Fallout 4 (PS5) Review: Exploring a Refreshed Wasteland

Fallout 4 Revisited: A Legacy Reexamined

Returning to the wasteland has never felt more familiar. Over the years, Fallout 4 has encountered its share of skepticism. At its debut, this post-apocalyptic RPG delivered substantially in areas typically expected of a Bethesda Game Studios release—most notably, its vast and engaging open world full of endless adventures. Yet, the game’s narrative, dialogue mechanics, and RPG elements received mixed reviews. Now, a decade later, Fallout 4 makes its long-anticipated entrance on the latest generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft. While the refresh introduces few significant changes, it offers a perfect moment to reassess this iconic title.

Technical Enhancements on Next-Gen Consoles

Graphical and Performance Modes: Among the notable enhancements in Fallout 4 on the PS5 and Xbox Series X are the graphical mode options: a Performance Mode delivering 60 FPS at dynamic 4K, and a Graphics Mode offering native 4K at 30 FPS. Personally, I lean towards prioritizing frame rate, and on the PS5, Fallout 4 performs competently. Despite some minor frame rate dips during combat, the overall stability is commendable.

Visual Fidelity: Visually, little has changed since 2015. Although Fallout 4 was impressive at launch, Bethesda’s Creation Engine had already begun showing its age. The game’s desolate yet diverse post-apocalyptic world still captivates in 2024, even if it doesn’t reach new graphical heights. The modest technical upgrades may disappoint some, but Fallout 4 remains visually satisfactory in its current form.

Content Additions and Gameplay Dynamics

Limited New Additions: The Next-Gen Update is conservative with new content, adding only a few Creation Club items such as a quest, new weapons, and cosmetics. While I haven’t experienced any severe game-breaking issues during my playtime on PS5, there have been reports of glitches affecting the Graphics Mode and accessibility issues for PlayStation Plus Essential and Premium subscribers. Similar problems, including crashes and lost saves, have been reported by PC and Xbox Series X/S players.

Engaging Gameplay Experience: Thankfully, Fallout 4 remains a delightful experience. Although the facelift for new consoles may underwhelm some, the game itself continues to be thoroughly enjoyable—especially for newcomers. Its expansive, varied world is quintessentially Bethesda, inviting exploration. Deviating from the main path to follow one’s curiosity consistently rewards players. With a plethora of side quests, quirky characters, dungeons, valuable loot, and rich environmental storytelling, delving into Fallout 4’s world is endlessly gratifying.

Combat and Interaction Mechanics

Combat Evaluation: Combat in Fallout 4 also deserves praise. While it may not meet the high standards set by top-tier first-person shooters, it represents an improvement over previous titles in the series, especially in gunplay—though melee combat could still be smoother. The VATS system remains a standout feature, enhancing the combat experience, particularly in more challenging encounters.

Dialogue and Role-Playing Shortcomings: However, Fallout 4 falters in some areas, particularly the dialogue system. The streamlined conversation options, a result of the protagonist’s full voice, limit player choices more than desired. This affects the depth of role-playing elements, reducing the immersive feel that is a hallmark of Bethesda RPGs.

Concluding Thoughts: Fallout 4’s Current-Gen Relevance

Nearly a decade after its initial release, Fallout 4 may have been judged too harshly by some. Its immersive world and engaging combat ensure a pleasurable gaming experience. While the enhancements for current-gen consoles are modest, they provide a sufficient basis for both newcomers and returning players to enjoy the game. Despite its shortcomings, when Fallout 4 is operating at full capacity, it remains an enthralling adventure.