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Fallout 4

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Fallout 4
Item: Fallout 4
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Open World, RPG, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 9, 2015

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperBethesda Game Studios

Overview

Bethesda Game Studios welcome you to the world of Fallout 4, their most ambitious game ever, and the next generation of open-world gaming. As the sole survivor of Vault 111, you enter a world destroyed by nuclear war. Every second is a fight for survival, and every choice is yours. Only you can rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Welcome home.

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Fallout 4 are varied and offer a range of perspectives. Critics like COGconnected, Digital Spy, and The Escapist praise the story for being a strong point in the game, with engaging tales, thought-provoking themes, and a well-paced narrative that keeps players invested. The introduction of new elements like Synths and factionalism, as noted by Slant Magazine and VideoGamer, adds depth and intrigue to the plot. The emotional depth and personal stakes of the main storyline, highlighted by Worth Playing and The Digital Fix, resonate with players and create a compelling narrative foundation. On the flip side, some critics express concerns about the story's execution and pacing. Cheat Code Central and Critical Hit critique the lack of a slow build-up, proper character development, and the dominance of side content over the main narrative. GameCritics and Game Over Online are more critical, pointing out thin characterization, poorly thought-out plot handling, and a disappointing flatness in the storyline. The disconnect between player actions and protagonist emotions, as mentioned by Gameplanet, is another aspect that detracts from the overall storytelling experience. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on specific aspects of the story in Fallout 4, the general consensus leans towards the positive side. Critics appreciate the engaging narrative, thematic depth, and emotional resonance of the main storyline. However, criticisms about pacing, character development, and execution are also noted by some reviewers. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's strengths in storytelling, with The Escapist summing it up as a "solid, easy to follow, and satisfying" plot, and Worth Playing highlighting the exploration of themes and factions in a war-ravaged wasteland. The diverse opinions reflect the complex nature of the story in Fallout 4, offering players a mix of both compelling and flawed narrative elements to experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have varied opinions on Fallout 4's story. Some praise its engaging tales and thought-provoking themes, while others criticize pacing and lack of character development. Overall, most agree that the narrative has strengths in thematic depth and emotional resonance, despite some flaws in execution.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of Fallout 4, it is evident that the majority of critics found the gameplay to be very good. Positive aspects highlighted by the critics include the deep and complex gameplay mechanics such as crafting, customization, exploration, and settlement building. COGconnected praises the game for offering a vast open world with engaging mechanics, while Cheat Code Central appreciates the improvements in gunplay, crafting system, and settlement creation. IGN Spain mentions that while the gameplay starts off slow, it eventually offers a lot of freedom to the player, and Push Square emphasizes the constant wealth of options and heavy emphasis on player choice, making the gameplay consistently engrossing. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain negatives in the gameplay of Fallout 4. Cheat Code Central criticizes the problematic interface and controls, particularly the monochromatic Pip-Boy interface and the difficulty of navigating the map. The Guardian mentions that while the combat system has seen improvements, VATs can feel like a crutch, and settlement building takes precedence over combat, which may disappoint some players. NZGamer notes that settlement building feels pointless and NPCs lack depth, while Worth Playing states that the handling of non-combat situations takes a step back compared to previous titles. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Fallout 4 offers a compelling gameplay experience with a mix of positives and negatives. The game excels in providing a vast open world with engaging mechanics, improved gunplay, crafting options, and customization features. While there are criticisms regarding interface issues, companion AI problems, and repetitive combat, the majority of critics appreciate the depth and complexity of the gameplay, making it a highly enjoyable experience for players who appreciate exploration, player choice, and immersive world-building. The game's blend of RPG elements, shooter mechanics, and customization options, as highlighted by various critics such as Gameplanet and Xbox Achievements, contributes to its overall positive reception among reviewers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly praise Fallout 4's gameplay for its deep mechanics like crafting and exploration, but some point out issues with controls and repetitive combat. Despite flaws, the game offers a compelling experience with a vast open world, improved gunplay, and player choice, appealing to fans of immersive RPGs.