Fallout Shelter

For shelters to protect against radioactive fallout, see Fallout shelter. For the Island Records studio known as The Fallout Shelter, see 22 St Peter's Square.
Fallout Shelter

App icon
Developer(s)
Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks
Distributor(s) App Store
Producer(s) Craig Lafferty
Designer(s)
  • Emmanuelle Hardy-Senecal
  • Tomas Henriquez
  • Janick Neveu
Programmer(s)
  • Federico Cicchi
  • Daniel Amthauer
Artist(s)
Writer(s) Emil Pagliarulo
Composer(s) Rodrigo Tapia
Series Fallout
Engine Unity
Platform(s) iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows
Release date(s)

iOS

  • WW: June 14, 2015

Android

  • WW: August 13, 2015

Microsoft Windows

  • WW: July 14, 2016
Genre(s) Simulation
Mode(s) Single-player

Fallout Shelter is a free-to-play mobile simulation video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios, with assistance by Behaviour Interactive, and published by Bethesda Softworks. Part of the Fallout series, it was released worldwide for iOS devices in June 2015, for Android devices in August 2015, and for Microsoft Windows in July 2016. The game tasks the player with building and managing their own Vault, a fallout shelter.

Upon release, Fallout Shelter received mostly positive reviews. Critics enjoyed the game's extension of the Fallout universe, the core gameplay, and its visual style. Common criticisms included the game's lack of depth, its use of unnecessary microtransactions, and its lack of an ending. The game grossed $5.1 million in microtransaction sales in the first two weeks after its release.

Gameplay

Ant farm view. Vault resources are shown along the top of the screen. A notification appears when a room produces resources.

In Fallout Shelter, players build and manage their own Vault as an overseer – the leader and coordinator of their vault. Players guide and direct the citizens of the Vault, and need to keep them happy through meeting their needs such as power, food, and water.[1][2] They rescue dwellers from the wasteland and assign them to different resource-generating buildings in the vault, using the SPECIAL statistics system from the other Fallout games. Each character's SPECIAL profile affects their ability to generate different resources,[3] and their statistics can be increased by training them in rooms devoted to each stat.[4] The dwellers can level up over time, increasing their health, and can be given new items and weapons to help with various tasks.[1] The number of dwellers can be increased by waiting for new dwellers from the wasteland to arrive, or by pairing a male and a female dweller in living quarters to produce babies.[2][3]

Balancing resources such as food, water, and power is an important aspect of the game.[2] Many different rooms can be built in the vault, providing different items or stat bonuses. Players are not required to spend money in order to accelerate long timers or processes,[2][5] instead having the option to instantly complete tasks at the risk of catastrophic failures – such as fires or "radroach" infestations.[5][6] Players are sometimes rewarded with lunchboxes that contain rewards, such as items or resources, which can purchased separately through microtransactions.[2][5][7][8]

Development and release

In a 2009 interview with Engadget, while talking about a possible Fallout game for iOS, Bethesda's Todd Howard said that the world of Fallout was "unique enough that it could translate to any platform", revealing that several designs of an iOS Fallout game were pitched and rejected.[9] On November 5, 2009 John Carmack, who at that time worked for id Software, said that while it's nothing official yet, he had an internal proof of concept made for a Fallout iPhone game. Carmack said that he will likely be personally involved in making the game, although at the time he was working on other projects. He added that "at the very least I'm going to be providing code."[10]

Fallout Shelter was announced by Bethesda during its press conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo on June 14, 2015, where it was confirmed the game is a free-to-play title that would be released for iOS the same day.[1] It was developed in a partnership with Behaviour Interactive,[11] and was built using the Unity game engine.[12] The game was also released for Android devices on August 13, 2015.[13]

According to Pete Hines, vice president of Bethesda, the game is inspired by other video games like Little Computer People, Progress Quest, XCOM, SimCity and FTL: Faster Than Light.[14][15]

Update 1.6 along with the PC version of the game was announced at Bethesda's press conference before Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016 held on June 12, 2016. Both of them were revealed to be coming in July.[16] The PC version was released alongside the update on July 14.[17]

