The Legacy of Fallout Tactics and the Hairy Deathclaw
In the early days of the internet, around 2001, the term “meme” had yet to enter the popular lexicon. However, the concept of viral humor was already taking shape, and one of its unexpected stars was the hairy deathclaw from Fallout Tactics. This peculiar rendition of the iconic creature became a focal point for criticism directed at the game’s developer, Micro Forté. The studio’s creative decision to cloak the deathclaw in a thick fur coat—a feature intended to provide it with natural protection against the harsh elements—was met with skepticism.
Lead designer Ed Orman reflects on this controversial design choice, stating, “Because it looks like it’s there in the sprite. Now I actually think there’s plenty of justification for doing variations on deathclaws. But at the time, it was sacrilege.” The hairy deathclaw stands as a symbol of Fallout Tactics itself, a bold and unconventional offshoot of the beloved RPG franchise, crafted by a passionate team eager to explore new horizons.
This period marked a unique chapter in the Fallout saga, a time before the series was revitalized by Bethesda. The future of Fallout was still unwritten, leaving fans to imagine scenarios where the Brotherhood of Steel might traverse the desolate streets of a post-apocalyptic Chicago in armored vehicles, seeking new allies amidst the ruins.
Despite being declared non-canon by Todd Howard, elements from Fallout Tactics have found their way into subsequent games and into the hearts of dedicated fans. As the community has evolved, so too has its appreciation for the unconventional aspects of the franchise, including the mutants that exist on the fringes of the world they cherish.
Orman reminisces about the experience, saying, “The team was a great bunch of people who pulled off a ridiculous feat in creating a game with nowhere near as much money as it needed to have, with not enough time, all of these things against it. And the fact that we all made that game is still really, really awesome to me.” He acknowledges that, with the clarity of hindsight, it’s easy to identify past mistakes, yet his affection for the project remains unwavering. “But I still love what we made,” he concludes, encapsulating the spirit of creativity and resilience that defined Fallout Tactics.
