Amazon’s Fallout Show: How It Can Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of What Makes a Great Video Game Adaption From Other Recent Attempts

How to avoid falling out with the fan base.

Amazon’s Fallout Show: How It Can Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of What Makes a Great Video Game Adaption From Other Recent Attempts

SUMMARY

  • The upcoming Fallout adaptation certainly looks exciting, and there are many things the show can (and cannot) do to be great.
  • Based on the success of Twisted Metal and The Last of Us, there are a lot of great lessons to be learned.
  • Unlike how Halo chose to be its very own thing, Fallout can mix things up by experimenting as well as staying true to the source material.
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The upcoming Fallout adaptation is something that’s been sitting patiently in a space of hope and anticipation. Whether you’re a fan of the original games from Bethesda or not, there’s a certain set of expectations every time a new adaptation comes into the mix.

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Amazon’s adaptation of the game isn’t any different, and there’s a range of expectations the fanbase has. From the characters to the world-building, here’s a brief look at all the shoulds and shouldn’ts.

Sticking to Fallout’s Original Source Material

The franchise has stood the test of time through different stories and settings.
The franchise has stood the test of time through different stories and settings.

Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic world has been an open canvas for several narrative directions, offbeat stories, emotional arcs, and more. Given how large the landscapes have been, both geographically and emotionally, it’s a great opportunity for the show to make use of every possible story and personality that’s available in this broken world.

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This was quite evident in The Last of Us, as the show practically adapted every cutscene and relationship that was crafted so well in the original video game. It did introduce a few new angles and ways of telling the same story, but it never chose to deviate heavily from the original narrative set by Naughty Dog.

On that note, Fallout needs to bring the virtual back gracefully into reality, giving fans a sense of familiarity while still experimenting with new stories. This allows the actors to be more in touch with their roles, and the writers make the most of an opportunity that allows them to craft stories that gamers haven’t experienced.

‘Just Be Yourself’ Is Advice to Be Taken Lightly

Considering the casting and narrative choices, there's a lot to expect from the show.
Considering the casting and narrative choices, there’s a lot to expect from the show.

Not too long ago, audiences received an adaptation based on Halo, a popular franchise by 343 Industries. Unfortunately, the TV show found its inspiration in everything that did not make the games great. Narrative choices, characters, and sci-fi elements just didn’t fit together, and Halo was trying to be its own thing on TV screens. Maybe a bit too much.

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It’s not always a bad idea when a show decides to be its own thing, but it needs to be done in a certain way. Take an example from Twisted Metal, a show based on the popular PlayStation franchise. In an interview with the show’s lead actors, we learned how important it has been to keep the source material and novel creative choices in harmony.

This kind of synchronization is important for the upcoming Fallout adaptation, and the show needs to feel larger than its different pieces. These pieces are character stories, set design, cinematic sequences, and more.

Furthermore, it always helps to add in those Easter eggs and references that directly link the show’s world to the games in one way or another.

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What are your thoughts on the upcoming Fallout adaptation? What is something you’d like to see in the show? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by Tanay Sharma

Articles Published: 447

Tanay wears more hats than Red Dead Redemption 2 characters. He's a musician, writer, voice-over artist and adores interactive media. His favourite games are the ones with memorable stories and characters. He's pursuing a master's degree in Behavioural Sciences. No, he won't read your mind.