Bethesda Game Studios' role playing games almost always have a few things in common. They feature massive worlds to get lost in and are usually filled wit

Big; beautiful world to explore; Deep crafting system; Replay value; so much to do and see

Frame rate issues; Horrible AI companions and enemies

Confession time: I am an elitist jerk. Case in point, I am presented with the opportunity to review the most anticipated game of 2015 a week before it launches. The game in question is Fallout 4. My initial reaction? Whining, of course, because I had to play it on the PS4.

Improved graphics; spoken dialog adds to story immersion; crafting system allows for weapon and armor customization; lots to do in game

Some odd NPC path-finding behavior; one crash during prolonged gameplay; jury is still out on settlement building

Bethesda can usually be counted on to publish high-quality DLC for the Fallout games. Since Fallout 3 , most of the add-ons feature entirely new areas off of the main campaign map, complete with new storylines to follow.

Robot companions' sassy dialogue

Not enough new weapons

It may not be your daddy's Fallout but it's an amazing experience nonetheless.

Stunning graphics; great new setting for series; interesting enemies; intruiging plot; intense set pieces; huge amount of content; new power armor mechanics are great

Facial animations can look weird; settlement system is a bit of a hassle; character leveling system feels like it creates weak characters

Think calm and composed thoughts…Oh forget that folks! Fallout 4 is finally here and it's been an absolute blast to experience. It's been seven grueling long years since Bethesda Softworks and Bethesda Game Studios released Fallout 3 onto the masses and over those years millions of players have...

Positives Vast immersive world with dynamic weather Sense of belonging in the world Crafting system and an actual use for all that junk

Negatives NPC pathing and Dogmeat still gets in the way Delays in conversation moments Sound mixing

The next generation of Bethesda Softworks' particular brand of open-world role-playing games has arrived, and the wait has absolutely been worth it. Depth, poignancy, excitement, mature storytelling. Fallout 4 has it all, and more.

Bethesda games like Fallout 3, Skyrim, and Oblivion are similar in key ways. They're absolutely massive, containing both a hefty amount of freedom and technical troubles. Fallout 4, in the most reductive sense, also fits into that description.

It's more Fallout. If you liked Fallout 3, you'll probably like this.

The same great immersive systems and gameplay we've come to expect from Bethesda

Not much really "new" here to talk about; the additions feel almost vestigial and don't enhance the game overall

Fallout 4 is too big for me to tell you even a fraction of all there is to say about it. Its user interface is often too opaque, and at times Fallout 4 has some of the same technical issues as Bethesda's previous games, from strange AI quirks to performance hitches and actual hard locks of the...

The blue sky turned bland, and the sun faded behind a thick, green smog. I'd seen this kind of thing before. It was a radiation storm. Lightning snapped down in the distance but swirled closer to my location.