The upcoming mod, Fallout: Vault 13, aims to bring the classic gameplay and locations of Fallout 1 to life within the Fallout 4 game engine. Developed by a team of dedicated modders, Fallout: Vault 13 is a passion project that seeks to recreate the immersive world and engaging gameplay of the original Fallout game.
Game ZXC recently had the opportunity to interview Culinwino, one of the co-project leads of the highly anticipated Fallout: Vault 13 mod. During the interview, Culinwino provided insight into the diverse range of exciting features that players can expect to encounter in this upcoming mod. One of the most significant aspects that Culinwino discussed was the vast array of new and returning locations that players will be able to explore within the game. The Fallout: Vault 13 mod boasts a plethora of unique and intriguing settings that will immerse players in a brand-new Fallout experience.
Fallout: Vault 13 New Features
According to Culinwino, Vault 13 seeks to recreate the unique locations, gameplay mechanics, and storyline that made Fallout 1 a classic hit in Fallout 4's game engine. The team behind the mod has placed a strong emphasis on staying true to the original game, while also introducing new features to enhance the experience for players. Updated graphics and a modified skill system are just a few of the additions made to ensure the mod is as engaging and immersive as possible. While there are no new quests in the mod, there are a variety of new features including updated graphics, a modified skill system, and a revamped dialogue system. According to Culinwino, there will also be a variety of new creatures on the map.
“There won’t be any new quests or characters in Fallout: Vault 13 at launch, but we have expanded the variety of creatures you’ll be able to encounter in the wasteland I hope you’re ready for Yao Guai.”
Fallout 1 Locations in Fallout: Vault 13
In addition to these new features, Culinwino also revealed that Vault 13 will include a host of locations familiar to the original Fallout 1. In Fallout 1, players explored locations such as the Hub, the Boneyard, and the Cathedral. Each location in Fallout 1 was uniquely designed and contributed to the game's immersive post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Vault 13 will feature familiar locations from the original Fallout 1 game, such as Shady Sands, Necropolis, Junktown, and Vault 13. “While we have expanded some of the environments by a fair amount, players can still rely on original game strategy guides to successfully navigate the world,” Culinwino said.
Using the Fallout 4 engine, the development team has improved the graphics and gameplay mechanics of these iconic locations, making the mod much more immersive and realistic than the original game. The team has also broken the map down into five distinct playable areas, each with several base game locations as major landmarks. This decision not only aids development but also enhances gameplay, as players will be able to see one location from another, such as seeing Shady Sands from the outside of Vault 13 or viewing the eerie skyline of Necropolis from the rooftops in Junktown. As Culinwino said,
“Having visible landmarks like this seriously enhances the gameplay, and takes inspiration from other Fallout games having visible landmarks that the player can use to orient themselves."
The Challenges of Remaking Fallout 1 Within Fallout 4's Engine
The development of the Fallout: Vault 13 mod has not been without its challenges, as the project experienced some growing pains early on. As the project lead, the lack of experience in managing a larger team and prioritizing tasks created some minor issues in the beginning. However, the team has made significant improvements in this regard over the past two years and has been able to overcome these challenges with hard work and dedication. The team remains committed to creating a high-quality mod that remains true to the spirit of the original Fallout game.
One of the major successes of the Fallout 1 remake is the tremendous progress made in a relatively short amount of time. The game world looks almost indistinguishable from that of a professional studio, a testament to the team's commitment and passion for the project. The team is made up of volunteers who work on the project in their spare time after work or on weekends, making this progress all the more impressive. The success of the project so far is a testament to the team's dedication and passion for creating an immersive and authentic experience for fans of the Fallout series. Per Culinwino,
“With the way the game world looks, you would almost not be able to tell that it was created by a team of volunteers in their spare time after work or on a weekend. Our progress so far is a testament to just how dedicated our team is, and for that, I am very grateful.”
Fallout 4 is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions on the way in 2023.