Amazon Celebrates Fallout TV Series With 3 Free Games

The new is an interesting addition to , but more than anything, it's a reminder that one older game in franchise deserves to have a proper comeback. Although the release model of has long relied on extensive amounts of expansion packs, the series also spent much of its lifespan spinning things off into proper side games. Although this could sometimes get very far from the original concept (like in ), the franchise also had its fair share of games that fulfilled core concepts in their own interesting ways.

Fallout has been the watercooler TV show this month, an impressive feat for a video game adaptation. Although Bethesda doesn’t have any new Fallout games to release alongside it, the Amazon Prime series has reinvigorated interest in Fallout, with all its titles seeing notable player count increases. For now, we’ll have to be content with a Fallout 4 current-gen upgrade, but I’ll admit that my mind is drifting to thinking about Fallout 5.

has finally received a next-gen update to squeeze in some improvements on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and it also makes some key changes and additions that are reflected on PC as well. Released in 2015 for the prior console generation, remains the most recent mainline installment in the post-apocalyptic RPG series. Anyone looking to scratch the itch has no choice but to stick with or previous games in the series, so the prospect of getting an update could be a tantalizing one.

Playing through to the credits in can take a while, but anyone particularly enraptured with the game might want to keep the adventure going after the ending. tells the story of a futuristic soldier named Eve working to retake a ruined Earth, a task that requires fighting plenty of hostile creatures with uniquely challenging attacks to parry and overcome. It can be tempting to rush through to keep the focus on the action, but there's also an appeal in ferreting out secrets in its harsh world.

isn't content to just be an average, everyday city-builder, and the game's commitment to doing something unique goes beyond its central concept. The obvious thing that makes different from other games in the genre is its blend of tactical battles into the mix, which gives it an extra dose of appeal. This isn't the only feature that's hard to find elsewhere, however, and another fairly unique addition also contributes to making its medieval settlements feel more like real places with real people.

When it comes to games focused on goofy fun, is the new kid on the block. Developed by Lightfox Games and published by Mad Mushroom, this goofy party brawler bears an obvious resemblance to cartoony physics-based titles like and, throwing twenty players into an arena to duke it out in various challenges. It's easy and free to pick up and play, and the element of chaos means that even newcomers should have a good chance against veterans.

is a great game under any circumstances, but it can be a much better one with mods. Released in a buggy state after a rushed development cycle, the various shortcomings of originally cast a shadow on all of its incredible strengths. When playing on PC today, however, it's possible to fix it up, and even try out unique improvements and overhauls to make for a maximally memorable experience.

Xbox Game Pass is getting yet another exciting day-one addition on April 26, but despite how incredible this game looks like it could be, there's also some cause for caution. Getting to play new games as soon as they release without a purchase is one of the biggest draws of Xbox Game Pass, which opens up a large library of games for a subscription fee. The service is available on both Xbox systems and PC, and it often makes it possible to play games on either platform.

The future of might end up making the game a lot more exciting, and the update that could change everything isn't the DLC release. Although has plenty of fans, its reception so far has been a largely mixed one, especially when compared to the success of Bethesda Game Studios titles like Its expansive world can also feel empty, and the gameplay loop hasn't proven as universally compelling as the best RPGs to come out of the studio.

Something about postapocalyptic video games makes them perfect for adaptations. Fallout, The Last of Us, and Twisted Metal all have that kind of setting and have been some of the most well-liked video game adaptations ever. Maybe it’s because the apocalypse provides such a rich sandbox to play in, or maybe it’s because that kind of setting forces characters to make difficult choices, but it’s the kind of setting that makes for both good gaming and TV.

In a surprise to no one, Amazon's Fallout TV series has been officially renewed for a second season.

The actor behind the incredibly memorable Fallout 3 radio host, Three Dog, is interested in appearing in Amazon's excellent TV adaptation. Erik Todd Dellums, who lent his voice to the character in Bethesda's 2008 game, says he's got «something darker than Three Dog, but just as funny and alluring» cooking, and we'd quite frankly love to see it.