I've currently hit the halfway point in the game's main story, and as simple and straightforward as the plot has been, it's the characters and their stories that make Fallout 4's world come alive. The main plot is just fine (and gets really interesting thanks to a pretty cool mid-game twist) but the real draw narrative-wise are the moment-to-moment conversations you have with companions or other NPCs. Getting to know the characters and learn about their history in the wasteland is one of the best things about Fallout 4.
Needless to say, the gameplay here is fantastic and ever-so addicting. The gunplay has been vastly improved, so much so that I've been using V.A.T.S. less than I did in Fallout 3. However, there have been plenty of combat encounters that I had to take a step back and be more tactical. Be careful though, as V.A.T.S. no longer completely stops time; I've actually died a few times while using it. It's a welcome change and adds a new level of challenge. The RPG elements have been toned down a bit, and I really like how leveling up works now, as it's much more streamlined (not to mention that the Perk Chart is absolutely adorable).
A lot has been made of the game's crafting and base building aspects, and though I haven't really dabbled in them as much as I would like (I'm totally afraid I'll lose myself in them) they are a really cool and welcome addition to the Fallout series. While there are a few instances where crafting or modding is required, it's a totally optional part of the game.
If it's immersion and atmosphere you want, the Fallout games have them in bunches. One of my favorite things about Fallout 4 are the character interactions that occur in real-time. You could just be walking around Good Neighbor or Diamond City and stumble upon NPCs engaging in conversations about events that have already or are currently unfolding in the Commonwealth. It just makes the world you're exploring, even as over-the-top and barren as it may seem, more lived-in and believable.
One of the staples of the Fallout series are the various radio stations you can tune into with your Pip Boy; Fallout 3's Galaxy News Radio was perhaps my favorite thing about that game. Wondering the wasteland and murdering countless people/animals/creatures while listening to The Ink Spots and Billie Holiday is one of the most satisfying things in all of gaming. Fallout 4's Diamond City Radio contains a fantastic song list, though has a rather uncharismatic DJ, especially when compared to Galaxy News Radio's Three Dog. Regardless, it just wouldn't be a Fallout game without a robust and varied song list. (Tip: don't ignore the Classical Radio station, as mass murder is much more enjoyable when Chopin is playing in the background).
Perhaps more than anything, the most magical aspect of Fallout 4 is exploring. If you're able to ignore the multitude of quests and crafting/modding opportunities that the game presents you with, just being able to wander around the wasteland, discovering new places is just indescribably cool and surprisingly relaxing, when you don't stumble upon a Super Mutant camp that is). With Skyrim, I completely ignored any and all quests just to wander around marking new places on my map. I'm not doing it as much with Fallout 4, but that sense of discovery still powers my experience. The Commonwealth is so varied (and colorful!) that I have to take time out from my exploring and murder to take in the sights.
Out of everything the Fallout 4 offers (and there's a lot), it's the little moments that make this the best game I've played all year. Whether it be stopping to take in a view, finding that one piece of rare scrap you really needed, blasting off a super mutant's face in slow motion with just a sliver of health left, delving into the backstories of your companions, or watching the little mushroom cloud that happens when cars explode (they're SO COOL!), Fallout 4 is full of intensely satisfying moments that you just can't experience anywhere else.
What a S.P.E.C.I.A.L. game it is.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go play more Fallout 4.
