Fallout 3 Interview

[Evil Avatar]

Also from PAX via Shacknews is an interview with Betheseda's VP Pete Hines and Fallout 3 lead artist Istvan Pely (http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=985), talking about Fallout 3 and recent 'Oblivion with Guns' comments.

Shack: Are you guys getting sick of the comparisons to Oblivion? Like, "It's Oblivion, but with guns"?

Istvan Pely: It's two-sided, you know. It's a compliment, and at the same time we set out to make a very different game. We did not start with the design of Oblivion and decide how we were going to change it to make Fallout. We started with, "How is this going to be Fallout?" But we built on experiences we learned with Oblivion. So obviously it's a similar kind of open world--there's experiences with how to make that work, how to keep it exciting, so we applied our lessons learned. It works both ways for us.

Pete Hines: I think the thing that makes it most annoying is that it's said in a tone that's sort of like, that's the best that we could do. For guys like Istvan who have spent literally four years making this game, it really sells short how much time and effort they've put into making this a Fallout game that is true to Fallout. As opposed to just the bare minimum we could do, let's just re-skin all of our creatures to look sort of post-nuclear and just be done with it.

[Citizen Philip]

sells short how much time and effort they've put into

Newsflash. It's your job, I don't care how long you've worked on it. If the BEST you could do only appears to be a re-skin and at look sort of post-nuclear.. then don't complain when you hear Oblivion with Guns. The shoe fits?

I'll wait and see, but I'm not optimistic.

[BleedTheFreak]

Newsflash. It's your job, I don't care how long you've worked on it. If the BEST you could do only appears to be a re-skin and at look sort of post-nuclear.. then don't complain when you hear Oblivion with Guns. The shoe fits?

I'll wait and see, but I'm not optimistic.

Well, so far all the folks that have played it and posted about their playtime have been really happy with how it plays and feels, from a Fallout perspective. There is nothing wrong with these guys getting upset if fans of the original fallout are just decrying "Oblivion with guns" just because the game is played from an FPS persepctive the same as Oblivion (and dozens of other RPGs, for that matter).

I too would have rather had an isometric POV and turn-based combat style, or at least the option to do something like that, but the combat wasn't Fallout's strongest suit to begin with (nor is it Oblivions). Time will tell. But I AM optimistic just from reading the reports of players coming out of GC and PAX and the like.

[LongStepMantis]

I know a lot of people resisted the Oblivion First person style, but turn-based games haven't been "the new hotness" since the 90s.

I would prefer it to be more like Fallout 2 just with improved graphics, etc. but I don't see many developers embracing turn-based play that often anymore.

I won't penalize them for keeping with the style that's popular right now (FPS) as long as they prove that it's still Fallout, not Oblivion with guns. So far, everyone seems to think they kept the spirit of the originals pretty well. So I'm optimistic at this point.

[Taco]

Have people complaining actually seen the gameplay videos? I'm a Fallout purist through and through and had my reservations after the first few shots, but it's looking pretty damn stunning to me.

Eh, whatever. People will be people.

[Rune_74]

NMA should be ramping up there hate spew soon to try and derail the launch....those wackos freak me out.

[divinechaos]

I watched the vids and yes, to me it looks like Oblivion with guns. But you know what? That's fucking awesome. Why are people complaining? Oblivion was an incredibly amazing game, I'd be pissed if the game looked like *insert shitty game here* with guns.

[carnage11]

Newsflash. It's your job, I don't care how long you've worked on it. If the BEST you could do only appears to be a re-skin and at look sort of post-nuclear.. then don't complain when you hear Oblivion with Guns. The shoe fits?

I'll wait and see, but I'm not optimistic.

Negative Nancy! Negative Nancy!

[PopoWRX]

At the very least it won't have that goofy "monsters leveling with you" system.

That being said, Bethesda always hits their games with the fugly stick and it looks like this is no different haha.

[carnage11]

I watched the vids and yes, to me it looks like Oblivion with guns. But you know what? That's fucking awesome. Why are people complaining? Oblivion was an incredibly amazing game, I'd be pissed if the game looked like *insert shitty game here* with guns.

Seaman......with guns?

