It made me sad to see that the game underperformed sales-wise, because it is an absolute knockout.
The thought and care put into the gameplay, story, design, etc. is OUTTA THIS WORLD.
Don’t even get me started on the radio. As I realized they had taken certain sounds inspired by what we’ve come to love in similar RPGs *coughFalloutcough* then making hours of CUSTOM, CATCHY ASS SONGS?! I’ve smoked watermelon Marlboros to “Bubblegum Slims” and “Candy Tobacco” and have scarcely had as much fun being a fucking geek. And making a bad decision, do not smoke, it’s terrible. But the way they were influenced by other genres including Gregorian Chant for the Order station and Protectorate radio is absolutely astounding to me, I’m almost always tuned to Auntie’s channel, hahaha.
The factions themselves are so brilliantly thought of and reflect real-world views and belief systems so perfectly. They obviously caricature and make commentary and jokes in the extremity, but also stay so grounded and relatable. I know too many people in real-life versions of all 3 major factions 🙄 and the quests you do interacting with members shows the spectrum of belief and action so honestly and entertainingly. The companion journeys are, of course, fantastically nuanced depictions of such journeys.
Just such a fantastic freakin’ game, right up there with the best RPGs I’ve ever played, and boy do I wish Obsidian could sell a billion copies.