Fallout: New Vegasis often hailed by many as their favorite of the franchise, despite being a spin-off. Nonetheless, due to some controversy around the time of its release, a potential sequel has never manifested. Now, with Microsoft purchasing Bethesda and Obsidian Entertainment being under the same roof, it’s more possible than ever than a bonafideFallout: New Vegas 2(or some form of spiritual successor)manifests in the next few years.
Of course, that’s likely quite some time away even ifFallout: New Vegaswas made in a total of roughly 18 months. With next-gen consoles here and far more, fans can likely expect a ton of RPG and graphical improvements, but there’s one area that commonly plagues Bethesda games that should be improved: companions.
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Fallout: New Vegas Companions
InFallout: New Vegas, players could have two companions at the same time: one humanoid and one non-humanoid. Not counting DLC characters, this included Arcade Israel Gannon (a member of the Followers of the Apocalypse), Craig Boone (a former NCR sniper), Lily Bowen (a nightkin and former assassin of the Master’s Army), Raul Alfonso Tejada (a ghoul mechanic), Cass (former caravan merchant), Veronica Santangelo (a disillusionedBrotherhood of Steel scribe), ED-e (a prototype eyebot) and Rex (a cyberdog).
As varied as they may sound on paper, this didn’t really translate to gameplay as well. Each had a little unique opportunity to get them, but afterward, had little-to-no bearing on the story. They followed the Courier and could carry stuff for the Courier, not really being that much different fromSkyrim’s notoriously lackluster companions, but at the end of the day, the game wouldn’t be much different if they weren’t included. They had the interest and the potential (just look at Lily) to be bigger than they were, but for whatever constraints, they didn’t live up to their full potential.
Fallout: New Vegas 2 Companions Could Learn From The Outer Worlds
As a result,Fallout: New Vegas 2could look at what was done right and wrong in the first game and take it to the next level, although expectations should be kept in check. It’s unlikely that any game with Bethesda stamped on it will utilize companions the same as BioWare, as these characters moved stories forward inMass EffectandDragon Age. But, with Obsidian Entertainment being the best hopeful lead to makeFallout: New Vegas 2,there is a lesson inThe Outer Worlds.
Characters like Parvati were a perfect fit withinThe Outer Worlds, while others like SAM brought the imagination ever forward. Each character played a unique role in the overarching story, often adding their own thoughts to the world around them. It wasn’t a full leap into a companion-influenced story, but it was close enough that players would often have to react. For example,The Outer Worldscompanionscould permanently die (which only happens on hardcore inNew Vegas), meaning players had to really consider if they wanted to reload to save Felix.
Of course, there’s a lot of variables and it’s unlikely thatFallout: New Vegas 2would play exactly likeThe Outer Worlds.Instead, it could be a culmination of Obsidian’s powerhouse-like development achievements. With games likeThe Outer Worlds, Grounded,and the upcomingAvowed, Obsidian has proven that its acquisition by Microsoft may eventually elevate both companies in the coming years. Indeed, there’s even a secret project at Obsidian, one unlikely to beFallout: New Vegas 2,but whatever comes of it, there will always be fans singing theoriginalNew Vegas' praises.