Updates

On June 30, 2015, the game added a character from Fallout 4 as a dweller for the first time. Preston Garvey, the leader of Commonwealth Minutemen, was added as a reward available from lunchboxes, along with his Laser Musket weapon, which can be equipped by other Vault dwellers.[18][19] On July 10, 2015, the game received its first update which fixed some issues while adding a new "Photo Mode" feature that allows players to capture and share images of their Vault.[20] On August 13, a major update was launched for the iOS version, alongside the release of the Android version, adding mole rats and deathclaws as new enemies. It also added a new feature where raiders would now begin to steal caps, instead of only stealing resources as before, and a robot butler named "Mister Handy" only available through lunchboxes.[21][22]

On October 15, the game received update 1.2 that added cloud saving, survival mode, Russian language support and Piper, a character from Fallout 4 available only for iOS version through lunchboxes. The update added a statistics page, ability to skip tutorial and a new gameplay feature where dwellers can loot equipment from dead raiders.[23][24][25] Later in October, the game received a Halloween-themed update that added Halloween-themed room decorations and outfits. The update removed the limit introduced in the previous update on number of dwellers that can be sent to explore the Wasteland.[26]

On November 22, the game received a Thanksgiving-themed update. The update added Thanksgiving-themed outfits and decorations.[27][28] On December 10, the game received update 1.3 which added new features like pets including Dogmeat, ability to evict Vault dwellers, a sell all function for clearing out the inventory at once and new pickup lines and conversations for Vault dwellers. The update also added snow and Christmas-themed decorations.[29][30]

In March 2016, update 1.4 was released which added a crafting system, rooms, a card in lunchboxes containing junk used in crafting, pets and a barbershop.[31] Update 1.5 was released in April 2016, adding customization options for Vault dwellers along with the ability to scrap unwanted items and support for 3D Touch.[32] Update 1.6 was released on July 14, 2016 adding a quest system, two new enemies (Feral Ghouls and Radscorpions) and two items in the shop. Additionally, the combat system was tweaked in the update.[33]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic71/100[34]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Destructoid7/10[35]
Game Informer7/10[36]
Game Revolution[37]
GamesTM6/10[38]
IGN6.8/10[39]
New York Daily News[5]
Financial Post7.5/10[40]
Gamezebo[41]
Pocket Gamer7/10[42]
VentureBeat95/100[43]
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Fallout Shelter received "mixed" reviews, according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.

Reviewers generally enjoyed the gameplay, though criticized its lack of depth. Harry Slater from Pocket Gamer stated, "It's not exactly the most exciting post-apocalyptic game out there, but if casual is your bag there's a lot to like here."[42] Chris Carter from Destructoid wrote, "I don't want to play it every day forever and ever, but it's definitely worth the time I invested in it."[35] Justin Davis of IGN remarked "Fallout Shelter is desperately in need of a set of endgame goals or resource sinks to look forward to."[39]

The visuals also gained some praise. Daniel Tack of Game Informer summarized the visuals as "flavorful in the iconic Vault Boy aesthetic."[36] Chris Carter remarked that "visually, Fallout Shelter is far more impressive than most resource-management games on the market".[35] Jason Faulkner of Gamezebo found the graphics "impressive", writing "not only are the cute little Vault dwellers presented in sharp, Fallout-faithful style, but the vault itself is quite stunning."[41]

Reviewers had mixed opinions about the game's inclusion of microtransactions. Jeb Haught of Game Revolution opined, "when I add the micro-transaction advantage to the post apocalyptic mix, the result puts a sour taste in my mouth".[37] Daniel Tack claimed that "the cash shop option in this free-to-play game is completely unobtrusive and unnecessary".[36] In contrast, Justin Davis says that "virtually every other gameplay element must be earned the old-fashioned mobile way – by just waiting around."[39]

Fallout Shelter became the most popular free iOS application in the U.S. and UK within a day of its release,[44] and the most popular iOS game on June 26, 2015.[45] By June 12, 2016, Fallout Shelter had over 50 million players.[46]

