10 Biggest Graphical Leaps Between Video Game Sequels

Speaking of 2D to 3D, Fallout 3 was the first next-gen game in the franchise and Bethesda Softworks' start in the series. Previously developed by Black Isle Studios, Fallout 1 and 2 are renowned for their fully-fledged role-playing elements that many current Bethesda games are lacking. Fallout 3, at the time, was one of the biggest, most immersive experiences you could get, taking graphical notes form Bethesda’s sister-series, The Elder Scrolls, and making Fallout instantly accessible to the mainstream.

Ghouls, mutants and scavengers you could shoot the limbs off, settlements you could physically explore in first or third-person. No more clicking to a point in order to move, now you had full control within a 3D space. Bethesda also did away with the large amounts of text, disappointing some but ultimately adding once more to accessibility. In 2008 players were given a high-quality character model, some motivating words from Liam Neeson and free rein to explore, fight and thieve all across the Capital Wasteland. Walking atop scorched earth, meeting unique characters and wandering about towns such as Megaton, Tenpenny Tower and Underworld. It’s fair to say the game’s visuals do not hold up by today’s standards, and although the formula has been changed and warped to Bethesda’s will, Fallout 3 was truly an immersive masterpiece that made every use of that extra dimension.