TheFalloutseries remains one of the biggestRPGsin gaming, exploring a post-apocalyptic America riddled with radiation, mutants and hostile factions vying for power. Of all the games in the series, however,Fallout 3has often been labeled the black sheep of the Fallout family. Some fans discount it for lacking the writing of New Vegas and the gameplay of Fallout 4.
That’s unfortunate, because although some of the gameplay hasn’t aged well, Fallout 3 was a turning point in the franchise, marking a shift where the series became a hybrid of an RPG andFPS. Were it not for the third entry, the later games might never have happened. With the recent success ofOblivion Remastered, a remaster for Fallout 3 seems all but guaranteed. If that’s going to happen, longtime fans have expectations for it to uphold.
8Better Character Models
The Most Obvious Change
With the exception of the main characters, most NPCs tend to blend together. After years of multiple playthroughs, you’ve probably encountered the same-looking raider or merc over a dozen times. For the remaster, more variance would be a welcome addition. Plus, new details and designs for the main characters should be added too.
The same goes for character creation. It’s nice that players have a chance to create their own character, but the customization options are rather dull and unappealing. Except for a new beard and skin color, Fallout 3 doesn’t give you enough options to really make your character stand out. It’s probably why most players prefer to wear a hat or helmet.
7Keep Power Armor the Same
No Fusion Core Required
Fallout 4made power armor feel strong with the addition of fusion cores. Sure, it was cool to mod and customize your own suit, but at the same time, the power armor in Fallout 4 felt too common. All you had to do was sneeze and you’d find a new suit waiting around the corner. Power armor in Fallout 3 felt rare, like something you had to earn, especially since you couldn’t wear a suit without thePower Armor Trainingperk.
Once you get into the Brotherhood of Steel’s good graces, they’ll train your character and show them how to wear any suit of power armor they find. And that’s how it should stay in a remaster. In Fallout 3, you start weak and get stronger as you level up and find better gear. But the moment you get to put on your first suit of power armor, you finally feel like you’re taking control of the Capital Wasteland.
Players can also receive the Power Armor Training perk after completing The American Dream quest or the Operation: Anchorage DLC.
6Don’t Touch The Skill Tree
Cha-Ching!
Leveling up in Fallout 3 always felt like a moment of triumph. You hear that satisfying music as you receive points to increase your skills before choosing anawesome new perk. It was one of the main elements that made Fallout 3 feel like a genuine RPG. In Fallout 4, however, they phased out skills and simplified leveling up, making it so you could only gain a single point to add to any perk of your choosing. That’s it.
That might’ve worked fine for Fallout 4, but it’s something players won’t want to see in a Fallout 3 Remaster. It just wouldn’t work. Perks are integral, but skills felt like they played a role in making your character feel special: smarter, stronger, better with words or guns. It made you want to prioritize and think ahead about the build you were going for.
5Mod Support For Consoles
Make Mods, Not War
Over the years, the views on modding in console gaming have changed, with modern systems like the Xbox and PlayStation now allowingmore games to feature mods. If you take a look atBethesda’slibrary of video games, you’ll find a few examples: Fallout 4, Skyrim Special Edition and Starfield all allow modding on consoles. Unfortunately, the Oblivion remaster was unable to add mod support, so there’s a fair chance that Fallout 3’s remaster will do the same.
If there’s any remaster that’s deserving of allowing mods, however, it’s Fallout 3. After all, there’s certainlyno shortage to choosefrom. Though certain mods pose a danger in leading to crashes and game-breaking situations, the opportunity would encourage more playthroughs for players.
4Classic Radio Music
“Because One Dog Ain’t Enough, And Two Is Too Low, It’s Me, Three Dog!”
Whether it’s Fallout 3 orFallout: New Vegas, if either game is going to receive a remaster, then their radio stationsmustremain untouched. One of the biggest features that ties the Fallout games together is their music, more specifically, their licensed music. Remember, Fallout 3 released back in 2008, and copyright, contracts and costs for certain songs will have changed over time.
Still, Fallout 3 wouldn’t be the same without its radio music because it adds another layer to the ambiance. Even today when players hear these songs in real life, they’re reminded of exploring the ruins of Washington, D.C. and fending off the horrors of the wasteland. Not to mention, who could forget listening to the sharp charisma and iconic howl of that lovable radio host, Three Dog?
3Add Sprint
Simple, But Vital
There’s a lot of walking in Fallout 3. Sure, you have Fast Travel, but you can only use that mechanicafteryou discover a location. In the meantime, you’ll be hauling your Vault suit wearing hide across the ruins of DC to the radioactive depths of The Pitt at the same slow pace.
There’s nothing wrong with taking your time, but after a few hours, you’ll be wishing the game gave you the option to run. Which is why, if there’s any new feature that is an absolute must for a Fallout 3 Remaster, it’s having the ability to sprint. Being able to run will make a world of difference for players, both longtime and newcomers alike. Plus, it’ll really come in handy during combat too.
2Weapons With Iron Sights
Aim For The Head
If there’s one thing that New Vegas and Fallout 4 have in common, it’s that both games utilize iron sights in their gameplay. For players who enjoy the Fallout games for their guns, the biggest deterrent to Fallout 3’s gameplay is the fact that its weapons don’t allow iron sights. Except for scoped firearms, every gun in Fallout 3 just zooms in slightly when trying to aim.
The Fallout games may not be Call of Duty, but given their surplus of unique weapons, iron sights seem like an integral feature now. And for a Fallout 3 Remaster, that’s the number one change players expect for its gameplay.
1Keep The Wasteland Scary
Atmosphere Is Everything
For many players, Fallout 3 was their very first Fallout game, the one that introduced them to the series. It was here where they first experienced the terrifying post-apocalyptic world, its factions, and most of all, itshideous monsters. It’s safe to assume that when a remaster comes, players can expect the graphics and textures to receive a heavy overhaul. That’s a tight line to cross, though.
Though enhanced visuals are important, they can sometimes take away what once worked for a game made on older hardware. The world of Fallout 3 was not meant to be pretty. It’s supposed to look unsettling, grungy and ugly, whereas modern games like Fallout 4 andFallout 76made the wasteland seem too…habitable. So, if Fallout 3 must change with the times and receive a new look, then so be it, but don’t take away the atmosphere that made it so memorable for fans.
