Spoilers for this week's episode of Fallout to follow.
This week’s episode of Fallout delivered an explosive narrative as Lucy (Ella Purnell) and Cooper (Walton Goggins) finally reached New Vegas. The drama unfolded with Maximus (Aaron Moten) stirring tension in the Brotherhood of Steel and Vault 31 grappling with dire waterchip issues. Filled with thrilling events, this episode also featured numerous easter eggs that delight fans of the video game series, both new and veteran. Let's delve into the noteworthy references showcased as the story progressed in the City of Sin.
Operation: Anchorage
The episode opened with a flashback to pre-war times, depicting Cooper battling on the Alaskan front. In the Fallout universe, this conflict centers on the occupation of Alaska by Communist Chinese forces, battling the United States for control of Anchorage. This pivotal moment from the lore was most famously brought to life in the Operation: Anchorage DLC for Fallout 3, where players entered a simulation to experience this crucial battle.
Cover Model
The flashback also highlighted the first deployment of T-45 power armor, a key component aiding the U.S. victory. This armor type later became integral to the Brotherhood of Steel after Roger Maxson departed the U.S. Army to establish the organization. Longtime aficionados of the series would undoubtedly recognize the T-45 model as the central figure on the cover of the original 1997 Fallout game.
You’ve Become Addicted
When Lucy regains consciousness, it's revealed she was being administered Buffout, a chem from the game universe that boosts strength stats, akin to an in-game steroid. Like several other chems, Buffout's prolonged use leads to addiction and adverse effects unless players manage their intake carefully. With urgency pressing, Lucy must continue using Buffout to avoid serious consequences from her dependency.
Freeside is the Funside
Throughout the episode—especially when trouble arises on The Strip—Cooper proposes detouring to Freeside for safety or information. Fans of Fallout: New Vegas will identify Freeside as a significant location before reaching The Strip, known for its gang activity, including The Kings, which appeared in this episode as ghouls. Freeside draws inspiration from the real-life Fremont Street, providing a more affordable and vibrant entertainment option for tourists disconnected from the posh Las Vegas Strip.
V.A.T.S.
During a shootout with The Kings while high on Buffout, Lucy's climactic kill is showcased in a dramatic slow-motion headshot, echoing the cinematic flair of V.A.T.S. from the Fallout games. The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System allows players to slow or freeze time to line up head and body shots, initially implemented in Fallout 3 to replicate turn-based combat from the earlier entries.
A Place to Call Home
As the episode concludes, the credits reveal an abandoned Camp McCarran located within a dilapidated Las Vegas International Airport. In Fallout: New Vegas, Camp McCarran served as the primary military base of the New California Republic, playing a crucial role against Caesar’s Legion. Given the NCR's decline in the Mojave Wasteland, it’s fitting that Camp McCarran has met such a fate.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!