Fallout 3 concept art and dev diary: Also, snacks

Recommended Videos

I’ll admit that I’m something of a weeaboo when it comes to RPGs — I generally prefer mine with a “J” in the front. Nevertheless, Nick and .tiff’s respective previews have gotten me pretty excited for Fallout 3, and concept artist Adam Adamowicz’s developer diary has only boosted that excitement. His piece, prosaically titled “Conceptual Design“, illuminates the process of creating the Fallout 3 universe within a cohesive art direction.

It seems that most of the art design focuses on highlighting the tension between pre- and post-apocalyptic society, exemplified, for example, in the Super Mutant’s armor: “I wanted recognizable elements twisted to a more violent purpose to reflect a sinister resourcefulness to surviving in a highly dangerous world,” writes Adamowicz. Every design aspect — the architecture, the clothes, the characters, the weapons, the enemies — reflects this kind shift from normal to disfigured.

He goes on to describe how the buildings will “connotate their prior use” while maintaining their sense of brooding and despair. Even animals and their predator-prey relationships will be distorted into what Adamowicz calls “a twisted ecosystem.” This is the kind of aesthetic that makes post-apocalyptic stories work: Burned out Washington D.C. will look just familiar enough to remind the player just how good it was and just how bad it is now.

If the new concept art is anything to go by, it seems that Vault 101 is going to be delightfully twisted, and I think that the design team at Bethesda have something to be proud of. Oh yeah, and the Super Mutants keep their victims strapped to their backs, just in case they get hungry later, which might just be the most metal thing since Polar Bear Attack


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Helldivers 2 players receive Quasar Cannon and Heavy Machine Gun Stratagems to support Automaton obliteration
helldivers 2 heavy machine gun HMG quasar cannon stratagems unlocked
Read Article The Witcher 4 development is forging ahead at CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 4 update
Read Article Bungie reveals Into the Light weapons are time-gated and Destiny 2 players aren’t happy
Related Content
Read Article Helldivers 2 players receive Quasar Cannon and Heavy Machine Gun Stratagems to support Automaton obliteration
helldivers 2 heavy machine gun HMG quasar cannon stratagems unlocked
Read Article The Witcher 4 development is forging ahead at CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 4 update
Read Article Bungie reveals Into the Light weapons are time-gated and Destiny 2 players aren’t happy