Fallout 4 VR
- December 11, 2017
- Bethesda Game Studios
- 14h median play time
The AAA title many of us had been waiting for is finally here, does it live up to the hype or should it be left in the Wasteland? (ok given you can see the stars just there it's obvious what I thought... but read on anyway ;) )
Praise for Fallout 4 About the GameFallout 4, the legendary post-apocalyptic adventure from Bethesda Game Studios and winner of more than 200 ‘Best Of’ awards, including the DICE and BAFTA Game of the Year, finally comes in its entirety to VR. Fallout 4 VR includes the complete core game with all-new combat, crafting, and building systems fully reimagined for virtual reality. The freedom of expl…
Reviews
- graphics646 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics in Fallout 4 VR have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are significantly worse than the original game, often described as blurry and poorly optimized for VR. While some users report that the visuals can be improved with mods and tweaks, the lack of in-game graphical options and persistent graphical glitches detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, a few players still find the graphics acceptable for a VR title, appreciating the immersion it offers, though many express a desire for better optimization and clearer visuals.
“Now for the game... the graphics and sound (I play without music, only the radio for immersion and use headphones) are absolutely brilliant!!”
“The game also looks very nice graphically and is decently well optimized.”
“I have a GTX 1080 graphics card and the graphics look sharp even in the distance.”
“Even worse than this, the quality of the graphics looks substantially worse than the original game, so that 100% takes you out of it too.”
“The graphics drag so bad on VR, you walk like you're stumbling all the time, controls are a struggle, aiming down the gun is totally worthless... this game has nothing positive going for it other than the title.”
“The graphics are terrible, I can't see anything clearly more than a few feet away and yet the horizon is miles away.”
- optimization516 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The optimization of Fallout 4 VR has been widely criticized, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering and low frame rates, even on high-end hardware. While some users have found success with mods and tweaks to improve performance, the general consensus is that the game requires extensive modifications to run smoothly, making it feel poorly optimized for VR. Overall, the lack of official support and optimization from Bethesda has left many players frustrated, with the game often described as a "buggy mess" that detracts from the immersive experience it aims to provide.
“If you have a lower-end PC like I do, I recommend the lights remover mod which significantly boosts performance in the indoor environments where my PC was struggling the most.”
“The optimization for this game makes me feel like the playtesters were masochists and just wanted to share the love with us.”
“I applied the Fallout 4 optimization project patch from NexusMods before ever starting the game, and now I'm thoroughly enjoying reliving one of my favorite games in VR.”
“It's a tough play without optimization and mods.”
“The game is extremely badly optimized, with blur, texture flickering, and fps drops for various reasons.”
“This game is a poorly optimized mess; it ran at 36 fps on lowest settings on my PC with an RTX 2060 Super and 16GB of RAM.”
- gameplay313 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Fallout 4 VR has received mixed reviews, with many players highlighting significant issues such as poor controls, numerous bugs, and a lack of optimization for VR mechanics. While some enjoy the immersive open-world experience and solid shooting mechanics, others find the gameplay tedious and frustrating, especially without mods to enhance the experience. Overall, the game offers a vast amount of content but suffers from technical shortcomings that detract from its potential as a VR title.
“The combination of the vast open-world, engaging gameplay, and superb VR implementation make for an unforgettable experience.”
“Gameplay is fantastic and this is exactly what I wanted from a Fallout VR game!”
“The shooting mechanics were spot-on, making combat both challenging and enjoyable.”
“The controls are awful, and the building mechanic is terrible.”
“With the amount of glitches and gameplay-breaking bugs, this game feels like a cheap mod that lets you play in VR.”
“The gameplay is horrible; the controls are the worst I've seen in a game yet, and that's the first and only game that gave me motion sickness.”
- story303 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story of Fallout 4 VR is largely consistent with the original game, offering a rich and expansive narrative filled with engaging quests and character interactions. Players appreciate the immersive experience of exploring the post-apocalyptic world in VR, although some criticize the writing and quest design as lacking depth. Overall, the game provides a compelling storyline that can be enhanced through mods, making it a notable entry in the VR gaming landscape.
“One major advantage for me was that I hadn't played the 4th installment before, so the storyline was completely new to me: immersing myself in a fresh Fallout story in VR has been an amazing experience.”
