The world of Fallout is a bleak one, but it’s also punctuated with a sarcastic humour and pastiche of 1950s Americana. The radio stations offer a fantastic mix of both, with witty hosts and classic ditties, but which game has the best one?
Of course, some Fallout games (namely Fallout Shelter and the series’ pre-Bethesda games) don’t have radio stations, so they’re automatically out of the running here. As for the others…
4) Fallout 76 – Appalachia Radio
It’s hard to kick this list off, because all the radio stations have their merits, but only one can be crowned the best. While Appalachia Radio offers some great songs, including a fantastic cover of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’, the lack of any personalisation to the news makes it all fall a little flat. We like hearing about how our deeds shape the world around me, but that’s harder to do in a multiplayer game like Fallout 76.
3) Fallout 4 – Diamond City Radio
We love the nervous disposition of Fallout 4’s Diamond City Radio host, Travis Miles. Why wouldn’t he be nervous? There are sinister androids infiltrating all walks of life and drugged-out raider gangs looting and marauding settlements. Despite that, you can help Travis find his confidence in a side quest that changes his dialogue and the way he talks – making for a lovely bit of character development we don’t see in other Fallout DJs.
However, the music on offer here is too similar to a station we’ve got coming higher up the list, meaning it lacks a unique identity.
2) Fallout: New Vegas – Radio New Vegas
While we fundamentally disagree with the notion of an AI DJ taking the job of a human presenter, it’s hard to deny how great the tunes are on Radio New Vegas. By including Dean Martin’s iconic ‘Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?’ and other Vegas-themed tracks, the station perfectly sets the scene and tone for Fallout: New Vegas.
It’s hard to top listening to Mojave Music Radio’s country and Western ballads as you explore war-torn Nevada. Yet charismatic host Mr. New Vegas’ silky-smooth news updates are just as compelling, as it helps you learn more about the vying factions which you’ll eventually choose between in the climatic battle for Hoover Dam.
1) Fallout 3 – Galaxy News Radio
There can only be one winner, though, and his name is Three Dog. This disc jockey hosts the realest radio station in all the Capital Wasteland: Galaxy News Radio. He recounts the Lone Wanderer’s many deeds, be they good or bad, and accompanies them with iconic tracks such as ‘I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire’ and ‘Crazy He Calls Me’ – all with his wit and signature “bow-wow”, of course.
The station is also an essential part of Fallout 3‘s main story, as you save it from a Super Mutant Behemoth alongside the Brotherhood of Steel. Galaxy New Radio’s studio is a bastion amidst the ruins of D.C. and Three Dog is a loveable, righteous, charismatic presenter. He’s a true journalist, bringing you the truth – no matter how bad it hurts.
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