Is Fallout Based on the 50s or 60s?
Fallout, a popular post-apocalyptic video game series, has been a staple of the gaming world since its inception in the 1990s. With its unique blend of science fiction, horror, and dark humor, the game has captivated audiences worldwide. But have you ever wondered what inspired the game’s retro-futuristic setting? Is it based on the 1950s or the 1960s? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Fallout and explore the answers to this question.
A Brief History of Fallout
Fallout was first released in 1997 by Interplay Entertainment. The game was set in a post-apocalyptic world where a nuclear war had devastated the planet, and humanity was struggling to survive. The game’s setting was inspired by the Cold War era, with the United States and the Soviet Union locked in a bitter struggle for dominance. The game’s story was influenced by classic science fiction and horror films, as well as the author George Orwell’s dystopian novel "1984".
The 50s or 60s?
So, is Fallout based on the 1950s or the 1960s? The answer is a resounding "both". The game’s setting is heavily influenced by the 1950s, with its retro-futuristic architecture, neon-lit streets, and classic American diners. The game’s protagonist, the Vault Dweller, is also inspired by the classic American archetype of the 1950s, with his fedora hat and leather jacket.
Retro-Futurism
The 1950s were a time of great optimism and technological advancement, with the dawn of the nuclear age and the rise of space exploration. The game’s retro-futuristic setting is a nod to this era, with its vision of a future where technology and science had reached new heights. The game’s architecture, with its curved lines and neon lights, is reminiscent of the futuristic cities depicted in 1950s science fiction films.
The 1960s Influence
However, the game’s setting is not solely inspired by the 1950s. The game’s darker tone and themes of paranoia and conspiracy are reminiscent of the 1960s, with its fears of nuclear war and the rise of counterculture. The game’s portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world, where society has broken down and chaos reigns, is also a reflection of the 1960s’ fears of social and political collapse.
The Fallout Universe
The Fallout universe is a vast and complex one, spanning multiple games and storylines. The game’s world is divided into different eras, with each era having its own unique culture, architecture, and technology. The game’s characters are also influenced by the 1950s and 1960s, with their retro-futuristic fashion and slang.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fallout is a game that is heavily influenced by both the 1950s and the 1960s. The game’s retro-futuristic setting, characters, and architecture are a nod to the optimism and technological advancement of the 1950s, while its darker tone and themes of paranoia and conspiracy are a reflection of the fears and anxieties of the 1960s. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, horror, or retro-futurism, Fallout is a game that is sure to captivate and entertain.
Table: Timeline of Fallout
| Era | Description |
|---|---|
| 2077 | The Great War, a nuclear conflict that devastates the planet |
| 2080s | The United States and the Soviet Union engage in a series of proxy wars |
| 2090s | The Vault-Tec Corporation builds underground Vaults to protect humanity from nuclear war |
| 2161 | The game’s protagonist, the Vault Dweller, emerges from Vault 13 |
| 2241 | The game’s sequel, Fallout 2, takes place in the year 2241 |
| 2241-2250 | The game’s spin-off, Fallout: Tactics, takes place during this era |
| 2277 | The game’s third installment, Fallout 3, takes place in the year 2277 |
| 2287 | The game’s fourth installment, Fallout 4, takes place in the year 2287 |
Bibliography
- "Fallout: A Post-Nuclear Role-Playing Game" by Interplay Entertainment
- "Fallout 2: A Post-Nuclear Role-Playing Game" by Black Isle Studios
- "Fallout 3" by Bethesda Game Studios
- "Fallout 4" by Bethesda Game Studios
- "1984" by George Orwell