Fallout 4 Companions being awkward
In *Fallout 4*, companions are more than just battle buddies; they add flavor to conversations with their unique interjections and quips. Whether it’s Nick Valentine’s noir detective insights, Piper Wright’s enthusiastic curiosity, or Hancock’s laissez-faire attitude, these moments are a nod to their distinct personalities. However, while their remarks during pivotal discussions—like those with the Brotherhood of Steel at the Prydwen or the Minutemen at the Castle—might seem to spice up the dialogue, they ultimately have no impact on the outcome of the conversation. It’s a peculiar design choice, considering how immersive the game strives to be. One could be bartering in Diamond City or negotiating with the Institute, and though your companion might chime in with a perfectly timed “But isn’t this insane?” the Sole Survivor’s decisions march on unimpeded by their companion’s commentary.
Piper, the intrepid reporter from Diamond City, is a standout among the Commonwealth’s companions, with her endearing mix of wit, tenacity, and altruism. She's a "cutie pie" in every sense, whether she's flipping her fedora mid-monologue about corruption in Diamond City or admiring your lockpicking skills with a heartfelt “Nice one, Blue!” Her knack for quoting Publick Occurrences in the most unlikely situations, coupled with her admiration for freedom and truth, makes her feel like a real person amid the chaos of super mutants in Trinity Tower or ghouls in the glowing irradiated hellscape of the Glowing Sea. Yet, even Piper’s sharp observations during dialogues—like cautioning against trusting Preston Garvey too much when he’s about to send you on the umpteenth settlement rescue—are dismissed, leaving you wondering why Bethesda didn’t lean into making their perspectives more impactful.
The missed opportunity to let companion dialogue influence outcomes feels as hollow as a Nuka-Cola bottle in an empty vending machine. Imagine Curie’s scientific reasoning shifting an argument with a Vault-Tec scientist, or Dogmeat’s growls leading to a raider surrender. Instead, these snippets of dialogue serve more as set dressing than as mechanics. While your charisma checks might be bolstered by perks like Lady Killer or Black Widow during a Silver Shroud-themed negotiation, your companion's input remains just words in the wind. Meanwhile, "Big Iron" or "I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire" hums in the background, adding ambiance to these static exchanges. It’s a shame because these moments could’ve been opportunities for characters like Piper to shine even more, giving players a sense that their chosen companions truly shape the course of their journey through the ruins of Boston.
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