How ‘Fallout 4: Nuka-World’ References Previous Fallout Games

Chad H.
Games Fallout
Games Fallout

Fallout 4: Nuka-World is the big finale for Bethesda’s Fallout 4. The new expansion promises six whole worlds of fun. It is also a chance to say good-bye to Fallout 4 while taking a nostalgic walk down Fallout memory lane and remembering previous games in the series.

Everything Old Is New Again

And old friend returns

Nuka-World sees both a familiar face and a familiar faction return. Sierra Petrovita, the crazy Nuka-Cola fanatic from Fallout 3 returns to enlist you on her quest to get access to the office of the founder of Nuka-Cola.  She is just as crazy for Nuka-Cola as ever, and invites you to come along.

Just outside of Nuka-World’s gates sit Fallout 2’s Hubologists, a faction many could draw similarities with the Church of Scientology.  Much like their real-world inspiration, these Hubologists also obsesses over spirits plaguing humanity, a charismatic leader, and elaborate ranking system, and space.

At various points in the park, particularly near Galactic Zone, you’ll see a sculpture depicting a bottle orbiting a globe.  Not only is this sculpture present in Fallout 3 (albeit with a rocket instead) but it is reminiscent of the old logo for Interplay, the publisher where Fallout was born.

Starting Out

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The Star Control Tower in Nuka-World is reminiscent of the Lucky 38 from Fallout: New Vegas.

Nuka-World‘s opening moments take place during a ride on a monorail. This same convention was used in Fallout: New Vegas, offering cheap and easy access to the Strip. Once you initial ride is over (and before you can enjoy any of the excitement of Nuka-World) you’ll be herded through the Gauntlet, a maze full of traps and enemies.  Should you survive the Gauntlet, you’ll then have to fight in a duel to the death. This may lead Fallout 2 fans to recall their time in the Temple of Trials and shudder.

Another character hints at a quest line to repair the power generators of the park in order to restore the lights and rides to an operational state. This coupled with walking around silent rides and reading terminal messages of long dead staff in an uninhabited sector of the park might lead some classic Fallout fans to remember their days clearing out The Glow.

There are even familiar points in the skyline, with the Star Control tower looking suspiciously like the Lucky 38, and the Northern Reservoir being reminiscent of Hoover Dam.

Around the Park

Fallout-Nuka-World-Parks

With one of the parks based on a western town, there’s plenty of memories to find for New Vegas fans amongst the ruins of the Mad Mulligan’s Mine roller coaster (not unlike the one at Primm). Not only can you work as a deputy for a robotic sheriff, you can also have a drink of root beer at the saloon (even if it is Nuka-Cola Wild rather than Sunset Sarsparilla).

Fallout 2 fans might remember that Mariposa played host to Melchior the Magnificent, a stage magician who has gained true magical powers through the wonders of Science! The current ruler of Kiddy Kingdom, Oswald the Outrageous, similarly has developed magical powers, but through radiation rather than FEV.

Galactic Zone is home to Vault Tec’s “Among the Stars” exhibit.  This attraction is supposedly what a Vault might be like on another world.  Strangely, it’s not that different to vaults you’ve already explored.  This interplanetary setting might leave longtime Fallout fans wondering if this is a sideways admission of the true purpose of the Vaults as intergalactic travel testbeds as suggested in Van Buren.

Fans of Fallout Tactics aren’t forgotten either, completing Sierra’s quest will bring you face to face with Mr. Nuka-Cola himself, John-Caleb Bradberton, or at least his head in a jar. Those who completed Tactics will remember meeting more than a few of these.

Replaying Fallout 4

The Fallout 4: Nuka-World DLC also opens new ways to experience the Fallout 4 base game. The Raider groups each offer quests that veer back into the main Commonwealth. Sometimes these quests are just an attack, sometimes they ask you to nab and enslave a nearby Wastelander.

Automatron content is fair game as well. Special Nuka-World versions of your favorite robots are on hand.  Destroying these bots will grant parts to customize your robots with lovely new colors and weapons.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

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Nuka-World at night.

Fallout 4: Nuka-World borrows heavily from Fallout games of the past. None of this detracts from the game. Like the Fallout: New Vegas add-on, Old World Blues, Nuka-World takes from the old to create something completely new.

Fallout has never been the most original series to begin with. It openly references and remixes elements from games, movies, and other media — as well as its own history — to great success.  Rather than just being derivative, it creates something new that stands on its own as unique. Nuka-World is no exception. This DLC provides a great way to relive memories of the Fallout games of yore while closing the curtain on the amazing ride that has been Fallout 4.

Chad H.