Unveiling the Sinister Depths: Why a Fallout Horror Game Would Redefine the Genre
Discover the chilling depths of Fallout 3 and New Vegas with their darkest quests Uncover the plant-based horror of Vault 22 and delve into the most disturbing quests that prove a Fallout horror game would thrive
Highlights
Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas had some disturbing and dark quests that could easily be used as inspiration for a horror game within the franchise.
Fallout 3's Agatha's Song quest transports players to an abandoned vault where subliminal messaging experiments have gone awry, establishing an eerie ambiance.
In Fallout: New Vegas, the Vault 22 quest acquaints players with Spore Carriers, plant-like creatures, evoking intense suspense and frayed nerves.
Fallout 3, the third installment in the Fallout series, captivated gamers worldwide upon its release in 2008. Shortly after, in 2010, New Vegas, a spin-off game developed by Obsidian, debuted, initially facing challenges but eventually earning recognition as one of the finest additions to the Fallout franchise. Both games shared the same engine, gameplay mechanics, monster and enemy designs, and contained a few overlapping quests.
While the Fallout universe already carries a somber tone, there is often a hint of satirical humor infused in the projects, which lightens the otherwise dark atmosphere. Moreover, the protagonist in Fallout games is typically well-prepared to face any danger that arises. However, certain quests within the games showcase a level of darkness in their presentation that would be fitting for a horror game set in the same universe.
Fallout 3’s Darkest and Most Disturbing Quest
Despite its straightforward main narrative, Fallout 3 manages to capture the suspenseful atmosphere of a zombie movie through various intense moments. Players are required to navigate through dark and eerie tunnels infested with feral ghouls, reminiscent of the infected from the movie "28 Days Later," in order to reach important locations. One of the game's most unforgettable side quests, Agatha's Song, delves into the realm of horror in a subtle yet chilling manner.
During Agatha's Song, players encounter Agatha, a woman who asks for their assistance in retrieving a violin from a lost vault. As players arrive at Vault 92 in Fallout 3, they discover an entirely abandoned location. Through the discovery of various messages and logs scattered throughout the Vault, the dark and tragic tale of its inhabitants unfolds. These residents were subjected to disturbing subliminal messaging experiments, resulting in their gradual descent into madness and their ultimate demise by each other's hands. The incorporation of this haunting environmental storytelling adds an unsettling layer to the otherwise desolate vault, creating a memorable experience that influenced its successor, Fallout: New Vegas.
The Plant-Based Horror of Vault 22 in Fallout New Vegas
Similar to its precursor, Fallout: New Vegas offers an abundance of side quests that are easily overlooked amidst a complex and intricate main storyline. While many of these side quests significantly impact the game's ending and provide fresh experiences, one of the game's most chilling quests bears little connection to the main plot.
The quests centered around Vault 22 in Fallout: New Vegas can be initiated through various means; however, the outcome remains consistent throughout the middle of the story. Typically, players venture into this vault in search of lost agricultural technology, only to discover its infestation by menacing plant creatures known as Spore Carriers. These monstrous beings lurk in the overgrown vegetation within the vault, launching surprise attacks that instill a sense of constant unease in players. Furthermore, the eerie music and claustrophobic environment within the vault contribute to a suspenseful atmosphere, successfully keeping players on the edge of their seats. Such quests have inevitably left players pondering why the game's publisher has yet to create a full-fledged horror game set in the haunting world of Fallout.
The release date for the next game in the franchise is currently unclear. It is unlikely that the next Fallout game will be released until the 2030s, as Bethesda will be focusing on other projects during this decade. However, as shown by other spin-off titles such as New Vegas, there is potential for the company to collaborate with smaller, third-party developers. This decision has led to more intriguing products in the past. It is hoped that in the future, regardless of the developer, Fallout will explore the concept of a horror title.
