By Peter Skrzypczak, Critic.
This was a huge year for video games.
Developers kept us waiting, but we saw the end of the “Metal Gear” franchise with “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.” We concluded the adventures of the hero, Geralt, in “The Witcher III: Wild Hunt.” And we saved the city of Gotham one last time in “Batman Arkham Knight.”
Though we saw conclusions to franchises, my game of the year is a continuation: “Fallout 4.”
“Witcher 3” was awarded Game of the Year at the Video Game Awards, and while it is a better crafted game with tons of satisfying content, “Fallout 4” gives me the tools to build inside the world.
Bethesda’s newest installment of the “Fallout” franchise includes a settlement mechanic where you are given various sections of land to build little towns, farms and outposts. You can even get an entire island, just watch out for crabs!
Be warned, it is a clunky mechanic and will probably take Bethesda another game before they get it right (“Elder Scrolls VI” maybe?). However, I’ve been tearing through the game since launch, and I keep getting better at it. Like all games from Bethesda, I assume they will be releasing a mod kit early next year. Like the mods for “Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” this will probably extend the lifespan of this game far into the nuclear apocalypse.
Other noteworthy parts of the game include fully voiced dialogue from the protagonist and the story’s family-centric themes, a la “Fallout 3.” Both features have some people groaning about lack of openendedness or not being able to truly forge your own character.
I’ve come to expect Bethesda to make a central storyline to their games. They’ve done it since “Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion,” back in 2006, which starts off with you right in the middle of a massive story. “Morrowind,” the previous “Elder Scroll” game, starts you off on a boat and you could wander forever without activating the main quest.
While lack of total direction is a trait I love in games, I don’t expect it from every developer and it’s clear Bethesda wants to make a more personal story. They’re also getting better at it. I’m guessing if there is ever an “Elder Scrolls VI” we may actually see ourselves becoming a King.
It would not be fair however, if I did not include some brief highlights on “Witcher 3” and “Metal Gear Solid V.”
I played “Witcher 3” when it launched near the beginning of the year, and never saw the end. From the small chip I made into the 100+ hour endeavor, the expansive world and story is most certainly of game of the year quality.
But so, too, is “Metal Gear Solid V.” Not only does it fill plot holes, but directly involves the player in doing so. It is an amazing send-off of a franchise, and a one of kind interactive experience from game developer Hideo Kojima.