“This game offers a massive interesting world with a great story and enough systems and depth to keep you interested for many hours.”
“The story is great in this title; it's a very well-written and thoughtful production.”
“The VR implementation is mediocre, which is a very suitable word for describing the entire product apart from the story and writing...”
“Taking a quest for Fallout 3, already a quite dull and mediocre game, and stretching it out to be the entire plotline of the game is lazy even by Bethesda standards.”
“It's a watered-down RPG with pretty okay to mediocre world-building and a lackluster story that ends without much of a punch.”
- stability264 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The stability of Fallout 4 VR has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players express frustration over the game's need for extensive modding and troubleshooting to achieve a playable experience, often describing it as a "buggy mess" typical of Bethesda's releases. While some find enjoyment in the game despite its flaws, the consensus is that it remains unoptimized and unstable, making it difficult to recommend at full price.
“I can just explore the wasteland and it is incredibly detailed, not buggy at all.”
“The game runs great and if anything it feels like there are less bugs than in the normal Fallout 4.”
“I recently got a new computer with an RTX 2070, 32 GB of RAM, i7 10700K processor and it runs great with no issues.”
“Extremely buggy, not worth buying at a discount.”
“This game is utter garbage, I love Fallout 4 but they cut so many corners on the VR one and it's near unplayable and buggy.”
“The game was released incredibly buggy and ill-optimized and wasn't really playable with the hardware that existed commonly at the time.”
- monetization48 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- -2 % neutral mentions
- 96 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been overwhelmingly criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing frustration over its high price point and poor quality. Players feel that the game lacks the necessary effort and polish expected from a AAA title, labeling it as a lazy port that fails to justify its cost, especially when compared to other VR offerings. Overall, the sentiment is that the game is not worth the investment, urging potential buyers to wait for significant discounts or to seek out better alternatives.
“Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
“The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
“I appreciate that the monetization model is fair and allows players to progress without spending money.”
“It's a bad port, and a shameless cash grab.”
“This is genuinely the laziest port to VR I have ever encountered, and it's very clear that this was nothing but a cash grab.”
“Don't waste your time or money on this garbage fire cash grab.”
- atmosphere33 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, effectively capturing the essence of a post-apocalyptic world. Players appreciate the detailed environments, dynamic lighting, and the sense of scale that VR provides, enhancing the overall experience. Despite some technical issues, the atmosphere remains a standout feature, drawing players into a richly crafted world filled with tension and exploration opportunities.
“The atmosphere of wandering through barren wastelands, being on edge 24/7 because you know you could die any second, and the music following you around make this an amazing experience.”
“The atmosphere is unbelievable.”
“You get a remarkable sense of presence within your first few steps and the atmosphere just completely consumes you.”
“The atmosphere is intense; it feels very different from the 2D version.”
“The story and power trip fantasy is why you play this game; while the gunplay is serviceable (the game wasn't built for VR), the atmosphere alone is well worth the price, and that's not even touching on mods.”
“You get a remarkable sense of presence within your first few steps, and the atmosphere just completely consumes you.”
- humor28 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in this VR game is largely derived from its quirky mechanics and unexpected glitches, which often lead to hilarious situations, such as comically ineffective melee combat and absurd interactions with the environment. Players find joy in the game's eccentricities, like the amusing reloading process and the ability to engage in slapstick moments with NPCs and objects. Overall, while the gameplay may have its flaws, the humor adds a unique charm that keeps players entertained.
“I got to pistol-whip a radroach to death and it was hilarious.”
“Love all of the little easter eggs, hidden surprises, and the wealth of funny moments that came from this game.”
“Legit laughing at your partner's weird antics, feeling the direness of the landscape... it's a one of a kind experience right now.”
- emotional19 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed experience for players, with some feeling deeply immersed in the narrative and character stories, while others struggle with technical issues that detract from their enjoyment. The atmosphere and sense of adventure in the wasteland evoke strong feelings of adrenaline and victory, but frustrating controls and performance problems can lead to discomfort and disappointment. Overall, the game's potential for emotional engagement is overshadowed by its technical shortcomings, leaving some players feeling heartbroken about the missed opportunity.
