Why Does Fallout 4 Feel So Small?
Fallout 4, the latest installment in the beloved Fallout series, has received widespread acclaim for its engaging storyline, improved graphics, and vast open world. However, despite its impressive scope, many players have expressed disappointment with the game’s overall size and scale. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Fallout 4’s perceived smallness and explore the factors that contribute to this feeling.
Lack of Sense of Scale
One of the primary reasons Fallout 4 feels small is the lack of a sense of scale. The game’s world, while vast, is divided into smaller, isolated areas, making it difficult to feel like you’re exploring a truly massive environment. This is in contrast to other open-world games, such as Skyrim or Grand Theft Auto V, which feature more expansive and interconnected worlds.
Map Size vs. Gameplay Area
Another factor contributing to Fallout 4’s small feel is the disparity between the game’s map size and the actual playable area. While the game’s map is massive, the area you can actually explore is significantly smaller. This can lead to a sense of repetition and stagnation, as players are forced to revisit the same areas multiple times.
Repetitive Missions and Quests
Fallout 4’s mission and quest structure also plays a role in the game’s perceived smallness. Many of the game’s quests involve repetitive tasks, such as clearing out enemy strongholds or retrieving lost items. This repetition can make the game feel smaller and less engaging, as players are forced to repeat the same tasks over and over.
Comparison to Other Games
To put Fallout 4’s size into perspective, let’s compare it to other games in the series. Fallout 3, for example, features a massive open world that spans over 40 square miles. In contrast, Fallout 4’s world is roughly 12 square miles, making it significantly smaller. This disparity in size can contribute to the feeling of smallness and lack of scope.
Technical Issues
Finally, technical issues can also contribute to Fallout 4’s small feel. Poorly optimized graphics and framerate issues can make the game feel sluggish and unresponsive, further exacerbating the sense of smallness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fallout 4’s small feel is the result of a combination of factors, including the lack of sense of scale, disparity between map size and gameplay area, repetitive missions and quests, comparison to other games, and technical issues. While the game is still an excellent addition to the Fallout series, its perceived smallness is a significant drawback.