What is Dogmeat a reference to?

What is Dogmeat a Reference to?

Dogmeat, the loyal canine companion in the Fallout series, has been a beloved character among fans since his introduction in Fallout 3. But have you ever wondered what inspired the developers to create this iconic character? In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of Dogmeat and explore the various references that make him a unique and memorable part of the Fallout universe.

The Inspiration Behind Dogmeat

Dogmeat’s design was inspired by the film Mad Max 2, released in 1981. The main character, Max Rockatansky, is accompanied by a loyal dog named Dog, who plays a crucial role in the story. The developers of Fallout 3, Bethesda Game Studios, drew inspiration from this iconic character and created their own version, Dogmeat.

Character Design

Dogmeat was modeled after a Blue Heeler breed, a type of Australian cattle dog known for its intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature. His design was influenced by the Mad Max 2 film, with a focus on creating a loyal and protective companion for the player character.

Fallout 4 – The Evolution of Dogmeat

In Fallout 4, Dogmeat’s design was slightly altered to reflect the game’s new art style. His model was based on a German Shepherd, a breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. River, the real-life dog that inspired Dogmeat’s design, was a female German Shepherd.

Perks and Abilities

Dogmeat has two unique perks that set him apart from other companions in the Fallout series. The first perk is Lone Wanderer, which allows the player character to keep Dogmeat as a companion without affecting the game’s story or dialogue. The second perk is Attack Dog, which allows Dogmeat to become a formidable fighter in combat.

Comparison to Other Companions

Dogmeat is often compared to other companions in the Fallout series, such as Codsworth, a robot companion with advanced combat capabilities. While Codsworth is a more skilled fighter, Dogmeat’s loyalty and protective nature make him a valuable companion in his own right.

Can I Have Dogmeat and Nick?

Unfortunately, the game’s developers scrapped the original plan to allow the player character to have multiple companions, including Dogmeat and Nick Valentine, a human companion with advanced combat capabilities. This decision was made to prevent the game’s story and dialogue from becoming too complex.

The Meat Trade

In a surprising twist, Dogmeat’s name is also a reference to the meat trade, a controversial practice in which dogs are raised and slaughtered for human consumption. This reference adds a layer of depth to Dogmeat’s character, highlighting the complex and often disturbing themes that are present in the Fallout series.

Conclusion

Dogmeat, the loyal canine companion in the Fallout series, is a reference to the film Mad Max 2 and the real-life dog River. His design was influenced by the Blue Heeler breed and the German Shepherd breed, and he has two unique perks that set him apart from other companions in the game. While he may not be the most skilled fighter, Dogmeat’s loyalty and protective nature make him a valuable companion in his own right.