@CameyGiving the players a chance to flesh out their characters is what I was going for.
Anyways, the buildings are kind of a mix between old and new. So there are new, modern skyscrapers and housing, as well as some older buildings that are kind of colonial in style. There is a town called Alexandria, VA that sort of fits the description. Here are a few pics:
These pics are from Virginia, but if you have ever visited New York City there are a fair share of old buildings there as well.
As for technology, it is a lot like our modern day. Smartphones are not much different. Video games have made small advancements toward motion sense and VR. Most of the important tech advancements are due to Maniacles, however. There are cures for various diseases, most that nobody knows about because Maniacles won't let word out, or too expensive for most people. Weapons and power armor are much the same way. The power armor is less bulky/ more compact than Fallout, honestly. As for the laser weapons, I am basing the idea of them off actual laser cannons. The US Navy has them.
youtube.com/watch?v=eVWYIIvVWu4Kind of like that, but a rifle. So many soldiers or mercenaries may carry them.
Power armor resembles this: