A modder has decided thatFallout 3needed better role-playing elements and removed the protagonist’s father and any link to Vault 101, effectively deleting the main backstory. While not themost disturbing vault in theFalloutseries, 101 is likely the first one that many players encountered. While the first two games are cult hits, it was the third installment, after Bethesda took over, that skyrocketed the franchise into the AAA sphere. Since then, follow-ups have stuck to the first-person perspective and found its audience in mainstream gaming.
ThefirstFalloutgame recently turned 25, which gives some indication of just how long the series has been going. Beginning as an isometric RPG with heavy emphasis on story and stat building, the first two entries were exclusive to the PC. However, since 2008, theSkyrimstudio has helped revitalize things by switching up the formula while still maintaining a lot of what made the originals well respected. And of course, because it’s a Bethesda game, it encouraged the creation of lots of mods.
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One recent example comes from AbbaAltmer over on Nexus Mods, who has just launched “You Are Not the Father - The Wanderer Is Not James’ Son” forFallout 3. As the name suggests, this mod does away with the entire backstory of the game, removing any notion that the player is related to James, the dad at the start of the game who raises the player until he leaves Vault 101. The mod also does away with any connection to said vault. AbbaAltmer said they felt this entry needed something more akin toFallout: New Vegas, giving players more freedom in deciding their character’s background rather than overtly being told that from the start.
The mod description goes into more details, saying that James, who isvoiced by Liam Neeson inFallout 3, is removed as the father in any dialogue options. This also means that “evil” actions the main character performs will not lead to their dad being disappointed. While the mod does open with James handing the player a letter, it is left intentionally vague, but any mention of being from Vault 101 is removed entirely.
There are a ton ofFallout 3mods that can really change the gamein multiple ways, but AbbaAltmer’s seems like it’s going for a strong focus on being able to role-play, much like the original games or the aforementionedNew Vegas. While the third entry’s opening is famous, some may feel it’s time to begin the 2008 game in a slightly different manner.
Fallout 3is available now on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.
