5) Flexible Character Progression – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
For our first look at how a feature from current generation gaming could help influence Fallout 4, we’ll start with an option for how the game’s classic RPG progression system could evolve into something a little more tactical.
For an example, we need look no further than 2015’s instant classic: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. In this game, perks are assigned by spending the ability points players gain each time they gather enough experience to level up, similar to the perks system that Bethesda have employed in older Fallout games. What’s different, however, is the way Geralt’s active perks can be altered in between encounters, meaning that different challenges can be faced by a different approach when necessary.
While the amount of perks the player can obtain is barely limited by a generous level cap and alternative methods of obtaining ability points, only a finite amount can be equipped to the character at any given time. The higher the player’s level, the more can be assigned at any one time.
The result means that character perks are flexible, and players have to take a tactical approach to how they alter Geralt’s strengths for different quests. This flexible approach could be an interesting tweak for Fallout’s existing progression system, especially given how impressively varied the series’ enemies and challenges can be.
Traversing the Wasteland would become a more intense challenge than ever if this flexible approach were included.