Sales

On the day of its release, Fallout Shelter became the third-highest grossing game in the iOS App Store.[44] By July 16, 2015, two weeks after release, the game earned $5.1 million in microtransaction sales.[47]

Awards

List of awards and nominations
Award Category Result Ref.
33rd Golden Joystick Awards Best Mobile Game Won [48]
The Game Awards 2015 Best Mobile/Handheld Game Nominated [49]
19th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Mobile Game of the Year Won [50]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Hilliard, Kyle (June 14, 2015). "Fallout Shelter-Management Mobile Game Out Now On iOS". Game Informer. GameStop. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Yin-Poole, Wesley (June 15, 2015). "Surprise! Fallout Shelter iOS game out now". Eurogamer. Gamer Network Ltd. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  3. 1 2 Dotson, Carter (June 15, 2015). "'Fallout: Shelter' Hands-on impressions: Tiny Vault". Touch Arcade. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  4. ↑ Koziara, Andrew (June 18, 2015). "'Fallout Shelter' Guide – Strategies, Tips and Tricks for the Industrious Post-Apocalypse Vault Overseer". Touch Arcade. Retrieved June 18, 2015. Vice Versa, people in training rooms only increase stats, and don't level up.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Samuel, Ebenezer (June 16, 2015). "Fallout Shelter is grounded in fun: video game review". New York Daily News. Daily News, L.P. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  6. ↑ Byford, Sam (June 15, 2015). "Watch the first 10 minutes of Fallout Shelter here". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  7. ↑ Karmali, Luke (June 14, 2015). "E3 2015: Fallout mobile game Fallout Shelter available now". IGN. j2 Global. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  8. ↑ Duwell, Ron (June 14, 2015). "Fallout Shelter lets you create your own fallout vault, available tonight". TechnoBuffalo. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  9. ↑ McElroy, Justin (June 5, 2009). "Bethesda has designed iPhone versions of Fallout 3". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  10. ↑ Crecente, Brian (November 5, 2009). "Carmack on iPhone Fallout, Quake Live and Elves and Orcs". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  11. ↑ Takahashi, Dean (July 17, 2015). "The DeanBeat: Fallout Shelter is a rare free-to-play mobile gaming hit". GamesBeat. VentureBeat. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  12. ↑ Dale, Laura Kate (July 6, 2015). "Unity – does indie gaming's biggest engine have an image problem?". The Guardian. Scott Trust Limited. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Fallout Shelter now available on Android". GameSpot. CBS Corporation. August 13, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  14. ↑ Plunkett, Luke (June 14, 2015). "Fallout Shelter announced, out tonight". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  15. ↑ Starr, Michelle (June 14, 2015). "Surprise! Fallout mobile game arrives for iOS". CNET. CBS Corporation. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  16. ↑ Sanchez, Miranda (June 12, 2016). "E3 2016: FALLOUT SHELTER COMING TO PC". IGN. j2 Global. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  17. ↑ Famuluro, Jessica (July 14, 2016). "Fallout Shelter Now Available On PC". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  18. ↑ Pereira, Chris (June 30, 2015). "First Fallout 4 Character Comes to Fallout Shelter Today". GameSpot. CBS Corporation. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
  19. ↑ O'Brien, Lucy (June 30, 2015). "Fallout Shelter adds its first Fallout 4 character". IGN. j2 Global. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
  20. ↑ Sirani, Jordan (July 10, 2015). "First Fallout Shelter Update Adds Photo Mode". IGN. j2 Global. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  21. ↑ Grant, Christopher (August 13, 2015). "Fallout Shelter is now available for Android, update available for iOS". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  22. ↑ Gurwin, Gabe (August 13, 2015). "Fallout Shelter gets a huge update, hits Android". Digital Trends. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Fallout Shelter Update 1.2 Includes Piper from Fallout 4 – Digital Trends". Digital Trends. October 19, 2015.
  24. ↑ "'Fallout Shelter' Gets Updated to 1.2, Introduces a 'Fallout 4' Character, But Not All is Well". TouchArcade.
