TheFalloutseries changed dramatically withFallout 3when thereins were handed over to Bethesda.The developer introduced a way to slow down the real-time combat with V.A.T.S., or the Vault-tech Assisted Targeting System. With this ability, players can aim at specific body parts to better maim an enemy.
As the series progressed from the third game onward, V.A.T.S. also went through minor changes and adjustments. Some of these changes also reflect the way the series evolved as a whole. Without V.A.T.S., a lot of the combat inFalloutwould not be nearly as entertaining or manageable, since the series is not known for tight shooting mechanics
The first twoFalloutgames do not officially have a V.A.T.S. mechanic, but there is an ability similar to it, so it will have an entry on this list.
As previously stated, the originalFalloutand its sequel did not have a V.A.T.S. system officially.They were developed by Interplay Studios and are isometric RPGswith turn-based combat, much likeWasteland.
The turn-based nature pretty much eliminates the need for V.A.T.S. to be distinguished as a separate mechanic. However, there is an ability called Aim Shot which is functionally identical. Players can target specific body parts which in turn will affect the enemy’s combat abilities.
Turn-based strategy games likeFalloutmake every move count. One mistake can ruin a battle, and one smart move can spell victory. It works excellently in these two games, but it is not called V.A.T.S., so it is impossible to justify placing it any higher on this list.
Fallout 76has come a long waysince its historically disastrous launch in 2018. It is now a respectable online game that translatesFallout 4’sgameplay into a multiplayer space. Being a multiplayer game, V.A.T.S. is always in real-time so as not to interrupt anybody’s play session.
While a necessary concession, it makes V.A.T.S. both less effective and less fun. It is more of a slight assist instead of a lifesaver and a way to turn the tide of battle. Enemies can dodge attacks like any other moment of real-time combat
However, using it at close range to be more accurate means being more vulnerable to attacks. It has its place in battle but it is just not satisfying to use, especially without the slow-motion attack animations.
Bethesda’s first swing at the series made a big splash. The fact it came out on consoles, as well as PC, also made it many console gamers' introduction to large-scale Western RPGs, especially since the science fiction setting was appealing to those who would otherwise ignore the fantasy genre.
V.A.T.S. inFallout 3stops time completely, giving players unlimited time to plan their shots. When the animation is enacted, the character is almost invincible, taking only 10% damage from any attack that might occur. This is both its strength and weakness.
Players can use V.A.T.S. as a crutch to make it through tough battles, somewhat breaking the balance of the game. It is easy to run and evade attacks from deadly enemies until one’s AP builds up and then use V.A.T.S. again to do some damage while almost invincible.
Fallout: New Vegas’V.A.T.S. is similar toFallout 3on the surface, but some subtle changes make a big impact on its utility. Mainly, players take 50% damage from enemy attacks during the animation.
This means no more depending on the ability to make it through fights with overpowered enemies. Whether one sees this as a plus or minus is up for debate. Unequivocal upgrades to the system includeincreased functionality for melee combatto make up for the increased damage taken in V.A.T.S.
Using it while completely unarmed adds Stomp, Uppercut, and Cross if the Unarmed skill is high enough (50 for the first two and 75 for the Cross).
WhileFallout 4is not a favorite among fans, it arguably has the most refined combat of the first-person entries. Shooting feels smoother than ever and players have more tools at their disposal.
V.A.T.S. reflects the upgraded combat and more streamlined gameplay by not fully stopping time. The gameplay is slow enough to still think about which body parts to attack, but not so slow that it will save the player’s life in a real pickle. The animations are more satisfying than ever and a critical bar builds up with each hit, letting the character unleash a powerful attack on command.
Even if time does not stop,Fallout 4’sV.A.T.S. offers the most control over the series of attacks,including the ability to even throw a grenade in real-time combat, and then shoot it in V.A.T.S. to control the timing of the explosion.
