Before the discovery of atomic energy, sci-fi weapons generated an unspecified death ray: the technology at that time was not sufficiently developed to scientifically support the fantasies of writers and screenwriters.
In the 80's, with the emergence of underground movements like cyberpunk and steampunk, the sci-fi weapon design focused on mechanical items like the LAPD Blaster from Blade Runner.
Finally in Fallout, weapons present a retro post-apocalyptic design, where functionality prevail on aesthetic.
