Fallout 4 Previews

Bethesda is busy talking about their upcoming game lineup and showcasing each of the titles at this weekend’s QuakeCon event, so it comes as no surprise that a couple of new previews for Fallout 4 have emerged on the ‘net.

Game Informer kicks things off with a lengthy three-pager that includes commentary from director Todd Howard:

After showing an amusing fake ad for the new Pip-Boy that was used for an internal guide three years ago, Howard walked us through Fallout 4’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. “We really wanted to bring this to the forefront of the game,” he says. “This is how you define your character.”

We are then shown a video for Strength, just one of the many S.P.E.C.I.A.L. fields in the game. The video looks like an old black and white Disney cartoon that shows an animated Vault Boy exploring everything Strength offers. A narrator talks over the video: “Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you. That’s why we at Vault Tec have prepared these educational materials for you to better understand the attributes that make you special. Today we will focus on Strength. In the wasteland, essential supplies will be scarce. When an item of value is found, keep it close and away from bullies. The stronger you are, the more you can carry.” We then see Vault Boy carry too much supplies, a goofy visual that ends with his body crushed into goo. It’s as violent as an Itchy and Scratchy skit.

And then GameSpot follows through with something much more bite-sized:

One of the characters you’ll meet in game is named Preston Garvey, who leads the Commonwealth Minutemen faction. You can join this faction, which is based in Concord, Massachusetts. Another companion, Piper, is found near Diamond City, a settlement in the ruins of Fenway Park. She’s charismatic and can lie really well to get her way.

There are a dozen possible companions, including Mr. Handy (the robot assistant), Piper, Dog Meat, and Garvey. You can romance your human companions regardless of gender. You can also play without a companion if you so choose, and you can learn perks for playing this way.