Fallout 4managed to iterate on the franchise’s qualities in new and inventive ways, helping to make its wasteland feel as complex as past titles in the series. One way this was achieved was through the game’s diegetic music, which helped to build upon its characters and setting in a clever way. Withplans forFallout 5’s developmentpresumably in effect, the title’s own approach to music could benefit from a look at its predecessor, helping to build upon a series staple.
TheFalloutexperience has become entwined with its use of music, demonstrating just how significant it is to the gameplay experience.Fallout 4is no exception, as its Diamond City Radio is a core component of players' travels across stretches of nuclear fallout, making their journeys more compelling through the songs of legendary vocalists across the early to mid 1900s. One vocalist amongFallout 4’s musical score marks a bit of a departure from the rest of the title’s set list, though her inclusion provides an interesting take on the world’s diegetic music that the series' next installment could take inspiration from.
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Fallout 5 Could Use a Similar Music Model as The Third Rail
Diamond City Radio was the channel to tune into during arduous trips acrossFallout 4’s Commonwealth; its music comprised hit licensed songs spanning release dates from the 1930s through the 60s, including such legends as Nat King Cole and The Ink Spots. Like its predecessors,Fallout 4’s use of music helped bring some life to its wasteland, making close encounters with mutated creatures and unrelenting raiders an exciting event through its catchy tunes. This selection, along with the game’s fantastic ambient soundtrack by Inon Zur, would have proven enough for the game, but the titletook its musical approach a step further through one key way.
Situated in the Goodneighbor settlement of the Commonwealth was The Third Rail, a space quite swanky by the wasteland’s standards, outfitted with beer, Nuka Cola machines, and an illustrious singer named Magnolia. Voiced byLynda Carter, famous for her 70s role inWonder Woman, Magnolia was a diegetic force of music, filling the room with song as players explored and chatted with the bar’s patrons. Carter’s performance as the character helped add a dynamic sense to her depiction not just through her singing, but the lyrics themselves; the eponymous ‘Good Neighbor’ track relates some of Magnolia’s experiences across the settlement, building on references likeFallout 4’s cap currency and Diamond City.
With five total tracks performed by Carter, Magnolia’s songs make up a compelling set list to help accentuateFallout 4’s music. The character’s performance marks a noteworthy depiction of singing in the wasteland that shows a sense of life left in its inhabitants, which is a bit of an ironic quality given Magnolia’s synth origins. As with the game’s other music, these songs help to aid in the atmosphere and era for which the game draws inspiration from, making its world feel tangible and atmospheric.Fallout 5could draw from similar inspirations, leaning on diegetic cues beyond its radio to aid in the title’s score.
Depending on what time periodFallout 5chooses to emphasize, the title’s range of music could be vaster than ever before, similar to howFallout: New Vegasinterspersed songs from the 40s and 60s with more modern music situated around its release date.Fallout 5’s wasteland locationcould also help to inform much of its music, as its songs may be emphasized by the game’s environmental design choices. Through this, an approach similar to The Third Rail’s Magnolia would be a compelling take on its original tracks, with lyrics that could be referential to surrounding areas and characters within the game’s world.
Fallout 4is available now for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
