The Fatman Is Based on a Real-Life Weapon
The Fat Man launcher is the strongest weapon in Fallout 3, but it’s also based on a real weapon called the M-388 Davy Crockett. This was developed during the Cold War, and unlike the Fat-Man, couldn’t be fired over your shoulder. Instead, it needed to be put on a stand. While its payload wasn’t as powerful as a full-sized nuke, it was still a destructive weapon.
Gamers may remember it as the weapon that Colonel Volgin used during the Virtuous Mission in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
Also, because of the sensitivity of the atomic bomb attacks during World War II on Japan, the Fat Man was renamed to the Nuka Launcher in the Japanese versions of Fallout 3. Bethseda also removed the “Power of the Atom” quest which allowed players to blow up the town of Megaton for similar reasons.
Finally, did you know the bell that chimes after you reload the Fat Man is the lunchroom bell at the Bethesda offices?