[saulob]

(...) I too would have rather had an isometric POV and turn-based combat style, or at least the option to do something like that (...)

Let's wait for some MOD. I'm sure there will be something like that after relase...

[thomasc]

I watched the vids and yes, to me it looks like Oblivion with guns. But you know what? That's fucking awesome. Why are people complaining? Oblivion was an incredibly amazing game, I'd be pissed if the game looked like *insert shitty game here* with guns.

Because they're making Fallout 3, not Elder Scrolls 5...

[Taco]

If they made what you want there would be no Fallout 4. It's not the 90's anymore.

[Scaryfaced]

Believe it or not, there are people who still feel it looks like Oblivion and who have no interest in it being isometic. I'm jusy sayin'...

[H.Bogard]

I like how people refer to turn based combat as 'old and busted 90's'. You haven't been playing all those Japanese turn based games, have you?

Although yes, the combat in Fallout was shit... but VATS in FO3 looks just as hammy for a modern game too. I would rather they'd have gone for stat-based ultra-realistic combat like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (which, by the way, is releasing on the 15th!)

[divinechaos]

Because they're making Fallout 3, not Elder Scrolls 5...

Quit yo bitchin' and don't buy the game.

[BleedTheFreak]

I like how people refer to turn based combat as 'old and busted 90's'. You haven't been playing all those Japanese turn based games, have you?

Yeah, the folks that don't like a good turn based strategy game obviously never got into board games and the like. It's too bad it's a dying breed, but some great looking upcoming RPG's will still have that old-school fun and aren't JRPGs (I'm thinking of King's Bounty off the top of my head).

Although yes, the combat in Fallout was shit... but VA for stat-based ultra-realistic combat like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (which, by the way, is releasing on the 15th!)

I played through most of STALKER and I'm not really sure how that's "stats based". I'm not really sure I'd even say it's realistic (let alone ultra realistic) - especially considering how you can bring up your inventory while your being shot and "quaff" 10 bandages to get back to full health while you are being shot. It's a cool game, but .. c'mon.

Also, I'm VERY unhappy to mention that Clear Sky isn't getting the best reviews from some publications. Time will tell with this one, I'm afraid, but I'm going to wait for a few patches before I pick this one up.

[Zacharai]

Fallout was the second game/series I fell in love with, after Hero's Quest I (since renamed to Quest for Glory). Their vision of a post-apocolypic DC area, full of 50's references and the Pip Boy, sold me on it.

The fact that they also made a game I enjoyed so much I own two copies of it, and is the only game I ever bothered getting all achievements for, means I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

[BleedTheFreak]

Yeah, that's another thing, I really think Oblivion was a great game, flaws and all.

[bean19]

I know a lot of people resisted the Oblivion First person style, but turn-based games haven't been "the new hotness" since the 90s.

It isn't actually "a lot of people". Instead, it is probably the most vocal minority in the existence of gaming. Their FUD did catch a bit, and maybe it grew to "a lot", but there are more Fallout fans excited about the move into 3D and real-time than those who dislike it.

[bean19]

Yeah, that's another thing, I really think Oblivion was a great game, flaws and all.
If we have any NMA folks, expect this to be quoted by each and every one of them right before they come out with a grocery list of flaws in the game you never saw (and may only exist in their minds) or over-looked as amusing (or annoying - depending on your temperament) but not that important.

[H.Bogard]

I played through most of STALKER and I'm not really sure how that's "stats based". I'm not really sure I'd even say it's realistic (let alone ultra realistic) - especially considering how you can bring up your inventory while your being shot and "quaff" 10 bandages to get back to full health while you are being shot. It's a cool game, but .. c'mon.

Also, I'm VERY unhappy to mention that Clear Sky isn't getting the best reviews from some publications. Time will tell with this one, I'm afraid, but I'm going to wait for a few patches before I pick this one up.

The usual system requirements blubber is keeping the scores down. Even though the min. specs are still the same as the original. I guess the reviewers expect eyecandy games to run on fucking pentium 3's at 60 FPS before they decide to give a good PC game a better score.

