Currently playing the heck out of Fallout 76. Having a blast, in spite of the predictable bugginess of the game. The game is getting obnoxiously overblown negative reviews. Ignore them. The problem with having a successful franchise is you build up a fanbase that brings all sorts of expectations to any new title. The most hardcore then scream their collective faces off when the game inevitably fails to conform to their particular set of expectations. Don't get me wrong - the game has it's problems. But for the most part, the reviews I've read fail to actually distinguish the games legitimate problems from the reviewer's personal desires about what the game should be.
Best thing I'd name about this game so far? The moments you have when wandering around and exploring have a visceral feel to them that no other game in the franchise has. That's because the game is real-time. If you are wandering down an abandoned railroad track on your way to your destination and spot a horde of feral ghouls on the cliff above you, there is no "oh crap, I'd better pause the game and prepare for this" and certainly no "oh crap, I don't want to deal with this - time to reload." You just have to deal with it. And that's amazing. So many fun and amazing chance encounters. So many stories get woven in this dynamic world they've crafted - both with and without other players.
