“Wow, that’s, uh, that’s pretty breathtaking…” Imagine being in a room with high-ranking officials, watching as red dots of doom cover the map, signaling the devastating effects of a nuclear war. That’s exactly the scene in Watchmen that leaves President Nixon unsure of what to do. It’s a moment that hits you right in the gut, much like the Fallout series does when you step foot into its post-apocalyptic world.
Whenever I fire up a game in the Fallout series, whether it be Fallout 4, New Vegas, or even the original 90s titles, I’m transported to foreign soil. The destruction and devastation caused by a nuclear war in Washington DC, Boston, and the Mojave desert resonate with me, but they don’t hit home quite as hard. That’s why Fallout: London has caught my attention.
For those who aren’t familiar, Fallout: London is an ambitious modding project for Fallout 4 that is set to release its end product, a DLC-sized expansion set in the English capital, later this year. The team behind it is composed of the most talented Fallout 4 modders out there, and they’ve been teasing us with regular updates and glimpses into their progress. The most recent update introduced us to The Vagabonds, a faction inspired by the Peaky Blinders.
When I first heard about Fallout: London, I was skeptical. Would it capture the essence of the series as well as the established games set in the US? Would it be just another fun idea in theory? The familiarity and exploration of the Fallout series is deeply rooted in its American origins. The 50s’ dreamhomes, the iconic Vault Boy, and the cultural impact of atomic power all contribute to the series’ unique charm.
The post-apocalyptic world of Fallout should be overwhelmingly depressing and unnerving, but it’s the juxtaposition with the cheesy corporate optimism of pre-war America that brings a sense of irony. The Fallout experience becomes less about the terrifying realities of nuclear destruction and more about appreciating the comical hubris of a nation that once worshipped atomic power.
I wondered if that grim comedy would translate across the Atlantic. Would a Fallout game set outside the US lose that distinctive element? After seeing what Fallout: London has in store, it’s clear that the modders are tapping into a massive array of British culture. From the stoic spirit of the World War generation to the posh and sneering energy of The Gentry, the mod captures the essence of Britishness.
Gone are the vaults and Pip-Boys, replaced by Pindar Stations and the Atta-Boy. The iconic enemies like Super Mutants and Deathclaws are swapped for irradiated shrews and badgers. And let’s not forget the inspiration drawn from our 70s and 80s public information campaigns and films about the consequences of a nuclear war. It’s a different tone, a bit more sobering than its American counterparts.
I recently watched Threads, a film about the aftermath of a nuclear war, with my dad, who lived through that era. The film left us both bewildered and haunted by its depiction of life in the shadow of the bomb. How Fallout: London leans into these aspects of British culture will ultimately shape how it compares to its American cousins.
But instead of being put off by the unfamiliarity, I’m excited to explore this new take on the Fallout universe. It’s a chance to see how the Fallout formula can be reimagined in a different setting, with different cultural references and challenges. Fallout: London promises to be a unique and immersive experience for gamers, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
So, fellow gamers, get ready to embark on a new adventure in Fallout: London. Step into a post-apocalyptic version of the English capital and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British culture, facing challenges and discovering new stories along the way. It’s time to redefine what it means to survive in a nuclear wasteland. Are you ready to take on the challenge? Game on!