Stalker's combat is half stat-based. Your weapons and armor, as well as their wear and tear factor the shooting mechanics. Add to that some really well calculated bullet physics and you've got a good shooting experience.

[Homes]

Pete Hines is on my friend's list and he's a nice guy. I also cannot wait for Fallout 3 this October!

[hund_]

the first thing i thought about Oblivion was how cool it would be as a fps instead of ghey magic crap.

vacation=fallout3 lovin

[Farsight]

Anyone who only liked Fallout because it was a 2D turn-based game, completely missed the point. The perspective and gameplay style were not what made Fallout great; it was the world they created. I'd bet big money that the original Fallout team would have LOVED to make their game with a seamless world and detailed 3D graphics in constant motion. The technical aspects of Fallout's engine were the result of hardware limitations, not some direct tap into ALL THAT IS GOOD AND HOLY IN GAMING.

But hey, if Fallout 3 turns out great and some people still avoid it because it doesn't match the version that's been in their heads for years, so be it... I'll be enjoying my "Oblivion with guns".

[Tremorlor]

I watched the vids and yes, to me it looks like Oblivion with guns. But you know what? That's fucking awesome. Why are people complaining? Oblivion was an incredibly amazing game, I'd be pissed if the game looked like *insert shitty game here* with guns.

Amazing game? Not really. It failed completely as an RPG (lack of choice and consequences and scaled levelling eg) and was only tolerable with a ton of mods installed.

[baz]

Anyone who only liked Fallout because it was a 2D turn-based game, completely missed the point. The perspective and gameplay style were not what made Fallout great; it was the world they created. I'd bet big money that the original Fallout team would have LOVED to make their game with a seamless world and detailed 3D graphics in constant motion. The technical aspects of Fallout's engine were the result of hardware limitations, not some direct tap into ALL THAT IS GOOD AND HOLY IN GAMING.

But hey, if Fallout 3 turns out great and some people still avoid it because it doesn't match the version that's been in their heads for years, so be it... I'll be enjoying my "Oblivion with guns".

As has already been mentioned, a lot of the people worried that it is going to be Oblivion with guns aren't worried about the perspective or the turn based combat.

But I like both Oblivion and Fallout, so its all win for me :)

[ElektroDragon]

Newsflash. It's your job, I don't care how long you've worked on it. If the BEST you could do only appears to be a re-skin and at look sort of post-nuclear.. then don't complain when you hear Oblivion with Guns. The shoe fits?

I'll wait and see, but I'm not optimistic.

I saw Fallout 3 at PAX on center stage. It was mindblowing, and I've been a Fallout maniac since the first game launched.

[firecut]

My only question to the developers: Will the PS3 version support USB keyboard + mouse?

[menage]

Amazing game? Not really. It failed completely as an RPG (lack of choice and consequences and scaled levelling eg) and was only tolerable with a ton of mods installed.

Maybe if you compare it with other standard RPG's yes. But for me Oblivion wasn't about that at all. For me it was just the sheer scale and beauty of it which hooked me. I liked a lot of side quests. And lack of choice? I don't think so (I started my evil character after 120 hours of being a good one). Maybe in you're conversations and such, but Bethesda isn't Bioware and I'd rather have not every game being the same. Also, Shivering Isles was already an improvement over Oblivion (more focus, more variety).

Oblivion had flaws, maybe even big ones. But I still think it set a new standard in world building and flaws can be overlooked when it does other stuff right.

I just like to be a virtual tourist, can't wait to go apocalyptic in a couple of months.

[Tremorlor]

Maybe if you compare it with other standard RPG's yes. But for me Oblivion wasn't about that at all. For me it was just the sheer scale and beauty of it which hooked me. I liked a lot of side quests.

Some were good, but there usually was only one outcome. The only choice was accept and do the quest or decline and don't do it.


And lack of choice? I don't think so (I started my evil character after 120 hours of being a good one).

Did it affect the outcome of the story in any way? Did you get to choose a different heir to the emperor? Or did you get to help the Daedra invade Tamriel? TES2 had 6 different endings. The game may have been buggy at release but it was still way better RPG-wise than TES4. Also, skills mattered back then.


