There is no doubt that a year and a half ago the launch of Fallout 76 was catastrophic. A game in many ways incomplete, clipped of the characteristics that have always made the series fortune, to add other features that in practice turned out to be an end in themselves. Our base game rating, with some developer optimism on post-launch support, was punitive but not destructive. The damage to the membership in a small part was resolved in those months, justifying our evaluation, but without recovering the trust of the fans by now betrayed, an indelible wound both in their soul and in the curriculum of the product.
The efforts of Bethesda however there have been many, and the choice between abandoning the project or trying to revive it in a big way without nullifying them, fell on the second option. With Fallout 76: Wastelanders the American company tries everything, after a meticulous listening to the requests (even vehement) of the community. We face a full-bodied updating free, which adds many of the features that would finally (I stress this word) become the title worthy of the name it bears. But was it really like that?
I'm back, West Virginia!
The return in Appalachia it could be many things: it could be a homecoming for those who loved Fallout 76 already on day one, it could be the beginning of a new nightmare for others, or it could be something known, but to be savored with different eyes and without prejudices. By applying the third approach in our long test of the contents offered, we can say that we were happily satisfied, and the classic "sigh of relief" was already pulled after a few hours of play. Or more than relief, a real cry of liberation. Of course, this revenge comes almost out of time, but it is far from unwelcome, and above all a sign of respect towards buyers.
The NPCs finally guarantee a concrete narrative
But what was added that was so relevant? Let's say that they are targeted but decisive factors: the first, by far, is the presence of the NPCs, or real characters who will entrust us with missions and more. Now these figures are exactly what they were in the old titles: allies who can sell us something, and no longer simple “boxes” with which to exchange objects or “terminals” where to listen to holotapes and read emails to undertake activities. Now, what was cosmic nothingness, got that more concrete semblance of narration which finally justifies the name “Fallout” on the title cover. It goes without saying that now our main mission will also make more sense, and it will be much easier to get interested in it. A direct consequence (much appreciated) of this narrative and structural approach, there is also a regenerated (albeit diluted) system of reputation, which will outline our character based on his behavior during the game, as well as with the choices made with the NPCs: action and consequence. This clearly with a little deja-vu towards other past titles in the series, keeping the various titles in check factions with missions on their behalf, collaboration and so on.
Still rust
If with Fallout 76: Wastelanders, however, you thought of finding an update that from a technical point of view would revolutionize everything (and I mean everything) the game world, there is still a long way to go. Of course, there has been a fair amount of work from the point of view of bug fixes, but many of them are still present and can be seen even in the first few meters outside the Vault. Beyond all, however, this feature is much less pressing than the bad structure that the game had previously, and if these graphic errors (sometimes also nice, it must be admitted) are the price to pay for having below finally a Fallout 76 that recalls the true essence of the series, we do it more than willingly. And in terms of "price" it is the only thing we can talk about, because all this great work is proposed to us by way of title free from Bethesda, as if to "apologize" to the users of the macroscopic misstep. The only paid elements, if we wanted to talk about real money, turn out to be non-essential for the game (therefore some aesthetics and little else).
With Wastelanders, Fallout fans finally get what they've always dreamed of
Community and relaunch
This massive content that the developers have been working on for a long time is sure to rekindle the excitement of many. Adding to those who were not convinced from the beginning and did not buy it to those who perhaps abandoned it shortly after the debut, the chances of a real relaunch are very high (beyond the unflattering comments obtained on Steam for no apparent reason ). With his head down and a newfound awareness, with Fallout 76: Wastelanders finally players will be able to have in their hands what they have always dreamed of, or a real Fallout with all the features of the series, but to play with friends. If this is not a declaration of love to their fans, a sign of respect, and perhaps even regret, we do not know what else it may be. We also remember that the additional content is of a crazy amount, with additional events that will probably arrive during the year, and the progress of the work on the Beta of the Battle Royale mode.
Among other things, this "reboot" with Wastelanders comes at a very delicate moment on a global level, where a disproportionate majority of the population is forced to stay at home. The user is therefore close at hand, the time to use to have fun in company is there, all that is needed is to chase away prejudices.
