### The Design Flaws of FO4's Weapons

In the vast world of Fallout 4 (FO4), where every corner holds a new adventure and every weapon promises survival, there lie some glaring inconsistencies in design that are hard to ignore. From the cumbersome size of firearms to the lackluster animation fidelity and functional issues, Fallout 4's arsenal leaves much to be desired.

**Overwhelming Size:**

One of the most noticeable gripes with FO4's weapons is their disproportionate size. While exceptions like the Deliverer and the hunting rifle exist, many firearms suffer from an exaggerated scale. This oddity stems from a seemingly practical reason—ensuring weapons look appropriate when wielded in power armor. However, the inconsistency in proportions points to a lack of attention during development. The DLC weapons, notably the garage AKs from Nuka World and the lever actions in Far Harbor, show that Bethesda recognized this flaw but only rectified it in later stages.

**Animation Fidelity Issues:**

The animation quality of firearms in FO4 often falls short, undermining the immersion of the game. Details like incorrectly portrayed actions, such as treating a double-action revolver as a single-action one, or unnecessary slide racking on handguns, detract from the realism. Moreover, the absence of bullet-counted reloads for weapons like lever-action rifles highlights a lack of attention to detail, which modders have swiftly addressed.

**Underwhelming Gunplay Experience:**

Despite the game's shift towards first-person shooter elements, the gunplay in FO4 fails to impress. Firearms sound feeble, lack recoil, and exhibit poor enemy hit response. This deficiency becomes more pronounced with energy weapons, which feel especially lackluster in both sound and visual feedback.

**Questionable Aesthetics:**

The design choices for energy weapons in FO4 raise eyebrows, particularly concerning their visual representation. Departing from the sleek designs of previous iterations, the laser weapons in FO4 appear clunky and impractical, reminiscent of WW2-era machinery. Additionally, gameplay bugs further exacerbate the dissatisfaction with these weapons, underscoring a lack of thorough testing and refinement.

**Functional Inconsistencies:**

The functionality of weapons in FO4 often defies logic and realism. The inclusion of pipe guns as prevalent weapons, even in pre-war safes, feels out of place and immersion-breaking. Furthermore, the conversion of historical firearms into modern counterparts without considering the practicality or historical context adds to the game's inconsistencies.

**Missed Opportunities:**

Despite the potential for unique and humorous weapon designs, FO4's arsenal lacks distinction between serious firearms and joke weapons. The absence of truly unique weapons further highlights a missed opportunity to add depth and variety to the game's armory.

In conclusion, Fallout 4's weapon designs suffer from a multitude of flaws, ranging from aesthetic inconsistencies to functional issues. While mods offer some relief, they cannot fully compensate for the shortcomings ingrained in the game's core design. As players navigate the wastelands of post-apocalyptic Boston, they are left to grapple with the disappointment of an arsenal that fails to live up to its potential.