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The Retrofuturist Vision of Fallout and Its Space Connections
The world of Fallout is a unique and captivating setting, set in an alternative universe that diverged after World War II. The franchise is known for its mid-20th-century-style science fiction aesthetic, often referred to as the World of Tomorrow. It paints a vivid picture of the advancements of the Atomic Age, presenting a retrofuturist vision of Earth before the catastrophic global thermonuclear war of 2077.
While the Fallout video game series primarily focuses on the aftermath of the nuclear apocalypse, with games set in the years following the devastation, there is a recurring theme of fascination with outer space and the advancements in space exploration that took place before the Great War. This element adds depth to the world-building that makes Fallout such a rich and immersive experience, with numerous references to space exploration woven into the fabric of the game.
Bethesda’s Ongoing Exploration of Space
Bethesda Game Studios, the developer behind the modern Fallout games, has shown a consistent interest in space exploration throughout its titles. This fascination culminated in the release of Starfield in 2023, a new IP that delves into humanity’s future among the stars. While Fallout fans are encouraged to explore the intricacies of the Fallout universe, those with a particular interest in science fiction should also consider exploring the plethora of space-themed games available today, as well as those on the horizon for 2024 and beyond.
The Griffith Observatory in the Fallout TV Series
One of the intriguing connections to outer space in the Fallout TV series involves the Griffith Observatory located in Los Angeles. Set in 2296, after the events of the Fallout games, the Griffith Observatory appears to serve as a base of operations for the formidable Brotherhood of Steel. The location offers strategic advantages, lending itself to easy fortification and defense against rival factions and mutated threats, while providing a vantage point for monitoring the surrounding area.
Before the nuclear devastation, the Griffith Observatory had ties to the Vault-Tec Corporation, known for its construction of massive underground Vaults. Designated as a “Science & Friendship Center,” the observatory survived the Great War and came under the control of the New California Republic before falling into the hands of the Brotherhood of Steel. This transition reflects the shift in power dynamics and ideologies following the apocalypse.
Captain Cosmos, Nuka-Girl, and Space Aesthetics
The Fallout universe features iconic characters such as Captain Cosmos and Nuka-Girl, both of whom embody the retro space aesthetic prevalent in the franchise. Captain Cosmos is a multimedia franchise inspired by 1950s pulp magazines and cartoons, with a rich lore that extends across various forms of entertainment within the game world. Nuka-Girl, on the other hand, symbolizes the Space Age theme adopted by the Nuka-Cola Corporation following a legal dispute over bottle designs, leading to a rebranding that propelled the company to new heights.
The Enigmatic Zetan Aliens
The Zetan aliens, introduced in the Fallout 3 expansion pack Mothership Zeta, have evolved into a significant aspect of the Fallout mythos. Inspired by popular culture references to gray aliens, the Zetans are portrayed as a clandestine alien species with a history of abducting humans and animals. The player’s encounter with the Zetans aboard the Mothership Zeta in Fallout 3 provides a memorable and surreal experience, offering a glimpse into the world beyond Earth.
The Great Journey to the Far Beyond
One of the standout side quests in Fallout New Vegas, ‘Come Fly With Me,’ explores the ambitious mission of Jason Bright and his ghoul followers to embark on a Great Journey to the Far Beyond using repurposed rockets. The quest presents players with moral dilemmas and challenges, culminating in a decision that impacts the fate of Jason and his Brotherhood. The quest rewards players with a space suit and helmet, underscoring the game’s thematic focus on space exploration and the human desire to reach beyond Earth’s confines.
Space Exploration and Lunar Battles
The United States Space Administration (USSA) serves as a significant element in the Fallout lore, mirroring NASA’s role in real-world space exploration. From achievements like sending animals to space to lunar landings and a fictional conflict on the moon, the USSA’s history in the Fallout universe is filled with intrigue and mystery. Fallout 76 further explores the remnants of a crashed space station that sheds light on the USSA’s pre-war endeavors, offering players a deeper understanding of the game’s space-related narrative.
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