Maybe in you're conversations and such, but Bethesda isn't Bioware <snip>


Noticed that in the speech mini-game (all of them by all rights should be banned from RPGs).


Oblivion had flaws, maybe even big ones. But I still think it set a new standard in world building and flaws can be overlooked when it does other stuff right.


Well, it was easily accessible and you could do everything in one playthrough. World building was better in the Gothics however.


I just like to be a virtual tourist, can't wait to go apocalyptic in a couple of months.

Hope you'll enjoy it. For the time being, I'll pass. Still playing Drakensang and WAR and Moria are coming soonish which should keep me busy until Divinity 2 and DragonAge are coming.

[menage]

Did it affect the outcome of the story in any way? Did you get to choose a different heir to the emperor? Or did you get to help the Daedra invade Tamriel? TES2 had 6 different endings. The game may have been buggy at release but it was still way better RPG-wise than TES4. Also, skills mattered back then.

Nope. Not much choice there, I agree. But linearity doesn't really bother me. There was a lot of stuff to choose from (Guilds, missions), I just want a lot of options. I really don't need a different ending. It's nice, but most of the time I never see more than 1 anyway. Doesn't FO3 have 600 endings:P

Well, it was easily accessible and you could do everything in one playthrough. World building was better in the Gothics however.

Well, maybe the main questline if you rushed trhough, but completing everything is nigh on impossible. I veered of the main path pretty quick, got back after 40 hours.

[ShivaX]

Well, maybe the main questline if you rushed trhough, but completing everything is nigh on impossible. I veered of the main path pretty quick, got back after 40 hours.

I think he means you could do everything in one playthrough. You could be head of every guild at once. Organizations like the Fighters Guild and Thieves Guild make a big point of you doing good (or at least no harm), but you could be king of the assassins at the same time. Hell you could be Archmage and have no magical ability at all.

The choices you made basically had no effect upon the world and didn't feel like they meant much. The game was alright, but the world was pretty sterile and static. Nothing you did beyond the very beginning and the very end felt like it made a difference.

It was still a solid game and I enjoyed it for what it was, but if they tried to shoehorn Fallout, a game thats all about the choices you make and how they effect things, into that formula it would pretty shitty. I don't think thats what they're doing, but I completely understand people who are concerned that is the case.

[menage]

I think he means you could do everything in one playthrough. You could be head of every guild at once. Organizations like the Fighters Guild and Thieves Guild make a big point of you doing good (or at least no harm), but you could be king of the assassins at the same time. Hell you could be Archmage and have no magical ability at all.

The choices you made basically had no effect upon the world and didn't feel like they meant much. The game was alright, but the world was pretty sterile and static. Nothing you did beyond the very beginning and the very end felt like it made a difference.

It was still a solid game and I enjoyed it for what it was, but if they tried to shoehorn Fallout, a game thats all about the choices you make and how they effect things, into that formula it would pretty shitty. I don't think thats what they're doing, but I completely understand people who are concerned that is the case.

I agree. About everything you said.

Part of playing games like thesefor me is actually trying to play the role as well. So if I'm doing magician guild mission, I wouldn't go all assassin on someone, but actually use magic next to your basic skills.

I agree they could have forced you into that role. But I kinda did that myself. I could get really lost in the world. collecting all sorts of useless shit just because, well, that's what my character would do:P

Does this make sense (fire away lame remarks!)

[H.Bogard]

I think he means you could do everything in one playthrough. You could be head of every guild at once. Organizations like the Fighters Guild and Thieves Guild make a big point of you doing good (or at least no harm), but you could be king of the assassins at the same time. Hell you could be Archmage and have no magical ability at all.

The choices you made basically had no effect upon the world and didn't feel like they meant much. The game was alright, but the world was pretty sterile and static. Nothing you did beyond the very beginning and the very end felt like it made a difference.

It was still a solid game and I enjoyed it for what it was, but if they tried to shoehorn Fallout, a game thats all about the choices you make and how they effect things, into that formula it would pretty shitty. I don't think thats what they're doing, but I completely understand people who are concerned that is the case.

Yeah, eye-candy wise it was very immersive and well done, but they forgot to put life in it.

I still say STALKER did it better.

