After Playing Fallout 4 Since Launch, I've Decided The Sole Survivor Is The Worst Part Of The Game

I love RPGs, so it will come as no surprise to anyone that I've poured thousands of hours into since its release in 2015. I scoured every inch of the Commonwealth to find hidden areas and odd side quests and made it my mission to recruit every companion every single playthrough. I adore the franchise, and, so it breaks my heart that it has such a glaring problem at its core with the Sole Survivor.

I've been playing since the very early days of the franchise, way back in 1997, shortly after the first game was released. Since then, I've steadily worked my way through each installment, finding new things each time to fall in love with as I immerse myself in the post-apocalyptic universe of the series. And when arrived, I dove straight in only to find an odd feeling of disappointment, and it took me a while to pinpoint the source.

had a generally good reception at launch, with many praising the improved graphics and combat system. However, it wasn't without its fair share of criticism, mostly linked to having a voiced protagonist, limited dialogue options, and repetitive quests. However, for me, being the lore and character nerd I am,the problem was the Sole Survivor and their lack of real identity. The Sole Survivor is a blank slate, which isn’t a bad thing in an RPG, but the problem is the Sole Survivor is never allowed to be a blank slate within the game’s story.

Fallout 4’s multiple endings depend on which of its factions the player character sides with — primarily the Institute. Here’s what each one affects.

To me, Nate and Nora are essentially the same character, vessels for the player to fill. Their dialogue in-game is the same whichever one I play. However, they are both given oddly specific backgrounds and the entirety of the main plot hinges on them being Shaun’s parents. So, they aren’t blank slates. Yet their veteran/lawyer backgrounds are completely irrelevant and don't even provide any starting skills. So, they are blank slates. And this cycle of back