The original version of Fallout 3 is being revived as Project Van Buren, providing a look at the intended isometric RPG.
Fallout 3 could have been a very different game. Rather than the first-person adventure it became, it should have been an isometric role-playing game, like its predecessors. But thanks to developers Black Isle Studios going bust and the property being picked up by Bethesda, that game never happened.
But following the release of a tech demo (above) and design document in 2007 (confirming the original game’s working title as “Van Buren”), which provided an insight as to how Fallout 3 might have looked, the game has become a bit of an obsession with some classic Fallout fans. One of those is developer Adam Lacko, who’s Project Van Buren is building a new version of the game based on the tech demo and design docs. Here’s a look at it:
https://twitter.com/lacko_adam/status/1457815993997213701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1457815993997213701%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcgamer.com%2Fuk%2Fcanceled-fallout-rpg-from-2003-is-being-resurrected%2F
Using Unity to build the game and consulting with former Black Isle developers, Lacko states “Project Van Buren aims to recapture and preserve this visual presentation to the pettiest detail, staying true with the intended course of its original makers.”
Recently, Lacko has announced that the “last major technical feature” has been added, a sign that Project Van Buren could be ready. However, that doesn’t mean that a release is imminent.
https://twitter.com/lacko_adam/status/1458547561304936448?s=20
Oh, and we still don’t know what Bethesda has to say about it…
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
