is still rather clunky, the majority of the time it works well enough to get the job done. Especially blowing up super mutants!

Brotherhood Of Steel. Thank god they didnt go down that path with the new game.

So, the decision…

Overall Bethesda have kept quite a lot of the features from the Black Isle originals while adding their own twist to the game. Fallout 3 maintains the most important characteristics of the original games, while missing some key elements.

On the whole however, Bethesda have done Black Isle proud and created a game that entirely resembles the horrible world that is Fallout. For those that are disappointed by Bethesda’s installment in the series, fear not as Black Isle is on the comeback, with a mysterious Fallout MMOG being produced.

© 2008 Noel Schneider

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