“NPCs with amazing stories to tell, both heartwarming and tragic.”
“Running through the wasteland and getting jumped by a pack of ferals is more emotionally involved, adrenaline, excitement, and a greater sense of victory once you've defeated them, and that's what the VR version offers: an immersive experience.”
“The game really makes you feel in the wasteland. I played for 3 hours and had to turn the teleport back on; the free walking made me feel bad!”
- replayability19 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is highly praised, especially when enhanced with mods, which significantly improve the experience and longevity. Many users find it to have endless replay value, particularly for VR enthusiasts with the right hardware, while some note that performance issues can hinder enjoyment. Overall, it is considered one of the more replayable titles in VR, though experiences may vary based on individual setups and preferences.
“Great replay value.”
“On the other hand, with the right set of mods, this is easily one of the most enjoyable and replayable games in VR, even after four years.”
“The expansiveness of the game allows for endless replay value.”
“Much more playable if you mod it.”
“- Replayability (at least for me is very low)”
“Be warned however, that performance is rough and you'll need to do some ini tweaking and modding to get it to a more playable state.”
- music18 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for enhancing the immersive experience, with players enjoying the nostalgic tracks from the radio that complement the desolate atmosphere of the wasteland. Many reviewers highlight how the soundtrack elevates key moments in the gameplay, creating a sense of tension and nostalgia that enriches the overall narrative. Despite some technical issues, the music remains a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and emotional impact.
“The atmosphere of wandering through barren wastelands, being on edge 24/7 because you know you could die any second, and the music following you around make this an amazing experience.”
“The artwork, music, and voice are fantastic, and the story is quite entertaining.”
“Exploring the stunning and detailed world, the impact of the story being enhanced by the music, and the incredible sense of presence - I'm blown away!”
“As soon as I started, it was unplayable: 2 fps, choppy, music cutting in and out constantly.”
“Suggestions: turn off the music, and treat the game world like it's real.”
“The music, the ambience, the everything!”
- grinding18 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely regarded as tedious and fatiguing, requiring players to micromanage characters and navigate complex controls, which can lead to repetitive gameplay. While some players find moments of enjoyment and story engagement amidst the grind, many express that the overall experience can feel overwhelmingly monotonous and frustrating.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You literally have to micromanage the characters and every single piece of junk you come across; it's tedious and fatiguing!”
“Too bad you spend most of the time tediously wandering around, before you realize you're tired from just standing there and decide to have a seat.”
“Considering the scale of the game, it would have been extremely tedious opening every drawer and every door.”
- character development3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Character development in this VR experience is highlighted by an in-depth skill tree system and detailed character design, including customizable clothing items. Reviewers praise the narrative, dialogue, and NPC model detail as some of the best in the VR space, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Additionally, the potential for further enhancement through mods adds to the freshness of the character development.
“In-depth character development skill tree system.”
“The story, character development, dialogue, and NPC model detail are all currently the best in the VR arena.”
“Specifically character design, clothing items, etc. The whole experience feels very fresh in VR, and I hear you can make it even better with mods.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression.”
“There are limited options for character customization, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
“The dialogue and character interactions are often one-dimensional, which detracts from the overall experience.”
Critic Reviews
Fallout 4 VR PC Game Review (HTC Vive)
The AAA title many of us had been waiting for is finally here, does it live up to the hype or should it be left in the Wasteland? (ok given you can see the stars just there it's obvious what I thought... but read on anyway ;) )
98%Fallout 4 VR Review
Fallout 4 VR's post-apocalyptic world is great to explore, but its Pip Boy interface needs a lot of work.
79%Fallout 4 VR Review
While there are a number of omissions in Fallout 4 VR; working scopes, manual reloading and holding two handed weapons correctly to name a few, this game is the most complete experience that I’ve played on the Vive so far. No other VR games offer an experience of this depth or length and while you will have to make a number of adjustments before jumping in, I think it’s worth it. Fallout 4 VR is the best version of Fallout 4 and as more mods are released, I can only see it getting better. It’s by no means perfect and it’s very noticeable that this game has been adapted, rather than being built with VR in mind, but the end result is still something I can confidently recommend. If you’re a fan of Fallout 4 and own a HTC Vive, you won’t want to miss this!
80%