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Fallout 4 are quite diverse. Some critics praised the game for its stunning and immersive post-apocalyptic world. Critics like The Guardian and The Escapist appreciated the distinctive landmarks, detailed environments, and the vibrant visual design that added depth to the game world. The Official Xbox Magazine UK also highlighted the stunning contrast between the bright safety of suburban life and the devastation of the post-apocalyptic Commonwealth, noting an improvement in the color palette compared to Fallout 3. Additionally, EGM commended the breathtakingly gorgeous and immersive visuals of the Commonwealth, emphasizing the irradiated beasts, husks of buildings, and factions in the wasteland. On the other hand, several critics pointed out various shortcomings in Fallout 4's graphics and visual design. Critics like Cheat Code Central and Worth Playing noted issues with stiff animations, lack of connection between characters/monsters and the environment, and human models appearing fake and plastic. Some critics, such as IGN Italia and AusGamers, expressed disappointment in the graphics, mentioning occasional glitches, texture issues, and dated visuals. Softpedia highlighted the robotic-like character movements and lack of details in certain areas, as well as an outdated graphics engine with glitches and bugs affecting the visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mix of positives and negatives in Fallout 4's Graphics and Visual Design. While the game received praise for its immersive world, detailed environments, and vibrant visual design, it also faced criticism for issues like stiff animations, dated visuals, occasional glitches, and texture problems. The game seems to have a recognizable aesthetic from the mid-20th century, as noted by IGN Spain, and offers a diverse and interesting world to explore, as mentioned by Telegraph. However, the overall sentiment suggests that while Fallout 4 may not have pushed the graphical bar for its Time, it still managed to create a visually engaging post-apocalyptic setting that resonated with players despite its flaws.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are divided on Fallout 4's Graphics and Visual Design. Some praised its immersive post-apocalyptic world with stunning landmarks and vibrant visuals, while others criticized stiff animations, fake-looking characters, and dated graphics. Despite mixed opinions, the game's mid-20th-century aesthetic and engaging world resonated with players, even with its flaws.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Fallout 4 have received high praise from multiple critics. Guardian commends the game for its beautiful reloading animations and cacophonous sound effects that enhance the shooting experience, while Push Square describes the audio as top-notch with a superb original soundtrack and great use of sound effects. Additionally, RPGamer highlights the solid music and voice acting, particularly praising Diamond City Radio for playing fantastic 50s hits. Brash Games also appreciates the superb soundtrack with retro 50's tunes, emphasizing the positive impact of adding a voice to the main character for enhanced interaction. On the flip side, Game Over Online points out glitches where the music drowns out important dialogues, indicating a potential issue with balancing sound levels. Worth Playing mentions a mixed bag of voice acting performances, with some solid voice work alongside low-effort ones and the problem of recycled actors, which could affect the overall immersion for players. However, these negative aspects seem to be more isolated cases compared to the overwhelming positive feedback on the Sound Design and Music of Fallout 4. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Fallout 4. The atmospheric sounds, engaging soundtrack, and well-executed voice acting have been highlighted by various reviewers such as Critical Hit, Telegraph, and Xbox Achievements. Despite some minor drawbacks mentioned by a few critics, the general sentiment leans towards the game successfully immersing players in its post-apocalyptic world through its sound design and music. The combination of well-crafted sound effects, a diverse soundtrack, and strong voice performances contributes significantly to the overall experience of Fallout 4, making it a standout feature of the game according to the majority of critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Fallout 4's stellar sound design and music, praising the captivating sound effects, original soundtrack, and engaging voice acting. While some mention minor issues like sound balance glitches and inconsistent voice performances, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game effectively immerses players in its post-apocalyptic world through its top-notch audio elements, making it a standout feature according to the majority of reviewers.