[Qoz]

Oblivion had fantastic graphics and the main functions were somewhat working - the day and night cycle and the varied quests did it for me.

I can see your point about lack of influence on the world and the auto-levelling was horrible. Items were also kind of screwed up. I made a ring (crafting) with 100% chameleon and nobody could see me - not even when I hit them. What a game-breaking feature. The setting WAS well done, but it somehow felt messed up, and the battles kinda sucked.

The videos I saw of Fallout3 showed an amazingly pretty game, but persons you talked to seemed kinda dead in their expression. It all depends on the dialogue/options you have. I hope the content is a good as Fallout1+2.

[carnage11]

Another Fallout thread turns into an Oblivion thread some how. Yeah, I'm pretty sure Todd is sick of hearing the ol' "Oblivion with guns" thing.:rolleyes:


Well if Fallout is even remotely like Oblivion I will love it. I put at least 300 hours into Oblivion, and got all 1250 points. Shivering Isles was fun, I enjoyed SI more than Morrowind, and I sunk a good chunk of my life into that game as well. Before Morrowind, I'd say Daggerfall was the last TES I played.


As far as the isometric view in Fallout 3, you can zoom the 3rd person camera angle out pretty far, almost enough to make it look isometric. lol!

You want turn based? Use VATS all the time. The only thing missing is now you can walk more than 10 steps in combat.....which is a good thing IMO.

This is looking to be my pick for GotY. I can not WAIT!!:D

[Rakael]

Haters be damned, I'm going to love this game. I loved both of the Fallout games, but I always wanted them to be in 3d. This is my dream come true.

[Tel Prydain]

I think that Fallout 1 & 2 are my favourite games of all time. I say ‘think’ because it varies depending on my mood at any given time. Baldur’s Gate is great for traditional epic exploration, Planescape has the best story, Neverwinter Nights is great for replicating DnD online with friends, Icewind Dale is a great hack ‘n Slash and Ultima (specifically 5-8) has had the biggest impact on my life. But at the end of the day I have to come back to Fallout because of the great way that your choices have repercussions far beyond the obvious. A choice you make in one location may have repercussions for people or whole towns.
And at the end of the day I value roleplay – that chance to make real meaningful decisions. Arcanum was a noble attempt to recreate that attribute, but while worthwhile it still fell short of Fallout.

I consider myself a core fan. I was a big enough Fallout fanboy that the FO2 dev team sent me a signed ‘Geko in a Can’ collectable. I’ve played every worthwhile RPG game made, as well as quite a few that were worth no one’s while…. But I just cannot relate to the bitter unrelenting cynicism and pessimism that emanate from certain gamers (NMA, I'm looking at you).
We would all love to see the Interplay/Black Isle do a Fallout 3, but Interplay is gone and it isn’t coming back. We can all hope to high-heaven until our ears bleed, but it isn’t happening.
And as long as we acknowledge that our preference is impossibility we must then consider Bethesda’s position. If they were going to try and ‘clone’ the original games they will inevitably fall flat. I’ve seen some of the ‘core fans’ fan-fiction and add-ons, and they tend to be well meaning but ultimately hollow – and I sincerely doubt that Bethesda could do much better.
As long as Bethesda are running the show (admittedly I’d rather see Obsidian or Bioware at the helm, but they aren’t) I’d rather that they make the kind of game that they are good at, at try to honour the spirit of Fallout, then clone something they couldn’t possibly reproduce.
I might be sure that Fallout 3 will not reach the heights of it distinguished forbearers, but I will try to enjoy what they are able to offer and if they are able to incorporate that level of meaningful choice I’m sure it will be a fine game.

I guess I’m just asking people to keep an open mind. I know it’s not going to be the Fallout I loved, but it could make be fall in love all over again…. Or, you know, it could suck. But I’ll give it that chance, because there is nothing more likely to kill a game then going into it with the intent to nit-pick.
The ironic thing is that I remember that a there was a lot of similar complaints aimed at Fallout 2 after it came out – it was hardly a bug-free experience that was 100% true to the original… but it turned out alright. Lets just wait before writing FO3 off altogether.

[thomasc]

Quit yo bitchin' and don't buy the game.

