Some pretty rad facts.
The Fallout franchise has been
entertaining players since it debuted in 1997. Its blend of post-apocalyptic
sci-fi adventure, player choice mechanics and recognisable pop culture
references all mesh incredibly well to create the distinctive gameplay that is
Fallout. The series has existed for a long time and had many different developers
throw in their two cents. As such, Fallout's lore has become rather rich - it's deep
roots intertwining and sometimes contradicting.
Below are five random pieces of
such Fallout lore that you may find interesting.
1. The series has heavy
connections to "A Boy And His Dog". The original 1969 novel and 1975
film adaptation provided the developers at Interplay with plenty of
inspiration. The recurring canine companion Dogmeat, the great Vaults designed to house survivors, and the Ghoulified Glowing Ones - all appeared first in A Boy And
His Dog.
2. Vault Boy isn't giving you a
thumbs up. While most may think Vault Boy is handing the citizens of America a well-meaning
bit of encouragement, he is actually doing no such thing. His chirpy thumbs up
and accompanying wink are a little more sinister. He is actually measuring a
nuclear blast, as it is said that if you are able to cover a mushroom cloud
with your thumb, then you are far enough away to be safe.
His wink is nothing more than an aid to line up his thumb.
3. This Machine is a true Fallout
style satirical nod. Something that highlights the very nationalist America the
series is set in is the unique Battle Rifle, This Machine.
The M1 Garand rifle, with "Well this machine kills
commies" etched into its side, can be found in New Vegas. This is a direct reference to Woody
Guthrie's guitar, which bore a sticker saying "This machine kills
fascists".
As an extra nod to our reality, M1 Garand rifles were also used
by the Ohio Valley National Guard during the Kent State University massacre. On
the 4th of May 1970 a peaceful anti-war protest was forcefully ended by the
military, who used M1 Garands to kill protesters.
U.S. National Guard at Kent State University
4. New Vegas' Mr Robert House was
based upon the real-world Howard Hughes. Not only does House bear a striking
resemblance to Hughes, but parts of his life mirror that of Hughes' too. Both
were immeasurably wealthy, rather eccentric, and became reclusive later in
life - though both became reclusive for different reasons. House's real body is
also similar, though exaggerated, to how Hughes' eventually looked after years
of poor living and self-imposed isolation. Hughes was said to have
had a number of psychological and physical illnesses and their toll eventually
rendered him unrecognisable. House on the other hand, having extended his life
via science, also became unrecognisable. Lastly, both men had unwavering
determination to be the very best they could be. A trait that paid off for both
men.
Howard Hughes left, Robert House right.
5. Fallout is set in an
alternative universe. Hence the weird technology. It diverged from ours
immediately after the Second World War. Fallout's universe went all in with
nuclear power and they never went through the same technology miniaturisation
phase we did - as seen by the nuclear powered cars and massive Pip-Boys.
If you had asked someone from
the 1950's to describe the future, I think they'd have painted you a picture
similar to Fallout's 2070's pre-War era. That was the exact design
angle Interplay took.
Hopefully by our own 2070's we'll have
developed some of the same technologies.
I hope you enjoyed this article.
Make sure to leave me your thoughts in the comments.
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all images ©: Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, LQ/Jaf Productions
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