Couldn't we just agree that the epic music sucks though?
Oh definitely. It just that there's nothing to debate on that front. We all agree. By unanimous verdict, Bethesda are once again found guilty. Case closed.
Actually my reasoning is clear and based on the established canon, I'm not the one trying to rationalize things in order to make a point that involves the reinterpretation of simple things that were tenants of the game.
My argument is not that Fallout doesn't derive from 50's Science! pulp, but that it can't accomodate
everything from it. How do we know where to draw the line? Look at the established canon, and look for conspicuous absence rather than direct contradiction. Why does all record of research point toward biological and nuclear warfare, when psychological and meteorological warfare are possibilities?
That's one part of it of it. Another thing to consider - Fallout's greatest influence is certainly 1950's pulp, but there's also a brutal excess of violence and very dark tone that encompasses the
Science! aspects.
For instance, where are the non-lethal weapons? Where are the mesmetrons and cryolaters that would be far more effective peacekeeping tools than public execution? Why does Roger Maxson wind up executing a bunch of scientists? Human experiments? Where are the robots set to incapacitate instead of kill?
My take is that Fallout's world doesn't have the same sanctity of life the our own society has. Even the power armour is designed for use against civilian disturbances. Everything is designed to be lethal. Where do non-lethal weapons like the cryolater and mesmetron fit in the scheme of things?
The other concern is not really to do with Fallout at all. Do you expect Bethesda to actually make interesting use of these weapons - either functionally or within the lore of the world? Do you expect to be able to use the Mesmetron in non-combat situations? use the cryolater to alter the weather, or freeze water that would be otherwise impassable? Disrupt a town's drinking water or food supply? Even something as simple as Dark Messiah's "make stuff slip over and die" mechanic?
Do you expect any historical context for a mind-control device? Proper reverence for something that changes the face of society and politics forever?
I could go on and on if you're not convinced, but I just don't see how these additions to the gameworld are positive. I'm halfway expecting them to even fail at making the cryolator and mesmetron tactically interesting. After all, spells with the same effect in Oblivion were completely redundant and useless.