Nice, I should remember that against valid criticism :cool:.

[Tremorlor]

Nope. Not much choice there, I agree. But linearity doesn't really bother me. There was a lot of stuff to choose from (Guilds, missions), I just want a lot of options.

Yeah, those were in the earlier games too. With the twist that you couldn't join all of them and they gave different benefits. And you could only join them and rise in rank if you had the right set of skills (and continued to raise those). Now a pure warrior can easily make it to head of the mages guild. Makes sense...


I really don't need a different ending. It's nice, but most of the time I never see more than 1 anyway. Doesn't FO3 have 600 endings:P


In the vein of the original ones. It tracks what you do and then lists what happens in village (a) based on whether you picked dialogue option 1, 2 or 3. At least judging from the previews and interviews. Guess 1 is good, 2 is kinda neutral and 3 is the "I'm EEEEEEEEVIIIIIIILLLLLL" option.


Well, maybe the main questline if you rushed trhough, but completing everything is nigh on impossible. I veered of the main path pretty quick, got back after 40 hours.

The sidequest stories were way more interesting than the main-storyline. That I rushed through, especially after those annoying gates opened and one of the quests was "close x gates".
The story itself could have remained, but to improve it, they could have added a power struggle, say a few nobles, namely the rulers of the outlying cities, interested in getting the emperor they want and the PC has to decide whom he helps.

[addik]

As far as the isometric view in Fallout 3, you can zoom the 3rd person camera angle out pretty far, almost enough to make it look isometric. lol!

You want turn based? Use VATS all the time. The only thing missing is now you can walk more than 10 steps in combat.....which is a good thing IMO.

This is looking to be my pick for GotY. I can not WAIT!!:D

I didn't get to actually try the Fallout 3 demo at PAX, (too many damn people at the booth) but from watching it looked like you can't go fully turn based. it seemed like you had to go back into real time to let your AP bar recharge.

again, I didn't play it, so I'm just going with what I saw. anyone try it out?

[Rogue_hunter]

I got video of the Fallout 3 demo panel. Some time this week I'll have that up, as well as Dawn of War 2 and the Gaming Communities panel.

Let's just say, this game is going to be awesome (but that was already known, right?)

[AniAko]

Newsflash. It's your job, I don't care how long you've worked on it. If the BEST you could do only appears to be a re-skin and at look sort of post-nuclear.. then don't complain when you hear Oblivion with Guns. The shoe fits?

I'll wait and see, but I'm not optimistic.

I played it at PAX, it may LOOK like Oblivion with guns, but it's not, and it doesn't play like it.

[Tel Prydain]

I played it at PAX, it may LOOK like Oblivion with guns, but it's not, and it doesn't play like it.
Tell us more.

[AniAko]

I spoke my piece in the podcase :p

It looks like Oblivion to everyone because it's first person and has immense sprawling worlds like Oblivion, but that's about it. Every effort was made to make the world into a post apocalyptic wasteland, and it definitely shows. Diminutive similarities are present, like melee combat feels somewhat familiar to Oblivion as do conversations with people the same.

However with your trusty pip-boy 3000, arsenal of buildable weapons, VATS system and being able to collect everything not nailed down, it FEELS like Fallout. Now it's very apparent that it's long gone from a traditional turn-style RPG game. However they seemlessly integrated RPG gameplay into an FPS using their action point system. As you fire your weapon in real time (FPS) small amounts of action points are removed from your allotted amount. If you perform actions in VATS, larger chunks are taken. They come back pretty quickly, allowing you to perform some more direct fire, however in the mean time you'll either have to fight on your own, or take the time to dodge and weave or look for cover.

I'm really hoping they release an XBL and downloadable demo of the game. Those who love the originals or those new to the IP I think will both be pleasantly surprised at the depth and loose nature of the game. I really feel Bethesda brought Fallout into this generation better than anyone else could have.

My only gripe really is that jump is the Y button instead of the more easily accessible A button. Other than that I was ready to try and steal the whole kiosk I was playing it at. :D

[Tel Prydain]

Can't listen to the pobcast at work, but it's great to hear your 2c. Cheers! :D