The 10-year anniversary of Fallout 4, Bethesda’s cherished first-person shooter role-playing game, was commemorated this week with the launch of the Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition. This new re-release, priced at , bundles the base game with all six expansions, alongside a curated collection of 150 community-created items from the Creation Club. For existing players, an upgrade option is available for .
While this all-in-one package offers convenience for newcomers, it may not be the most economical choice. For those on PC, there are more attractive alternatives that allow players to acquire the Steam version of Fallout 4 and its content for significantly less. The Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition, which includes all expansions, is currently available for just .19 at Loaded, while the Fallout 4 Creations Bundle, featuring the 150 Creation Club items, can be purchased for .79.
Fallout 4 is good fun, and worth picking up
Despite the mixed reception of the Anniversary Edition, which has faced criticism for disrupting mods and performance, the core game remains a robust RPG. Since its debut in 2015, Fallout 4 has garnered a loyal following, particularly following the release of the Fallout television series, which sparked renewed interest in the franchise.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston and its surrounding Commonwealth, the game unfolds 210 years after a nuclear catastrophe in 2077. It stands out as Bethesda’s most recent single-player open-world entry in the Fallout series, featuring a wealth of side quests and buildcrafting options, alongside the most refined shooting mechanics in the franchise to date.
A notable highlight of Fallout 4 is its settlement-building feature, allowing players to construct and manage bases, villages, and towns throughout the Commonwealth. This engaging system has proven so popular that it was adapted into the C.A.M.P. mechanic in the MMO Fallout 76.
However, the game is not without its shortcomings. A lackluster main storyline and an underwhelming speech system, characterized by limited dialogue options, are among the more significant criticisms. Additionally, the typical quirks associated with Bethesda games are present, which may detract from the experience for some players. Personally, I find myself drawn more to Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, despite their older mechanics.
Nonetheless, Fallout 4 is a commendable game overall, especially when considering the current discounts on its content. For PC gamers, it is advisable to take advantage of these deals rather than opting for the new Anniversary Edition. Additionally, players can access the base game through Xbox Game Pass on both Xbox and PC, although acquiring the DLCs and Creation Club items will require separate purchases.
