Power armor has been a significant aspect of the Fallout series, undergoing numerous changes throughout the years. However, in recent games, the evolution of power armor has divided fans, with some believing that the alterations were more negative than positive. As fans eagerly anticipate Fallout 5, they hope that the game will give power armor the recognition it deserves by either returning to its original concept or exploring a fresh direction. Considering the trend of each Fallout game influencing the functionality of power armor, Fallout 5, as the beginning of a new generation, is expected to introduce yet another round of modifications. The challenge lies in satisfying both fans who seek a return to the glory days of power armor and those who embrace the franchise's new changes.
Fallout 5 Should Steer Clear of the Divisive Power Armor Features From Past Fallout Games
Power Armor in Fallout: New Vegas served as a significant benchmark for assessing the defensive capabilities offered by this remarkable armor. However, it faced its fair share of controversy. A notable critique from numerous fans regarding both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas is the requirement of acquiring Power Armor training credentials in order to don this advanced gear. Despite the enduring power of Fallout's iconic Power Armor in these two game releases, the imposition of such training credentials left an unfavorable impression on many enthusiasts.
In the era of power armor in Fallout 4, significant changes were made to enhance its functionality. These changes included revamping the lore surrounding power armor operation and breaking down the armor sets into separate pieces for each limb. Fallout 4 had a profound impact on Power Armor within the Fallout franchise. Despite eliminating the concept of power armor training credentials, some fans still felt that the new changes were not entirely favorable.
Fallout 76 further evolved the concept of power armor in the franchise. It incorporated all the improvements introduced during the Fallout 4 era while also introducing numerous unique and legendary power armor suits. Since most of these suits were manufactured after the world-altering Great War of Fallout, they were specifically designed to better suit the post-nuclear wasteland. As a result, these new power armor sets in Fallout 76 often offer passive perks and benefits that surpass those of standard armor alternatives.
Many fans believe that the glory days of Power Armor in the Fallout franchise are in the past, despite the franchise experiencing both successes and failures. While Fallout 5 may continue to utilize the power armor changes seen in Fallout 4, this could once again disappoint a significant portion of the community. Instead, Fallout 5 has the option to introduce its own modifications to power armor while also returning to the fundamental concepts of power armor from the original Fallout games.
Fallout 5 should be cautious of incorporating power armor features that have been divisive among the community. Specifically, requiring power armor to have a fuel source and training credentials for players to utilize it in Fallout 5 could be a step in the right direction, aligning with how these mechanics were handled in previous games of the Fallout franchise.