Fallout: Bakersfield trailer reveals GZDoom engine remake of 1997 classic

In an exciting development for Fallout 1 fans, a four-minute trailer for Fallout: Bakersfield has been released on YouTube, offering players a faithful, dark, and gritty glimpse into an ambitious fan-made project that remakes the 1997 classic Fallout using the GZDoom Engine.

The last update for Fallout: Bakersfield was announced nearly two years ago. But the latest trailer shows footage of a gritty post-apocalyptic take on the ghoul-infested Necropolis from the original Fallout. Developer Alexander “Red888guns” Berezin has previously worked on Fallout mods like Olympus 2207 and Sonara and is now spearheading the FPS reimagining of the isometric RPG’s signature atmosphere with visceral Doom-like aesthetics.

The trailer initially appears to be FMV-styled footage, but quickly becomes evident that we’re seeing in-game footage, featuring the Vault Dweller navigating the ruins of Necropolis, facing off against an onslaught of ghouls with a double-barrel shotgun and knives. Moreover, we see an intense conversation between the original game’s Super Mutant boss, Harry. 

The UI features a Pip-Boy-styled HUD, green text overlays, and sharing elements from classic Doom, neatly wrapped in the aesthetic of the 1997 classic. Social media has been blowing up, praising the project, with the gaming community calling it “mind-blowing,” with some comments suggesting that this fan-project outshines even the latest entries in the franchise.

It's important to note that this project is not backed by id Software or Bethesda in any way whatsoever. The standalone fan project is a non-commercial total overhaul mod, and is 60% complete, environments at 80%, weapons and enemies at 50% and 30% respectively.

So far, a release date for Fallout: Bakersfield has yet to be announced, with a cryptic release date flickering between 2025 and 2027. Berezin, who is also developing a Fallout-inspired CRPG with New Blood Interactive, spent years of effort on what can only be described as a labor of love.

While Bethesda Game Studios continues to ship updates for Fallout 76, projects like Fallout: Bakersfield keep the original game’s spirit alive. Even decades later, fans are passionate about the cult-classic title, creating new stories in the wasteland and finding more ways to tell them.