Summary
One important question to ask aboutFallout 5is whether the game will return to the old tradition of having a silent protagonist. While it isn’t something that will have much impact on gameplay as a whole, it’s still something that should be given proper scrutiny.Fallout 5is bound to be scrutinized heavily upon release, so the developers need to choose wisely when it comes to game decisions. This will cover everything from mechanical changes to minute details. Of course, the decision of whether to return to a silent protagonist is also up for debate.
Out of the manyprotagonists of theFalloutseries, most have been silent protagonists. The games do have dialogue trees, but the protagonist’s own words are often unvoiced. The exception to this rule wasFallout 4, which featured a fully-voiced protagonist whose backstory was closely tied to the main plot of the game. This ended up being one of the most discussed and controversial aspects of the game for several reasons. In the aftermath ofFallout 4, there are a lot of details worth considering for the sequel. Not surprisingly, the idea of another voiced protagonist is among the ideas that must be discussed.
Fallout 5’s Protagonist’s Voice or Lack Thereof is Worth Discussing
A Voiced Protagonist in Fallout 5 Could Have More Character
One advantage that could come with having avoiced protagonist likeFallout 4’sis the added emotion that could come from the dialogue. Writing on its own can be good, and well-done voice acting can add to the effect of almost any line. In addition, a good voice could help to make the protagonist a more memorable character. WhileFallout’s past characters are more known for their stories,Fallout 5could use voice acting in an attempt to make them more iconic, similar to Commander Shepard of theMass Effectseries. AfterFallout 4, the door is certainly open for another fully-voiced protagonist.
Another Silent Protagonist in Fallout 5 May Be More Convenient
On the other hand, a silent protagonist may not helpFallout 5stand out from past games, but it could prove to be the better option. In addition to not needing to get a voice actor for anything other than occasional grunts, it makes the main character more of a clean slate for players. The protagonist remaining silent would also help conversations go by quicker since the player’s input could simply be selected rather than spoken, streamlining the process and letting the player return to gameplay sooner. Another silent protagonist inFallout 5wouldn’t be particularly flashy, but history has shown that it works.
Silent Protagonists Have Historically Worked in Fallout
WhetherFallout 5’s protagonist should have a voice is a question that is hard to definitively answer. UnlessBethesda lets players choose whether the protagonist speaks, the game will have to take a concrete stance. There could be some potential compromises, such as multiple voices to choose from, although that would likely take a lot of studio time to record. While there are some merits to voice acting,Fallout 5may be better off making its protagonist silent again. A voiced protagonist isn’t necessary for the game. Not to mention, it would give players more leeway in how they imagine their character.
Another silent protagonist inFallout 5wouldn’t be particularly flashy, but history has shown that it works.
WithFallout 5so far away, nobody can truly know whether the developers will go back to basics with a silent protagonist, at least not yet.Fallout 5can continue a traditionby going back to a silent protagonist, or followFallout 4’s lead by giving them a voice. There are legitimate arguments for the game to go either way on the topic, especially since it’s one that’s largely subject to personal taste. There will be a lot of important factors going intoFallout 5, with the protagonist’s possible silence being prominent among them.