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Fallout 4 received a mix of positive feedback from critics. AusGamers praised it as "probably the best the series has seen," while Game Rant highlighted "high-quality voice acting and well-written dialogue." The Digital Fix also commended the voice acting for adding depth to the game experience and improving character interactions and relationships. Additionally, Xbox Achievements specifically mentioned the fantastic performances by Courtenay Taylor and Brian T. Delaney. Overall, the positive aspects of the voice acting in Fallout 4 were recognized for enhancing the emotional depth of the story and making the world feel more alive. On the other hand, some critics pointed out negatives regarding the voice acting in Fallout 4. Critical Hit mentioned that while the well-voiced player character added to the immersion, the dialogue system could feel disjointed and hamper the overall experience. Worth Playing described the voice acting as a mixed bag, with solid performances alongside some low-effort ones, and the issue of recycled actors, a common problem in Bethesda games. Time criticized that characters reacting to horrific events came off as insincere, highlighting a lack of authenticity in the voice performances. These criticisms indicate that while the voice acting had its strengths, there were also noticeable flaws that detracted from the overall experience for some reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Fallout 4 leans towards the positive side, with many acknowledging its contributions to the game's immersive qualities and emotional depth. Push Square praised the voice acting for augmenting the game's proceedings with plenty of feeling, while Telegraph appreciated the addition of fully voiced characters and snappy, funny dialogue that enhanced character interactions. However, there were also concerns raised by critics like RPGamer about the dialogue options being simplified and lacking lasting impact, as well as GameCritics mentioning negatives like NPCs calling the player character by a specific name with full voice acting. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics recognized the overall quality of the voice acting in Fallout 4 and its positive impact on the game's narrative and player engagement.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in Fallout 4 received a mix of praise and criticism. Critics lauded it for enhancing the emotional depth of the story and making the world feel alive, with standout performances by Courtenay Taylor and Brian T. Delaney. However, some reviewers noted issues like disjointed dialogue systems, mixed quality performances, and lack of authenticity in reactions to events. Overall, while there were flaws, most critics agreed that the voice acting added to the game's immersive qualities and narrative depth.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Fallout 4 on the PS4 generally received mixed reviews from critics. Some reviewers like RPGamer and Push Square noted that the game was relatively stable on the console, with only minor issues such as occasional frame rate drops and freezes. Digital Spy also mentioned encountering only minor scenery glitches, which did not hinder the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, Worth Playing highlighted that Fallout 4 provided a smoother experience in terms of bugs and glitches compared to its predecessor, Fallout 3, despite occasional physics and AI bugs. On the other hand, several critics pointed out significant technical issues with the PS4 version of Fallout 4. COGconnected and Guardian highlighted various problems such as bugs, crashes, frame rate drops, NPC allies getting stuck, conversation bugs, and long load times. NZGamer specifically mentioned camera issues and quest progression problems as major bugs affecting the gameplay. Twinfinite also emphasized quest triggers not working correctly, leading to narrative abandonment and major nuisances for players. These issues were further supported by Critical Hit, who mentioned companion AI problems, crashes, and framerate drops significantly impacting the gameplay experience on the PS4. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Fallout 4 across all gaming platforms leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics like Telegraph acknowledged the game's technical issues such as frame rate problems and occasional bugs, they praised the game's design and scale, which compensated for these limitations. However, critics like GameCritics expressed strong dissatisfaction with the technical state of the game, describing it as a "technical blunder" with bugs ranging from hilarious to game-breaking. The varying experiences reported by different critics suggest that while some players may encounter minor technical issues that do not significantly impact their enjoyment, others may face more severe bugs and glitches that hinder their overall experience with Fallout 4.

