Prime Video’s Fallout comes out today, and the show is definitely going to satisfy fans of the videogame series it’s based on, while also making new fans. As a fan of the videogames, I was really hyped to check out the live-action adaptation, but also wary with the history of videogame adaptations in the past. However, you don’t need to worry with Prime Video’s Fallout; with this series, a videogame adaptation has finally been done right.

The series stars Ella Purnell, Moisés Arias, Aaron Clifton Moten, and Walton Goggins. Each actor plays their respective roles incredibly well, with Ella and Moisés playing brother and sister Vault Dwellers (Norm and Lucy, respectively) from Vault 33. Aaron plays Maximus, a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, and Walton plays The Ghoul. We follow each of their storylines, which becomes entangled when several parties become interested in a man named Wilzig.

The show starts off in the past, where we’re introduced to Walton’s character prior to his ghoul transformation. In the past, he was an actor, famous for starring in Westerns and for becoming the face of Vault-tec (the company responsible for building bunkers known as Vaults). Despite his fame, he’s working a kid’s birthday party, with his daughter accompanying him. What starts off light and cheery quickly turns as nuclear bombs hit the Hollywood area. We’re then introduced to Vault 33, where we meet many Vault Dwellers, among them are Lucy, Norm, and their father, the Overseer, Hank. Much like the set-up for The Ghoul’s storyline, things turn awry quickly as they are overcome by raiders that kidnap Hank, leading Lucy on her expedition out of Vault 33.

In the outside world, we meet Brotherhood of Steel member, Maximus. As a child, Maximus was rescued by the Brotherhood of Steel, which instilled a sense of idolization for the group in his mind. Unlike his fellow “brothers,” Maximus isn’t respected, and despite his longing to be initiated into the ranks of the Brotherhood, he is constantly overlooked. This leads Maximus to resort to some questionable tactics to be initiated, and once he’s finally anointed as a squire for the Brotherhood, that doesn’t stop him from doing whatever it takes to wear to coveted T-60 Power Armor. We also see The Ghoul, fully transformed, and fully embracing his Western Hollywood past, shooting down and lassoing anybody in his way.

Fallout is a binge-worthy show, with its immersive world-building and a story that honors the games that it is based on. There are so many Easter eggs for fans of the games to spot and even a soundtrack that will put you back in the mindset of playing the games. However, even if you aren’t a fan, the show is so well written and presented, that there shouldn’t be any confusion. The designs of the creatures were really awesome, and even NPCs (raiders, etc.) from the games were totally accurate and on-point. I’m really amazed by the production design which felt grand and put you right in the middle of the post-apocalyptic world of shanty towns and abandoned cities.

The series also shines through the incredible leads. Each character employs some wacky and dark humor that would really throw me off, but I thoroughly enjoyed. All of the characters bounce off of each other with their different personalities. Ella as Lucy plays a naive, determined, and tough woman. Aaron plays an equally naive sort of character just looking for where he belongs, and Walton has to be my favorite as this bloody-thirsty, hardened cowboy Ghoul. Moisés’ Norm, really pushes the mysteries of the story forward, with a supporting cast that also adds a lot of depth to the story. Despite juggling so many characters, I feel like everyone was fleshed out really well.

While there are tons of references to different Fallout games, I especially enjoyed that the show wasn’t afraid to take things in a new direction with all new characters and storylines. If you’re a fan of the games, you know the gore is there and the series does not hold back at all! Even so, I would still get thrown off by this aspect, but it was always a fun surprise when these moments would occur. The series has me itching to play the games again and I’m excited for the future of the show.

We give Fallout a 4.5/5.