Fallout 4 vs Salem
Fallout 4
Fallout 4 is the latest installment of the highly-acclaimed game franchise, Fallout. This time around, the developers went above and beyond, and completely revamped the rather outdated V.A.T.S. and turn it into a slow-motion-based aiming system rather than outright pausing the game mid-combat. The game has a massive graphics and sound overhaul as well. The visuals are a lot better than before and the devs added in something that was previously unprecedented - voice acting for the main character. The companions play their roles a bit better as well but they still tend to glitch out, or in some cases, disappear altogether. Thankfully, for PC gamers, you can use the command console to bring them back.In addition to its usual (and still epic) open world plus complete freedom features, this game also has a main storyline that forces you to pick a side in a war between factions, the Institute, the Brotherhood and the Railroad (the Minutemen are somewhat neutral in this game). However, the cream of the crop of this game is its sandbox aspect. In this game, even the junk items have their uses as you can use them to craft or modify your weapons, but also to build bases for settlers to inhabit and also a few extra places for you to stash some supplies in addition to your home in Diamond City.
Fallout 4 may have been ranked down on Steam due to Bethesda's decision to make paid mods, but the game itself is still a pretty good sequel for its combat system alone even if you don't like the storyline as much.
Salem
Salem is an old-school and somewhat obscure (but fun) sandbox MMORPG that unlike Wurm Online has a stronger emphasis on its in-depth crafting system and survival aspect rather than building.Similar to Wurm Online though, Salem is not a voxel-based game, but you are still able to mold the game environment through resource gathering, mining and digging in a way that reminds me of the currently-shelved MMORPG, EverQuest Next: Landmark. Of course, although not exactly the focus of the game, you can still build your homestead and the process is quite similar to Wurm Online except that it occurs at a much higher speed.
Not to mention, the game world in Salem is simply humongous to the point where it feels like an actual world. Salem also borrowed some features from ArcheAge where open-world PvP is the norm, so you'll need to be vigilant at all times, but players who kill and steal for no reason will be labelled as criminals and can be punished.
However, as good as it is despite being an indie MMO and all, Salem does have its fair share of flaws due to its low development budget. So, we'd recommend you to take a look at Salem without carrying along any high expectations. It's a pretty good MMORPG like Minecraft, but if you're expecting a Minecraft clone, you may end up disappointing yourself.