TL;DR

technical performance

Fallout 4 on PS4 had mixed technical reviews, with some praising its stability and minor issues, while others criticized bugs, crashes, and gameplay hindrances like NPC glitches and long load times. Critics had varying experiences, with some forgiving technical flaws for the game's design, while others slammed it as a "technical blunder" with major bugs.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously praise the Replay Value of Fallout 4, highlighting its vast open world, numerous activities, and extensive customization options as key factors that contribute to its replayability. COGconnected commends the game for offering hundreds of hours of playtime with complex gameplay systems and customization options, providing immense value for players. IGN Spain also notes the freedom to create your own story and manage hundreds of missions, enhancing the replay value. Worth Playing emphasizes the game's exploration, settlement creation, and side quests, catering to both Fallout 3 fans and newcomers, ensuring a lot to enjoy and revisit. On the downside, some critics mention certain aspects that could hinder the overall replay value of Fallout 4. Guardian points out that while the game offers a variety of engaging activities like settlement building and hoarding mechanics, the leveling system can feel unforgiving and slow-paced, potentially deterring some players. RPGamer highlights that the side quests may not be as deep or entertaining as those in previous games, and the main storyline lacks a good middle ground, which could impact the overall replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Replay Value of Fallout 4. The game's ability to offer a plethora of content, choices, and exploration opportunities resonated well with reviewers, making it a compelling title for players looking for a rich and immersive gaming experience. Critics like Critical Hit appreciate how side activities feel as important as the main story, while Telegraph praises the variety of choices, factions, and companions that provide multiple playthrough options and unique experiences. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that Fallout 4 excels in providing a highly replayable and engaging experience for players across different platforms, solidifying its position as a standout title in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Fallout 4 for its vast open world, extensive customization options, and hundreds of hours of gameplay, enhancing its replay value. Some mention drawbacks like slow leveling and shallow side quests that could impact replayability. Overall, reviewers find Fallout 4 highly replayable and engaging, offering a rich gaming experience with multiple playthrough options and unique experiences.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Fallout 4, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the critics. COGconnected praises the game for being a complex and immersive experience that offers a worthwhile adventure despite glitches and animations. Digital Spy commends the game for surpassing its predecessors in scope and scale, while Push Square lauds it as a masterclass in open-world design with atmospheric and beautifully brutal gameplay. The Escapist appreciates the solid storytelling, enjoyable gameplay, impressive graphics, and world design of Fallout 4. On the other hand, there are notable criticisms raised by various critics regarding Fallout 4. Cheat Code Central points out issues with the outdated interface, problematic controls, archaic combat, and lack of a slow build-up in the game. Guardian describes Fallout 4 as a paradox, acknowledging its strengths in certain areas but highlighting poor combat, technical issues, and a lack of focus as significant drawbacks. RPGamer expresses disappointment in the lack of innovation, limited depth of choice due to a voiced main character, and overcomplicated main storyline that may deter some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding Fallout 4 is mixed. While some critics like VideoGamer and AusGamers praise the game for its expansive, engaging, and thought-provoking gameplay, others like GameCritics and Softpedia point out the presence of bugs, technical issues, and lack of emotional investment. Despite its flaws, the majority of critics appreciate Fallout 4 for its immersive world, engaging narrative, extensive gameplay mechanics, and the overall experience it offers to both fans of the series and newcomers. The game's ability to provide a vast open world, freedom to explore, and unforgettable narrative contributes to its appeal, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a deep and immersive RPG experience.

TL;DR

Fallout 4 receives mixed reviews, with critics praising its immersive world and engaging narrative while criticizing technical issues and lack of innovation. Despite flaws, the game offers an extensive gameplay experience that appeals to fans and newcomers alike.

MONSTER

Reviews

205 reviews found

100

Gamestyle

Xbox One

Dec 3, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers Fallout 4 their game of the year for 2015 and loves being in the world and discovering new things.

100

Hooked Gamers

Nov 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fallout 4 surpasses expectations and claims its rightful place in the series, leaving its competition trailing. It is a must-play for any fan of sandbox RPGs.

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100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Nov 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review is positive overall, stating that the game is a definitive entry point for newcomers and that the reviewer is enjoying every second in the wasteland.

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100

AusGamers

Xbox One

Nov 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fallout 4 is a game that is impossible not to recommend.

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100

Digital Spy

PlayStation 4

Nov 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A culmination of fantastic work, surpassing previous games in scope and scale

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100

Telegraph

PlayStation 4

Nov 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fallout 4 manages to exceed expectations with its storytelling, gameplay improvements, and engaging world design, standing out among other open-world games and delivering a fresh experience.

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100

PSNStores

PlayStation 4

Nov 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Fallout 4 is addicting and content-heavy, but mentions issues with character animations, companion AI, framerate dips, and the lack of modding on PlayStation 4.

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100

Slant Magazine

PlayStation 4

Nov 10, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fallout 4 is an enjoyable game with a well-represented setting and moral dilemmas, but lacks innovation.

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IGN Spain

PlayStation 4

Nov 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details