0
This week saw the release of Fallout 4, one of the most highly anticipated entries to series, which has already received vast, critical acclaim.
As a result this week’s edition of Four of a Kind will accept that the end is nigh and explore the inevitable wasteland via the top post-apocalyptic settings in retro gaming. In order to survive, some basic rules will be adhered to; the games featured are here due to their use of the post-apocalyptic setting, the concept as part of the narrative and, as usual, only one game per series.
1. Final Fantasy VI (SNES, Playstation)
Often viewed as a landmark for Role Playing Games and considered one of the best titles in the franchise, though some tout VII is superior, Final Fantasy VI utilises the perception of post-apocalyptic world brilliantly; in terms of both setting and story. Taking place on a large, unnamed world, the geography and landscape change due to various developments throughout the game’s plot.
At a later stage, the world truly becomes post-apocalyptic as Emperor Gestahl, the game’s main antagonist and Empire’s (the most advance nation) dictator, and his general Kefka reduce the world to a wasteland. Following this metamorphosis the visuals accurately represent inhospitable surroundings as the team of characters attempt to rebuild and defeat Kefka.
2. Wasteland (Apple II, Commodore 64, PC, Linux),
Set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic America, Wasteland is deemed as one of the first games of the genre and still regarded as one of the best. The plot theorises a global devastation following a nuclear war between US and Soviet Union in 1998. In the year 2087 the player commands Desert Rangers, a remnant force of the US Army, based in the South-Western United States.
The team are assigned to complete missions and tasks including; investigating disorder in nearby areas, exploring the remaining communities of human civilisation, searching for survivors, recruiting new squad members and defeating enemies. Wasteland’s positive aspects are; the ease of gameplay, deep plot, the skill and task system and graphics.
Many note the RPG elements of the game are the most innovative of the time and praise party members appearing similar to actual people.
3. Fallout (MS DOS, PC, MAC)
Some readers may argue the inclusion of Fallout breaks the self-imposed Four of a Kind rule regarding presenting only one game per series.
This is due to Interplay Productions stating that Fallout is the spiritual successor to Wasteland. However due to numerous reasons Fallout is a separate game (therefore series) influenced by the aforementioned title. Furthermore, Wasteland received an actual sequel in 2014. One could also believe the original Fallout set the benchmark for the series’ use of the post-apocalyptic landscape.
The plot revolves around a silent, unnamed protagonist who is one of many inhabitants inside Vault 13. During a specific point, the Water Chip, a computer chip responsible for the water recycling and pumping machinery, malfunctions. As a result the Vault Overseer tasks the protagonist with finding a replacement. Armed with, now series staple, ‘Pip-Boy 2000’ and basic equipment the protagonist leaves Vault 13 to explore above ground environment.
Interplay Productions gives the player free rein across the beautifully crafted desolate surroundings. Fallout draws on many influences such as; 1950s pulp magazines, advertisements and toys of the same period plus iconic science fiction tropes.
There are also many references to previous post-apocalyptic and futurism works.
4. Deus Ex (PC)
Developed by Ion Storm, published by Eidos Interactive and released in 2000, Deus Ex is a cyberpunk themed Role Playing Game within a post-apocalyptic backdrop. Set in 2052 an overwhelming pandemic has almost destroyed the entire human race with the only known cure for the disease, Ambrosia, under the control of a military stratocracy.
The player takes on the role of JC Denton, a nano-augmented UNATCO agent, travelling across various world locations in order to uncover a profound narrative consisting of references to many popular real world conspiracies and more than memorable characters. Despite the blocky, bland graphics Deus Ex successfully depicts a futuristic representation of actual locations i.e. Hong Kong influenced by the effects of a post-apocalyptic event.
This achievement is mostly owing to self-made fan mods, still being creating during this generation of gaming.
That concludes Four of a Kind’s exploration of video gaming’s end of world predictions. As always feels free to leave a comment discussing the games presented or titles that have been omitted from the list.
Honourable mentions: Mad Max (NES), Midwinter (Amiga, Atari ST), Beneath a Steal Sky (DOS, Amiga, PC), Half-Life 2 (PC, Xbox), Panzer Dragoon (Sega Saturn, PC, Playstation 2) and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (Gamecube)