The sound of an old radio playing music in a ruined world is a key part of the modernFalloutexperience. InFallout 4, Diamond City Radio offers a diverse but often repetitive mix of songs that matches the struggles of life in the Commonwealth. Its rockabilly style and the nervous chatter of Travis Miles add character, creating a sense of community in the aftermath of disaster. However, it doesn’t quite capture the charm of the previous game’s radio, Radio New Vegas. That station wasn’t just a collection of old songs; it created a unique atmosphere that really fit the Mojave Wasteland.
WhileFallout 4does have some classic tracks, many focus on themes of nuclear war. This approach, although understandable,doesn’t have the depth that Radio New Vegas had. The songs in New Vegas felt more like they were trying to make a bad situation good, and the radio host blended seamlessly into the experience, unlike inFallout 4, where the host is depressing and very uncharismatic.
Fallout 4’s Radio Is Too Focused On The Nuclear Apocalypse
It Gets Really Old Really Quickly
Fallout 4’s radio has some enjoyable songs and features the quirky Travis Miles as the host of Diamond City Radio, but it misses the mark by sticking too closely to a straightforward view of its post-apocalyptic world.The soundtrack contains a lot of songs with obvious themesabout atomic energy, the fall of society, and feelings of impending doom. It’s so on the nose that it feels overdone, and stands out likeFallout 4’s plot holes.
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Fallout 5 is a chance for the franchise to return to what made it great, but it could also change pace and continue the story it started in Boston.
This makes for a predictable listening experience that doesn’t have the variety and surprising choices found on the radios ofFallout 3andNew Vegas. While it’s nice to hear some classic 1950s and 60s tunes, it’s not as fun to hear about how the world is going to end repeatedly. This results in a theme that prevents the music from being both atmospheric and fun. Instead of feeling like a real radio station with a diverse mix of music that fits a post-apocalyptic world,it feels more like a playlist meant for aFallout-themed party.
It loses the unique spirit and variety that would make the wasteland feel more authentic,turning into an echo chamber of one basic concept. The focus on songs about atomic themes leaves little room for more subtle or ironic tracks, which takes away from the whimsical oddities that made the series' best audio experiences so enjoyable. The host of Diamond City Radio also feels so depressed and unfocused that when he comes in, it feels more like an interruption, putting Travis Miles up there with theSole Survivor as a despisedFallout 4character.
Radio New Vegas Shows What Fallout Radio Can Be
Fallout Made A Great Station Already
Radio New Vegas stands out as a prime example of how to create an engaging and memorable radio experience in a video game. It goes beyond just matching a theme and offers a lively mix of music that reflects the unique personality of the Mojave Wasteland and its people.The smooth and charming voice of Wayne Newtonas Mr. New Vegas is the best star Obsidian Entertainment could have found to host. He helps make the station an important part of the game’s world and connects the player to the story.
The playlist features music from the 40s, 50s, and 60s that fits the Las Vegas vibe,blending the glitz of old Vegas with the harsh reality of a post-apocalyptic world. The songs range from lively swing tracks to sad ballads, capturing the various emotions and stories within the game. Weirdly enough,Fallout 4radio feels more fitting inStarfieldsometimes because it’s not so on the nose.
I grew up in Las Vegas, which is my hometown. I have worked on the Strip for years, and I have to say thatRadio New Vegas matches the energy so wellthat I would confidently say this is how the radio would be ifFalloutwere real. It’s why I side with Robert House, because the house always wins.
Additionally, the station does news updates that reference the player’s actions, creating a more interactive experience that’s far better than the wayFallout 4mentions the player’s actions, which feels like it rarely happens. Radio New Vegas' updates feel less like just background noise and morelike a reflection of the player’s choices and eventshappening in the game, adding depth and making the wasteland feel more alive. Overall, it builds a stronger connection between the player and the game world.
Fallout Games Have To Find A Tricky Balance Point
It’s Hard But Doable
Falloutgames are about the post-nuclear war, but it didn’t feel like the radio stations were singularly about that war. Three Dog fromFallout 3and Mr. New Vegas fromFallout New Vegasfelt like they were just running radio stations that happened to come after the apocalypse. They wanted to entertain people who were looking to escape their current woes. Realistically,Diamond City Radio would have really low ratings because it’s not an escape.
Fallout 4is the onlyFalloutgame I play where I turn off the radio, and that’s because it’s not very fun to have on.Falloutneeds to attempt to balance the dark and often violent realities of a post-apocalyptic world with a quirky retro charm and a sense of humor. The radio stations in these games play a crucial role in maintaining this balance. They need to fit the game’s theme while also being entertaining enough to listen to during hours of gameplay.The music can’t get too serioussince it’s still a game, but it also shouldn’t stray too far from the themes of societal collapse and its consequences.
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Each game’s radio station gives catchy tunes and improves the game’s atmosphere through its music and the host’s commentary. This balance can be tricky because each game has a unique vibe and narrative goals. The music must fit the game’s world while connecting emotionally with the player. You get a perfect mix of in-game logic, meaningful themes, and great music when they get it right.Fallout 4is an example of getting it wrong, where the music feels disconnected from the game or too obvious. That took away from what made the game special.
In the nextFalloutgame, Bethesda needs to see whereFallout 4’s radio station fell short. Travis Miles seems human, but his song choices make it seem like he’s happier than anyone else that the world ended. Of course, the moment he talks, his lack of charisma just shows that he likely doesn’t know what he’s doing and may just be unable to read the room. Either way, the next game’s music needs to be better.
Fallout 4
Bethesda’s action RPG Fallout 4 puts players into the vault suit of the Lone Survivor, a pre-war soldier from an alternate future cryogenically frozen inside Vault 111. After their infant son is kidnapped, they venture out into the irradiated wasteland of the Commonwealth to scour the ruins of Boston for any sign of him. In doing so, they encounter various factions and companions and use an array of skills and abilities to navigate the apocalyptic remnants of society.
