First Steps: Freedom in the Open World (Part 5)

Welcome to Part 4 of my “First Steps” project which focuses on restrictions, guidance, and freedom in the initial moments of open world games. You may find it helpful to visit Part 1 for an introduction to the project and an overview of my line of inquiry. In the weeks to come, I’ll also be playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Grand Theft Auto V. In previous weeks I wrote about The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Horizon Zero Dawn.

I hope you enjoy my observations and brief reflections on the opening of Fallout 4!

Fallout 4 — Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, Nov. 10, 2015

• Played on PlayStation 4
• Time played: 1 hour, 4 minutes

Spoiler Warning: While I avoid major spoilers for the games discussed as part of this project, know that minor spoilers may lie ahead. Discussion of each game’s plot/narrative…