Bethesda is known for a variety of different franchises, but few come close to the scale and popularity ofThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutgames. These two series of games have single-handedly introduced millions of gamers around the world to RPG’s.
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Since Bethesda acquired theFalloutfranchise back in the early 2000s, their development and gameplay features have been highly influential toThe Elder Scrollsfranchise. WithThe Elder Scrolls 6just on the horizon, Bethesda should take the time to borrow a thing or two from past successes while avoiding these past failures made in theFalloutfranchise.
10Borrow: The House/Settlement Building
When houses were introduced inSkyrimwith theHearthfireDLC, players were excited to get their hands on some in-game property. However, whenFallout 4released back in 2015, it launched with a system that not only lets you build your own house but multiple large settlements as well. It would be tragic to not see Bethesda expand upon this popular feature inSkyrim. With the high fantasy setting ofThe Elder Scrolls, it will be interesting to see what medieval settlements the game developers deliver come launch.
9Avoid: DLC Focused on Building
In today’s gaming landscape, it is only a matter of time before companies release DLC and additional content. So when Bethesda announced thatFallout 4would have a season pass back in 2015, players were not surprised. They were surprised, however, that three out of the five DLCs were focused solely on the building features. Although the building mechanics in the game were a welcome and popular feature, they hardly warranted their own DLC packs.WithThe Elder Scrolls 6still a ways off,here’s hoping that Bethesda has had plenty of time to flush out a housing/settlement system that doesn’t warrant additional DLC content.
8Borrow: The Infinite Level Cap
Reaching max level is nice, but do you know what’s even nicer? Over-leveling way past your enemies only to one-shoot every single one of them with ease. InFallout 4, this was entirely possible because Bethesda didn’t introduce a level cap, a notable departure from previous games.
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With the endless fun the lack of a level cap brings, it is doubtful that Bethesda would backpedal from this. That is unless Bethesda is trying to actively differentiate the two series by developing different leveling systems.
7Avoid: Radiant Quests
“Another settlement needs your help!” If you cringed at the mere sound of that, then you know where this is going. Radiant quests inFallout 4were endless quests that offered very little content and became tiresome after multiple attempts. Although they were meant to offer missions well after players completed all the game had to offer, these missions could have been executed better. Bethesda is better off going back to the drawing board to evolve this type of questing system. That is until they come back with a more meaningful and enjoyable repetitive questing cycle.
6Borrow: Weapon & Armor Modding
One of the biggest features introduced inFallout 4was the weapon and armor modding system. This was a noticeable upgrade fromSkyrim.Fallout 4was the first Bethesda game to let you configure your arsenal into entirely different gun variations. If Bethesda carries this feature over toThe Elder Scrolls 6, it will be interesting to see what they can do with all the different materials and enchantments players have at their disposal.
5Avoid: A Voiced Protagonist
With rumors still circulating aboutThe Elder Scrolls 6, we have yet to pin down the exact location of where the next installment will take place.However, one thing that should be pinned down by now is the fact that Bethesda should not include another voiced protagonist.
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Although this was a feature that had mixed reception, one thing remains true for both sides. The magic of projecting the player’s internal voice onto the game’s dialogue options disappeared with voice acting. To preserve that magic in a world where magic actually exists, Bethesda is better off sticking with a silent protagonist.
4Borrow: The Traveling Tunes
Although The Elder Scrolls is well known for its iconic music, there are quieter moments when traveling between destinations. One featureThe Elder Scrolls 6can borrow from Fallout is its implementation of traveling tunes. The continent of Tamriel might be missing a Pip-Boy, but one replacement that fits the high-fantasy setting is bards. Singing NPCs already exist within the franchise, and it would be interesting to have a bard chronicling the player’s exploits rather than another sword-wielding companion.
3Avoid: Simplified Dialogue
When Bethesda unveiledFallout 4, players initially may have been excited to see voice acting and the improved graphics. However, they were unaware of one significant change.Fallout 4had done away with complicated dialogue options in favor of a more simplified approach. Gone were the well written and nuanced dialogue options ofFallout 3andFallout: New Vegas. They were instead replaced with button prompts that often lead to unintentional aggression, attacks, or actions that would have been clearer with the previous system. Hopefully,The Elder Scrolls 6takes a page out ofSkyrim’sbook rather thanFallout 4’swith regards to dialogue.
2Borrow: Non-Human Companions
If there is one thing theFalloutfranchise has done exceptionally well, it has to be its companions. Players have always knownFalloutfor having dynamic and well-written human and non-human characters to interact with. AlthoughThe Elder Scrollsfranchise might not be a stranger to companions, one thing the sixth installment in the franchise can learn fromFalloutis to include more non-human companions.
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Fallout: New Vegashad ED-E, whileFallout 3had the famous Fawkes. With the deep lore and history surroundingThe Elder Scrollsfranchise, it will be interesting to see what Bethesda delivers. Anything can happen in a world infested with Frost Antronachs, werewolves, and dragons!
1Avoid: An Undefined Season Pass at Launch
WithThe Elder Scrolls 6still rumored to be a few years off, Bethesda has plenty of time to iron out the game and its inevitable DLC. If players remember,Fallout 4had a very interesting thing happen with its season pass. Not only did Bethesda increase the amount of content offered with the season passes from 3 to 5 offerings, but they also increased the price of the season pass only a few weeks after its initial run at a lower price. WhenThe Elder Scrolls 6and its inevitable DLC come around, hopefully, the developers have better communication with how the season pass will be delivered.
