Fallout: Bakersfield—A Gritty FPS Revival of Fallout 1’s Necropolis

When word spread that Fallout 1 was being remade as a first-person shooter, I felt equal parts thrill and doubt. The 1997 original set a high bar with its open-world design, dark humor, and turn-based strategy. Converting that legacy into a relentless FPS? That’s ambition. Enter Fallout: Bakersfield, a total conversion mod on the GZDoom engine that swaps the turn-counter for a trigger finger, letting you storm the ghoul-haunted streets of Necropolis in real time.

Why Fallout Still Matters

Fallout 1 revolutionized RPGs with branching story paths, moral gray zones, and a bleak post-nuclear setting. Its influence reaches indie hits and blockbuster franchises alike. By focusing on the Necropolis arc—where you infiltrate a ruined city of ghouls and face super mutant Harry—this mod shines a spotlight on one of the series’ darkest chapters.

What Is Fallout: Bakersfield?

Fallout: Bakersfield is a fan-made total conversion for Doom’s modern GZDoom port. Led by Alexander “Red888Guns” Berezin, the project reimagines Fallout 1’s Necropolis area as a brutal FPS, complete with reconstructed levels, enemy encounters, and the climactic boss fight with Harry.

Bringing Fallout to First-Person

Transitioning from isometric tactics to a fast-paced shooter required more than swapping cameras. The team uses GZDoom’s dynamic lighting and scripting to recreate Fallout’s oppressive mood. Enemies roam in real time instead of waiting their turn. The Pip-Boy UI and inventory screens appear as in-game overlays. Even radio broadcasts crackle through speakers, preserving that signature “Please Stand By” vibe.

Key Features

• Authentic Atmosphere: Hand-crafted spritework and environmental details echo the original’s grim tone.
• Classic Arsenal: Rusty pistols, homemade shotguns, and other Fallout staples all feature animated reloading and bespoke sound design.
• Real-Time Combat: Maneuver through tight corridors, dodge ghoul ambushes, and engage super mutants in adrenaline-fueled gunfights.
• Pip-Boy UI: In-world menus mimic the classic interface without breaking immersion.
• Secrets & Exploration: Hidden caches and lore-filled terminals reward careful scavengers.

Development Progress

After nearly three years of work, the team estimates the mod is about 60% complete. A recent trailer highlights early level layouts, weapon models, and revamped AI behaviors. On a community livestream, Berezin hinted at a 2027 release window—“but there’s still plenty of content to polish and bugs to squash,” he warned.

Design Trade-Offs

GZDoom excels at fast action and visual effects, but it wasn’t designed for deep RPG mechanics. Fallout: Bakersfield puts combat and atmosphere front and center, foregoing branching dialogue or karma systems. If speech-check diplomacy is your style, this mod leans heavily into gunplay over negotiation.

Community Reaction

The reveal trailer sparked lively debate across forums and social channels. Fans praise the seamless merge of Fallout’s aesthetic with Doom-style shooting. Speculation runs wild about future levels, multiplayer mods, and new missions—though the team remains focused on completing the Necropolis chapter first.

Why It Matters to Fans

Fallout: Bakersfield underscores the passion and ingenuity of the modding community. By re-casting a pivotal Fallout storyline as a visceral FPS, it offers longtime fans a fresh perspective and shooters a retro-flavored test of skill. Whether you love Fallout’s lore or crave a classic-engine challenge, this ambitious project is one to watch.