Fallout 5 Rethinks the Franchise's Biggest Game-Changer!

Highlights

Fallout 5 could break away from the common vault dweller protagonist, offering a fresh perspective for both the player and their character.

A ghoul protagonist offers an intriguing and suitable option for Fallout 5, introducing a fresh perspective to the established lore. Bethesda has the chance to revolutionize the storytelling in Fallout 5, potentially exceeding the narrative quality of its predecessors.

The Fallout franchise holds a prominent position in the world of gaming, known and respected by many. With such widespread popularity, it is inevitable that there exists a devoted fan base whose opinions may diverge when it comes to the intricacies of their favorite video game series. Any deviation or alteration from familiar elements has the potential to polarize fans, particularly in the case of a series as renowned as Fallout. This beloved post-apocalyptic RPG has undergone significant evolution over the years, transitioning between different studios and sparking numerous debates concerning its narrative and design choices.

Since its original release in 1997, Fallout has showcased a range of distinctive elements that have remained consistent throughout its extensive history. These could be in the form of gameplay mechanics, specific features, or intricate connections within the lore between characters and locations. Fans have grown accustomed to expecting these core components in each new entry. However, there is one particular aspect that stands out, being shared by four out of the six mainline Fallout titles, serving as a foundation and setting the stage for the narrative. As we await the arrival of Fallout 5, this presents an opportunity for Bethesda to subvert one of Fallout's most iconic elements, breathing new life into the franchise.

Fallout 5 Could Switch Up Its Protagonist Origins

The usual starting point in a Fallout game is as a vault dweller. After leaving the safety and comfort of their bunker, the player is given a mission to retrieve or fix something important. This limits the players' choices in a game that is meant to be expansive and offer freedom in decision-making. To meet expectations, Fallout 5 should consider a new narrative approach to bring a fresh perspective.

Under Bethesda's direction, Fallout 3 brought a significant change in design, shifting from a turn-based isometric CRPG to an open-world FPS/RPG combination. However, the player character still began in a vault, which heavily influenced the subsequent events. One notable exception to this was Obsidian's Fallout: New Vegas, where the player took on the role of a wasteland courier. Fallout: New Vegas is often regarded as the best of the modern Fallout games. Given the strong desire for a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas, Bethesda could learn from Obsidian's approach and feature a protagonist who is not a resident of a vault.

Fallout 5's main character could embark on various paths that do not involve being a resident of a vault, offering a fresh perspective for both players and their characters. For instance, introducing a ghoul as the protagonist in Fallout 5 would bring a captivating angle and align with the established canon. Other potential alternatives include starting as a scavenger in the wasteland, a mercenary, or exploring more unconventional routes like becoming a super mutant or reformed raider.

While it may be some time before fans learn more about what to expect from Fallout 5, there is extensive debate on how Bethesda can innovate and deviate from the formula they have followed thus far, particularly in terms of character development. If the studio heeds feedback on the setup of their next Fallout game and moves away from the cliché of a vault dweller, fans could anticipate a significant change that could potentially surpass the storytelling seen in previous installments.