Duck & Cover with the Escapist

[Tannhauser]

The Escapist, an online magazine about gaming, has chosen games with retro themes as the subject for this issue. Interestingly, Russ Pitts' article "Duck & Cover" covers those games that emulated the imagined post-apocalyptic future for those growing up in Cold War America. Fallout, unsurprisingly, earns a significant mention in such a context.<blockquote>Now, finally, I was the Vault Dweller, kicking ass and chewing bubblegum in my blue jumpsuit. I'd finally gotten my chance to experience the challenge of surviving in the radioactive maelstrom of post-nuclear America, and had not only survived - I'd conquered. It was, as ridiculous as this may sound, the first time in my life that I felt completely sure of who I was, and of what I was capable.</blockquote>Link: "Duck & Cover" at the Escapist.

Thanks to Raven and Phil for pointing this out to us.

 

[Silencer]

The Vault Elder informs you that there is a problem. The water purifier is failing, and the elders have decided that someone has to go outside to find a new one. They've chosen you.

Am I the only one under the impression it's a condensation of 2 games?

 

[octotron]

That is a great article! A generational perspective well expressed.
However, it raises the question of how well the younger set and future gamers will truly appreciate the PA setting.

 

[Signeon]

However, it raises the question of how well the younger set and future gamers will truly appreciate the PA setting.

Speaking as part of the younger set and as a future gamer, I can tell you I love the PA setting. Unfortunately, most of my friends say Fallout isn't that great, and FF is a "true" RPG (the new ones, not the good old ones). Not only does this make me question why these people are my friends, but it makes me worry about the PA setting in general. Most of today's youth (in America; I'm not sure about elsewhere) don't have the Cold-War scare feelings as the youth back then did. However, I don't think it's the setting that much as in the gameplay style. Younger gamers (not myself) can't stand waiting around for turn-based gameplay, unless it's quick paced, like Advance Wars for the GBA. Not to mention that kids might find it hard to understand PnP style RPGs (once again, not myself).

But yes, the article was great, and did a good job of showing what the PA setting can do for games. I still remember my first memories of playing Fallout a year ago; I had nightmares that radscorpians and raiders were burst into my house and kill me and my family while I slept, not to mention being burned alive by bombs. Good times.

 

[sHooTer]

good read

 

[draeke]

Ok, so when I finished FO1 for the first time I didn't take the afternoon off and reflect, but I did know that I'd just finished one of the best crpg's I'd ever played and felt a sense of accomplishment. Albeit, some of the bugs pissed me off but at the time buggy software was so commonplace it didn't matter. I remember buying the original way back when, and yes I know I'm dating myself here, and thinking 'wow, this looks cool.' I have been so taken with the franchise that I retain my original copy with manual (to prove my 'leetness if anything, wish i would've kept the original box though) and I have spent money to purchase all of the titles in the series, even FF:Tactics and FF:console crap. I say all this in validation, that I consider myself a true fan, as long as anyone else at least, and I think the author of this article is merely playing up to the sentiment regarding bethesda's production of FO3. That's is probably how the author became familiar with the title and more than likely why they 'reviewed' it. I'm not saying that's the only read on it but that's my take on it.

 

[sHooTer]

I highly doubt it. It appears to me atleast, he has enjoyed Post apocalyptic movies and games before fallout ever came out.

 

[The Vault Dweller]

<blockquote>Now, finally, I was the Vault Dweller, kicking ass and chewing bubblegum in my blue jumpsuit. I'd finally gotten my chance to experience the challenge of surviving in the radioactive maelstrom of post-nuclear America, and had not only survived - I'd conquered. It was, as ridiculous as this may sound, the first time in my life that I felt completely sure of who I was, and of what I was capable.</blockquote>

WTF?

I would never act that way! My sole purpose was to be nice to little children and animals. I'm not a conqueror...someone enjoyed being a combat boy wayyyyyy too much.

Sincerely,
The Vault Dweller