  25. ↑ Katie Williams (October 15, 2015). "New Fallout Shelter Update Adds Survival Mode, Cloud Saves, and More". IGN.
  26. ↑ Cammy Harbison (October 27, 2015). "Fallout Shelter 1.2.1 Halloween Update Removes Explorer Cap, Adds Costumes, Decorations And Other Spooky Finds". iDigitalTimes.com.
  27. ↑ Eddie Makuch (November 22, 2015). "Fallout Shelter Gets Thanksgiving Update, See the New Content Here". GameSpot. CBS Corporation. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  28. ↑ Allegra Frank (November 23, 2015). "Fallout Shelter asks dwellers to give thanks in latest holiday update". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  29. ↑ Matt Porter (December 10, 2015). "Fallout Shelter Update Adds New Features". IGN. j2 Global. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  30. ↑ "New Fallout Shelter Update: Get Pets, Evict Slackers, Meet New Objectives And More In Bethesda's Latest iOS And Android Game Update". iDigitalTimes. IBT Media. December 10, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  31. ↑ Aditya Bhat (March 1, 2016). "'Fallout Shelter' update 1.4: 'Biggest update' released; adds crafting, new rooms, pets". International Business Times. IBT Media. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  32. ↑ Mat Paget (April 21, 2016). "Fallout Shelter Update Adds New Customization Options, 3D Touch". GameSpot. CBS Corporation. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  33. ↑ Eddie Makuch (July 14, 2016). "Fallout Shelter's Huge Update Out Now, Here's What It Adds". GameSpot. CBS Corporation. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Fallout Shelter for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on July 16, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  35. 1 2 3 Carter, Chris (June 15, 2015). "Fallout Shelter review on Destructoid". Destructoid. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  36. 1 2 3 Tack, Daniel (July 1, 2015). "Fallout Shelter review on Game Informer". Game Informer. GameStop. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  37. 1 2 JebHaught (July 1, 2015). "Fallout Shelter review on Game Revolution". Game Revolution. Net Revolution Inc. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Fallout Shelter review on GamesTM". GamesTM. Imagine Publishing. August 14, 2015. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  39. 1 2 3 Davis, Justin (June 26, 2015). "Fallout Shelter review on IGN". IGN. j2 Global. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  40. ↑ Sapieha, Chad (June 16, 2015). "Fallout Shelter review: Bethesda's survival sim is fun, but doesn't escape free-to-play mechanics as much as they claim". Financial Post. Postmedia Network. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  41. 1 2 Faulkner, Jason (June 18, 2015). "Fallout Shelter Review: The Cutest Apocalypse". Gamezebo. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  42. 1 2 Slater, Harry (June 15, 2015). "Fallout Shelter – Probably not the one you wanted". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  43. ↑ Killham, Evan (June 15, 2015). "Fallout Shelter makes living in a postapocalyptic bunker adorable and totally free". GamesBeat. VentureBeat. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  44. 1 2 Fields, Sarah. "'Fallout Shelter' is Beating 'Candy Crush Saga' in Profits & iOS App Store Rank". Game Rant. Game Rant, LLC. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  45. ↑ White, William (June 26, 2015). "Fallout Shelter: The New Most Popular Game in App Store". InvestorPlace. InvestorPlace Media, LLC. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  46. ↑ Eddie Makuch (June 12, 2016). "Fallout Shelter Reaches 50 Million Players". GameSpot. CBS Corporation. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  47. ↑ Prell, Sam (July 16, 2015). "Fallout Shelter rakes in $5.1 mil in two weeks – that's a lot of bottlecaps". GamesRadar+. Future US. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  48. ↑ Leon Hurley (October 30, 2015). "The Golden Joystick Awards: all the winners this year". GamesRadar. Future plc. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  49. ↑ "Nominees | The Game Awards 2015". The Game Awards. Ola Balola. November 12, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  50. ↑ "The 2016 DICE Award Winners [UPDATED]". GameSpot. CBS Corporation. February 19, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
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