FALLOUT 76 B.E.T.A. Impressions for Xbox One

War … war never changes. Welcome to the Fallout 76 B.E.T.A. preview of the nuclear war swept remains of Appalachia. I am among the many Fallout fans wondering just how this game is going to work, and now we have some answers – and some new questions.

I really like the opening menu screen that captures views of rural West Virginia and miles upon miles of pine. The graphics are comparable to its predecessor, Fallout 4, but there are improvements that make the game run smoother. The game aesthetics are very pleasing, where structures and forestation come into view almost seamlessly.

I initially had a homey, patriotic, feeling from the initial trailer for this title, but now I sense that the theme of reclamation is taking on a more manifest destiny vibe. The inhabitants of Vault 76, the players, are literally exploring and settling the frontier. In some cases, players are taming entire areas to create settlements, supply depots, or strategic bases of operations. This is especially critical in this game, because there are no NPC’s. I have not seen any! A single protectron sold me some goods, but the only traces of people are dead bodies of “volunteers” and people trying to accomplish tasks (that you can finish).

My first hour was a solo experience for the most part. Character development has some new tweaks, making your Fallout 4 experience make sense in a multiplayer setting. V.A.T.S. does not slow down time anymore, but it is still fully available and effective. Perks also work as cards that fall under one of the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. traits, and they can be earned and replaced at will. Item selection and interaction can be annoying for returning players. When you look at your Pip-Boy, time has not stopped for you and selecting items is more effective when they are given hotkeys or favorites. The same thing applies to reading notes and terminals. An enemy can attack you while you are performing a simple task, like reading, hacking, and picking locks.

Your level also matters … at the same time it doesn’t. Your level determines what equipment you can use, but in PVP everything is scaled down to the lower leveled player. I have not been restricted in the places I could venture to, but the enemies have levels associated with them as well. This makes me think that Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is partially the template for how the developers want to design the game. I’m perfectly fine with that, and it makes sense to me. NPC’s may be lacking, but were they really adding much to ESO? Maybe ambiance, sure, but the situation is mechanically the same here: You find a body and listen to their holotape. Then, you get a quest, kill mobs of enemies, and then you cash in a reward for caps. You can also find survivor stories scattered throughout the area that are worth listening to.

You can also gain resources alongside your caps. Crafting is pretty cool in this game, taking a lot inspiration from its ESO counterpart. Anyone can use stations to repair equipment, craft equipment, and deconstruct all kinds of items (including your equipment). Food also gets a lot of attention this time around. I think that is awesome! Your character gets hungry and thirsty as time goes on, and you can find goods to sustain you almost everywhere. You can craft special foods, sanitize water, and convert items into higher quality aid items. This expands a smaller aspect of the world and makes it more immersive.

Lore-wise, I have some questions about Vault-Tec’s motives in the construction and utility of the vaults. Every game has dungeons/vaults that your character can explore and learn their purpose. We already know that these guys weren’t exactly poster boys (Pip-Boy Pose), but our Overseer’s terminal suggests that Vault-Tec knew there would be other government remnants and other survivors, instructing Vault 76’s leadership to ignore them and to reestablish America by any means. Oh, and there’s three nuclear silos left over that need to be “deactivated.” Considering we know players can launch them in the game … I don’t think that’s the goal. Are we going to see factions vying over this nuclear arsenal? Maybe? That would be cool.

So far so good! There are some bugs, like the one that deletes the BETA. That has not happened to me thankfully! Some of the enemy spawns are god-awful, though. For instance, you might be attending an event, defending something from hordes of enemies, and the enemies will very literally spawn on top of you en mass. Instead of simply appearing, I wish they could just come around the corner in classic mob fashion. But don’t worry, the game is still enjoyable. Right now, it is a mixed bag with mostly good ideas. I’m looking forward to seeing how this title develops upon release.

Here are some more screens:

Check Out the Fallout 76 Live Action Trailer:

https://youtu.be/5IcqE8kT3KA

Fallout 76 launches November 14 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

John Pruitt

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I like to think of myself as the average Joe who grew up alongside video games. I have fun playing strategy games, RPGs, shooters, sandboxes, the whole shebang! Every game provides an experience whether it strikes you as profound, mundane, or someplace in between. I'd like to weigh in my two cents before you spend a single penny.

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