tricky question.
If Fallout 4 WASN'T part of the Fallout series, made by some other developer, a new thing- I think it would be considered a pretty good game. But as far as the Fallout series is concerned Fallout 4 is a huge regression.... its much worse than New Vegas and arguably worse than 3
lacks enough zany creative quests, they killed the dialogue wheel, it lacks anywhere near the amount of immersive RPG elements (the factions are just dumb and there is no effect generally on killing certain members), etc. The voiced protagonist also kills the immersion
I voted yes simply because its a much worse quality game compared to New Vegas and they have killed a lot of the RPG elements in favor of a more casual FPS game. However I don't REALLY think the franchise is killed or ruined. Its an OKAY Fallout game. They can fix the problems with the next installment (hopefully).
If they simply went to a more advanced dialogue wheel, more creative quests, MORE factions and game choices in terms of diverging storylines based on your decisions, more effects based on how you treat or don't treat factions and companions- those sort of things being put back into the game could help a TON. hell, even making the voiced protagonist optional would help a lot.
I think the series can be saved. I just worry that Bethesda is losing their way in terms of remaining true to their franchises rather than soley focused on profits. Fallout 4 sold well but I think objectively speaking most would agree its one of the weaker installments in the series. Its bizarre when the decade old Fallout 3 seems like an equally (if not better) game than F4, and New Vegas seems infinitely more creative.
I think they haven't ruined Fallout QUITE yet because everyone deserves one fail, but if the next Fallout release is anything like Fallout 4 then they will have killed the franchise in terms of the older fans. What I don't get is with the amount of work they put in why it would be so hard to throw in more choices and RPG elements? I mean surely they realize that hardcore and casual gamers alike are going to enjoy a Fallout that allows for branching choices and a story where you actually feel in control.
What I'm hoping is they let OBsidian make their own West Coast 'Fallout 4' ala New Vegas/Fallout 3. I doubt it will happen, but Obsidian did insanely well with New Vegas and seems to have a better grasp on what makes Fallout great
