Because Bethesda has ritualistically set the debate in motion with its recent tweet on Fallout 76, some players hug the ambience it has acquired of late, whereas others do not know what to think of it. The official Fallout account shared an artwork by Andy Fairhurst that painted an image of Appalachia as an easy-going wasteland filled with fishing, C.A.M.P.s, and smiles. May be not that many people are in favour of a peaceful-cozy apocalypse.
First of all, let’s get our eyes on the artwork. It is just gorgeous! Created by the talented Andy Fairhurst for Poster Posse, it exudes this oddly serene post-nuclear aura-good, but maybe with good fishing. Players, including @Ladybug_bu and @greasyfries710, could not stop gushing about it and tagged it as magnificent and seriously dope. And while I might take the cake for being biased, I truly agree-it has great colors and very strong moods.
On the other hand, many Fallout fans have been wondering when did their series turn into Stardew Valley with radiation. Comments like, “I shouldn’t have a cozy Fallout. I want a real wasteland,” by @KittyMeow69EN and “The problem is Fallout is not supposed to feel cozy,” by @VarlusMD pretty much sum up both sides of the camp. Others countered with airtight logic: Some considered that basically the franchise just sort of lost its edge and is now a fishing-simulator instead of a survival-horror.
Speaking of fishing… there actually is fishing now. It was introduced by Bethesda in an update and reactions were totally split, from embracing to condemning. @station069 paid homage with the words “nostalgic and wholesome.” However, the naysayers were louder. “@KalApka2” said boring, with an elongated ‘oooooo.’ Meanwhile, @ChrisBa77029362 said that they intend to put their fishing gear away after three attempts (whew!).
And then come the monetization grumbles. @xCali9x pointed out the “$30 improved bait generator,” which… yeah, that’s a choice. Soon after, @TheBardess reportedly ranted about the “way too much Fallout 1st exclusive items” stuffed in the new season. That newsworthy Bethesda drama-cool ideas, if questionable pricing.
However, not everyone is mad. @idcaboutnothin called it a “W game! W community,” with @LPChamberlain begging for a free-to-play version so more of their friends can partake in the fun. Meanwhile, @Mischievous1665 is hyped about seeing Ghram in the art. Priorities!
Also in the wild is @MVRKOFFCL dreaming up a Fallout/DOOM crossover (chaotic but possibly brilliant), and @rafagranadousa just throwing out a random Starfield on PS5 inquiry (lol, good luck with that).
So what’s the verdict? Trying some new things with Fallout 76-One big split. Some want hardcore survival; others are just happy to chill fishing in an irradiated river. Bethesda has got people talking, and really, half the battle is won.
If you’re the kind who likes chilling in a post-apocalyptic setting, then one thing is for sure: Appalachia will be waiting on you! Just don’t forget bait!
