Is Outer Worlds Connected to Fallout?
The Outer Worlds is a role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment, and its release has sparked widespread curiosity about its connection to the Fallout franchise. As a prequel to Fallout 3, The Outer Worlds’ storyline and setting share striking similarities with the Fallout series. In this article, we’ll delve into the connections and differences between the two games.
Shared Universe
While The Outer Worlds is not a direct sequel to Fallout 3, it is set in the same general universe. The game takes place in the Halcyon Colony, a distant planet on the edge of the galaxy, which was established by the same corporation that built Vault-Tec. Vault-Tec, a familiar name in the Fallout series, is the corporation responsible for building the vaults that safeguard humanity from nuclear war.
Key Similarities
Here are some key similarities between The Outer Worlds and Fallout:
• Post-apocalyptic setting: Both games are set in a post-apocalyptic world, although The Outer Worlds takes place in a distant future after a catastrophic event, whereas Fallout is set in a post-nuclear world.
• Corporation-military complex: Both games feature a powerful corporation-military complex, with the Board and United Nations Space Corps in The Outer Worlds, and Vault-Tec and the United States government in Fallout.
• Player choice and exploration: Both games offer players a high degree of freedom to explore, choose their own path, and shape the game’s story through their decisions.
Key Differences
Despite the similarities, The Outer Worlds has several key differences:
• Setting: As mentioned earlier, The Outer Worlds is set in a distant future on the Halcyon Colony, whereas Fallout takes place in a post-nuclear America.
• Tone: The Outer Worlds has a more optimistic and lighter tone compared to Fallout, which is known for its dark and gritty atmosphere.
• Combat: The Outer Worlds features more conventional sci-fi combat, with laser rifles and blasters, whereas Fallout typically features a mix of firearms and melee combat.
Connections and Easter Eggs
The Outer Worlds includes several connections and Easter eggs to the Fallout series:
• Vault-Tec: As mentioned earlier, Vault-Tec is a central corporation in The Outer Worlds, and the game includes several references to the Fallout series, including Vault-Tec’s iconic vault symbol.
• Fallout characters: Several characters in The Outer Worlds, such as the Colony Director, Ellie Vega, and Percy ArIVA, have backgrounds and traits reminiscent of characters from the Fallout series.
• In-jokes: The game includes several in-jokes and references to Fallout, such as a "Wasteland survivor" achievement and a "Little Lamplight" trading post.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while The Outer Worlds is not a direct sequel to Fallout 3, it shares a common universe and several key similarities with the Fallout series. The game’s post-apocalyptic setting, corporation-military complex, and player choice and exploration all echo elements of the Fallout series. However, The Outer Worlds has several key differences, including its setting, tone, and combat. Fans of Fallout will likely find many familiar elements and Easter eggs in The Outer Worlds, making it a must-play for those who enjoy the series.
FAQs
Q: Is The Outer Worlds a spin-off of the Fallout series?
A: No, The Outer Worlds is a standalone game developed by Obsidian Entertainment, but it shares a common universe and several similarities with the Fallout series.
Q: Is The Outer Worlds a prequel to Fallout 3?
A: No, The Outer Worlds is not a direct prequel to Fallout 3, but it is set in the same general universe and features several similarities.
Q: What is the relationship between Vault-Tec and The Outer Worlds?
A: Vault-Tec is a central corporation in The Outer Worlds, and the game includes several references to the Fallout series, including the Vault-Tec’s iconic vault symbol.
Q: Can I play The Outer Worlds as a Fallout game?
A: No, The Outer Worlds is a standalone game with its own unique setting, story, and mechanics. While it shares similarities with the Fallout series, it is not a Fallout game.
Q: Are there any Fallout characters in The Outer Worlds?
A: No, there are no direct Fallout characters in The Outer Worlds, but several characters have backgrounds and traits reminiscent of characters from the Fallout series.
Q: Is The Outer Worlds a good game for fans of Fallout?
A: Yes, fans of Fallout will likely find many familiar elements and Easter eggs in The Outer Worlds, making it a must-play for those who enjoy the series.
Q: Can I play The Outer Worlds online?
A: Yes, The Outer Worlds features a single-player and multi-player mode, allowing players to play with friends online.
Q: Is The Outer Worlds a part of the Bethesda Softworks franchise?
A: No, The Outer Worlds is not a part of the Bethesda Softworks franchise, but it was developed in collaboration with Private Division, a label of Take-Two Interactive.