I had many qualms about Fallout 4’s Wasteland Workshop DLC, and even when going back to the game to pillage raiders or explore abandoned highways, I would always prepare an occasional wince when I saw objectives from it marked on my mini-map, or even seeing it’s features when I went back to my settlement. It was something that I simply didn’t feel fit into Fallout 4, not because of it’s premise, but because of it’s wide and disheartening lack of content.

Now, nearly a month and a half later, Bethesda has released yet another expansion before we will likely get a fuller announcement at their E3 show. Because of this, I wasn’t expecting much. Why would they give us something substantial, if what they would soon show would likely be a lot better? Yet, this wasn’t the case with the more recent DOOM, and I’m happy to say it isn’t the case with Far Harbor.

Gameplay:

Trading with new allies is a bit more helpful

One of my favorite things in Fallout 4’s main game was defending yourself from the crazy radiation ridden enemies and creatures you’ll find. Fallout 4 Far Harbor explores these combat encounters to the nth degree, but it never feels cheesy because there’s simply enough of them. From mirelurk queens to the ever-unpredictable giant frog, Bethesda has shown us once again that variety reigns supreme.

An aspect I didn’t see coming however was the emergence of many new puzzle elements. These include guiding robot like machinery to different places, architecture assignments, and most surprising of all, laser puzzles that feel reminiscent of what made The Orange Box so great. Other companies could have pulled this off too, but Bethesda’s charm and finesse are what make these additions great.

While the DLC has a lot of new monsters, human battles are enjoyably present

Story & Design:

In typical Fallout fashion, weapons are brutally creative

Coming off of a non-existent story in the last DLC, I was happy to see that Far Harbor’s has been a bit more fleshed out, even doubling the size of Automatron. Clocking in at over 10 hours, the DLC centers around retrieving a lost teenage girl. It sounds simple enough, but the way this is handled makes for some truly entertaining storytelling.

You’ll also be getting a new island in Far Harbor, and the never-ending sense of exploration is still in sight. This does get interrupted by the puzzles, combat, dialogue, and the occasional mundane task, but it’s still refreshing to see the nuance of the world make a return.

While the story’s themes contains the cult-like elements we saw in Fallout 4’s main story, it doesn’t stop it from being entertaining

Presentation/ Visuals & Audio:

A character’s helpfulness goes beyond the game, evidenced by the continous strong voice acting

In terms of Fallout 4’s graphics, nearly all players know what they are getting into at this point. However, in some mini-games, the OK-ish black and greys take a nosedive into something more offbeat, and crude. It’s certainly jolting to some who want a streamlined graphical experience, and while it doesn’t completely ruin the DLC, it lessens it in this respect.

Unlike Automatron and Wasteland Workshop, players will need to be at least Level 20 in order to start Far Harbor. But upon finishing the DLC, it’s clear why. I would likely have major trouble beating the simplest of enemies if I hadn’t gone as far into the main game as I did. So trust me with this one. Lead-piping your way through will not do wonders.

Fans of Nick Valentine will be happy to see his return

Conclusion:

Fallout 4 Far Harbor is a more than respectable return to form for Bethesda’s DLC anthologies. There are some flaws in the mix, but what made the main game so great is here and more. If you were feeling burned out from the last DLC or even Fallout 4 in general, this is a great place to jump back in.

Fallout 4: Far Harbor gets a 8/10 (Very Good)

We’d like to thank Bethesda PR for giving us a code!

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