A Fresh Start: Reviving a Fallout Spin-Off with a Successful Formula

At the moment, the Fallout series seems to be in a bit of a lull, offering a great opportunity for spin-off games to shine while we await the next major installment. With Fallout 76 continuing to draw interest, thanks to exciting updates like the introduction of playable ghouls, fans are left anticipating Fallout 5. However, since Bethesda is currently engrossed in crafting The Elder Scrolls 6, there’s a significant opportunity for other spin-offs to invigorate the franchise alongside Fallout 76.

Spin-offs have long been a strategy for keeping Fallout alive between its main entries. Fallout 76, though considered a spin-off, still thrives, proving this approach is effective. Fallout: New Vegas, arguably the franchise’s most cherished entry, is also a spin-off, underscoring the potential for these side stories to expand the series. So why not give renewed attention to the often overlooked Brotherhood of Steel spin-offs? A fresh twist could be exactly what’s needed to keep fans engaged before the arrival of Fallout 5.

The Brotherhood of Steel is a staple in the Fallout universe and has had a few spin-offs focused on their adventures. Many fans might immediately think of Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel when recalling games about this faction. However, there was a less successful venture simply named Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. Despite its mixed reception, this game could provide a solid foundation for a modern revival.

Originally released on January 13, 2004, for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel took a different approach, resembling a top-down shooter like Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance. Players took on wasteland threats as members of the iconic faction, in a game that, while offering local co-op fun, diverged significantly from the main Fallout series’ tone. Yet, its cooperative play was its strongest aspect, a feature that could be effectively reimagined today.

There’s potential for a new spinoff that leans into co-op PvE gameplay, inspired by the success of recent titles like Helldivers 2 and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2. Imagine a new Brotherhood of Steel game using a similar formula—power-armored squads fending off relentless hordes of ghouls, super mutants, and deathclaws. Such a setup not only aligns perfectly with the faction’s lore but could also capture the imagination of new and old fans alike.

Taking cues from Helldivers 2’s evolution from a top-down shooter to a third-person perspective, a modern Brotherhood of Steel spin-off could add dynamic gameplay layers, incorporating Fallout’s unique elements. Radiation hazards could increase difficulty, requiring strategic preparation and class-based roles inspired by the faction’s hierarchy. From power-armored Paladins to supportive Squires, the game could explore varied playstyles. Although the original Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel left a cloudy legacy, its core premise remains ripe for transformation, awaiting the signal to launch a thrilling new chapter.