How to Celebrate a Birthday (in Video Games)
A shamelessly self-centered episode
Welcome back to Artcade, the birthday party for everyone whose birthday is today. Which, unbelievably, includes me. So this one’s going to be a quick episode because I’m off to celebrate (not true, I wrote this earlier, but come on, let me pretend these words are being typed live). If you hear fireworks or smell chocolate, don’t worry: everything’s normal.
Today was also supposed to be the paywalled episode, but I’ve been wondering whether a paywall still makes sense at all (if you have thoughts, tell me), and given the occasion I decided to skip it. If you’d like to support the project, you know how. Enjoy the read!
We’re at the beginning of Fallout 3, and today, as you can tell from the decorations popping out inside this sad little bunker, we’re celebrating.
It’s my birthday and everyone seems genuinely happy… what did they get me?
A Pip-Boy 3000? This is basically an Apple Watch that went to the gym and decided to live on your forearm. They give it to everyone who turns ten. I was expecting something better.
Wow! I knew there was more! I wonder what it is. I’m pretty sure I’ll find out in the next screenshot.
A rifle! There is no better gift in a video game. And what can I shoot? Pirates? Monsters? Aliens? Oh. A giant cockroach. Okay. Thanks anyway.
Bethesda Game Studios (2008) Fallout 3 [Fallout 3] [Video game] [Action RPG] [22 hours] (Microsoft Windows) [PlayStation 3, Xbox 360/One/Series X|S] Bethesda Softworks
Since we’re on Artcade, I can’t get away with it that easily. A comparison has to happen. If Fallout 3 starts with a birthday, it’s interesting to see how the same setting is used in episode 1 of season 1 to introduce a world-changing turning point for humanity. Control room, give us the highlights.
Jonathan Nolan (2024) The End (Fallout S1E1) [Audiovisual work] [Drama, science fiction] [74 min] Amazon MGM Studios
My last two coins
What do you want me to tell you today? You’re expecting a full-blown treatise on dystopia and aging, right? Well, nope. Dance, sing, or, if you’re short on time, even just a smile will do. Until the next episode, ciao!