Original Fallout Games Deserve To Be Remastered

The Origins of Fallout

As great as it is to see the 3D Fallout games enjoying renewed popularity, the classic original Fallout and Fallout 2 hold a special place in the hearts of fans. These games laid the foundation for the entire franchise, introducing us to iconic elements like Shady Sands, the Brotherhood of Steel, and the Enclave. They also explored themes of survival, post-apocalyptic politics, and the consequences of a vault’s water chip failure.

The Barrier to Entry

However, recommending these gems to new players comes with caveats. While both games are available on Steam and included in PC Game Pass, their outdated graphics and lack of tutorials can be off-putting. Imagine firing up the game and being greeted by tiny buttons, 2D sprite graphics designed for 800x600 CRT monitors, and no controller support. It’s like stepping into a time capsule – charming, but not exactly user-friendly.

The Remaster Conundrum

Bringing Fallout into the modern era would be no small feat. The original game is a mere 562MB installed, and Fallout 2 is just 2MB larger. Cranking up the resolution to 4K won’t magically enhance the character sprites, which are a mere 60 pixels tall. The grainy cinematics and limited voice acting also show their age. And let’s not forget the lack of controller support, leaving console players out in the cold.

A Ray of Hope

But here’s where things get interesting: Tim Cain, producer of the original Fallout, has revealed that the source code for both games still exists and should be in Bethesda’s possession. Instead of a full remake, an update could breathe new life into these classics. Imagine a remastered Fallout with improved graphics, quality-of-life enhancements, and perhaps even voice acting for all conversations. It would be a nostalgic trip for veterans and an exciting adventure for newcomers.

In theory, Fallout could get the same treatment as Diablo 2: Resurrected – a lovingly crafted revival that respects the original while making it accessible to a wider audience. Let’s hope that someday we’ll step back into the wasteland, armed with our Pip-Boys and ready to explore the post-nuclear world once more. 🌍🔥

Note: The original source code for both Fallout games still exists, according to Tim Cain, which means there’s hope for an update rather than a full remake.