While fans of "Oblivion are delighted with the successful remaster the focus is increasingly turning to "Fallout 3". A classic, no question - but one with old-fashioned mechanics. The fact that shooting in a game with firearms is no longer quite up to date has now been confirmed by a man who should know: Bruce Nesmith, former designer at Bethesda, is sounding the alarm.
In an interview with VideoGamer Nesmith is not sparing with criticism. The firefights in "Fallout 3" are simply "not good". And not just any critic with a YouTube channel, but someone who was involved in the development at the time. Particularly exciting: Nesmith emphasizes how much Bethesda has improved in "Fallout 4" - especially when it comes to gunplay. In comparison, the third part seems like a clumsy attempt to climb the shooter throne - and stumble over its own RPG feet in the process.
More than just polishing required
A "Fallout 3 Remaster" that just looks prettier? That wouldn't help anyone. In 2008, you could perhaps overlook the fact that the controls were sluggish, the hit feedback was poor and aiming was a game of chance. But in 2025 - with titles like "Cyberpunk 2077", "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III" or even the in-house "Starfield" as a comparison? Not a chance. A simple texture upgrade would dismantle the game rather than save it.
Nesmith puts it in a nutshell: "Fallout 3 is the first shooter-style game." Translated: They had no idea what a shooter should really feel like. For a real remaster, Bethesda would have to rethink the entire combat system - or at least rework it to such an extent that it meets today's standards. Perhaps a system similar to that in "Fallout 4", only less cumbersome. Perhaps something that focuses more on precision, flow and modern feedback.
Hope and rumors
A "Fallout 3 Remaster" has not yet been officially announced. But the clues are piling up: the title appeared in a leak during Microsoft's FTC proceedings back in 2023. It was listed alongside games such as 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle' and the 'Oblivion Remaster' - which is now a reality. Coincidence? Hardly. Insiders, however, are guessing "not before 2030". And who knows how shooter standards will develop by then?
And even if Bethesda is still keeping quiet, it would be negligent not to at least prepare a "Fallout 3 Remaster". The series is booming - at least since the successful Amazon series. The interest is there. But the question remains: Does Bethesda really want to remaster a game that reminds you with every firefight that it's from a different era?
If so, then please do it properly. And with plenty of firepower. In the truest sense of the word.
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