Fallout 3 is the latest installment of the tremendously popular series of role-playing games previously published by Black Isle Studios. With the unfortunate closure of Black Isle, the rights to Fallout 3 were passed to Bethesda Softworks, best known for the Elder Scrolls series. Taking on such a popular title with its own following of die-hard fans was a risky venture for Bethesda, but ultimately resulted in a game that is a something Fallout fans and RPG fans new to Fallout can appreciate. Fallout 3 is true to the franchise, but also true to the Bethesda Softworks style, which makes for a tremendously entertaining game.
The remains of the Capitol Building and the National Mall
Fallout 3 returns us to the post-apocalyptic nuclear wasteland that is now the United States. Set in what was Washington D.C., a tremendous effort was put into the main quest storyline for this game. For each stage of the main quest, there are many options for how to play it based on character alignment, among other things. The Capital Wasteland is a harsh and unforgiving game-play environment. For those who have read it, think The Road. Supplies are scarce, and if you find yourself in dire need of health and without a stimpack, your options may be limited to drinking irradiated water, eating the flesh of a mutated giant roach, or even eating the flesh of a raider you just killed. Raiders and slavers roam the wastes, attacking anyone they find and decorating their lairs with the dismembered corpses of those unfortunate enough to be caught. The non-human inhabitants include grotesque, mutated animals and hulking humanoid super-mutants.
A Metro station filled with feral ghouls
The gameplay style of Fallout 3 is similar to Bethesda’s last major game, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The main quest is linear, and the rest of the gameplay is sandbox style, with locations and miscellaneous quests that can be accessed or ignored as desired. The character controls are FPS-based, but can be played in third person, and the NPC interactions are nearly identical to those in Oblivion. However, despite the similarities, the game is still Fallout through and through. Most of the attributes, skills and perks from the previous games reappear in Fallout 3, with some new ones added. The leveling system is very flexible, but the cap is 20, so choose your perks carefully. Character alignment is based on Karma, which is gained or lost based on actions and quests, among other things. Karma is something that must be carefully cultivated based on how you want to play. Different quest paths will affect your karma strongly, as well as things like stealing, helping lost wastelanders and many other things. The karma extremes are very fun to play with though. If you are exceedingly evil, you can walk in to Paradise Falls, the most evil town in the game, and everyone will immediately bow down to you and do your bidding. Blowing up Megaton also makes the most beautiful explosion.
Save before you blow up Megaton. It’s better appreciated at night.
Fallout 3 also introduces the V.A.T.S, Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, which does exactly what it says. While in combat, the V.A.T.S. can be used to stop time and select different body parts to target. When V.A.T.S. is activated, the HUD will show a zoom-in of the target, the body parts that can be targeted, and the percent chance of a successful hit. The amount of times you can fire while in V.A.T.S. is dictated by Action Points, which regenerate over time. Though very useful in a pinch, V.A.T.S. does not totally ruin the FPS experience. Some weapons are dangerously accurate in V.A.T.S., while others fire wildly. Some guns that are inaccurate in V.A.T.S. deal devastating damage at close range in FPS mode. The most successful strategy for using V.A.T.S. is to identify certain guns that work well in V.A.T.S., and stick to running and gunning with everything else.
A super mutant behemoth seen through V.A.T.S.
The gameplay environment of the Capital Wasteland is where Bethesda Softworks truly shines. The land is masterfully made as a gray, dead place that is eerily silent, other than the wail of the wind. Throughout, there are places to find and interesting people to meet that are not on any questline. Even the layout of the area is surprisingly accurate. Those who, like myself, live in the DC/Metro area may be able to find locations using only their knowledge of real DC geography. I was aimlessly walking south on the east bank of the Potomac River just to explore, and I realized that in real Virginia, I would be getting close to the Pentagon. While wondering if the Pentagon was still there in the Capital Wasteland, I reached the top of a hill only to see the derelict form of the Pentagon coming out of the gloom in front of me.
The Jefferson Memorial, exactly where it should be
The graphics are very good and sharp. The sound effects are very well done, and the music suits the game very well. The physics are accurate and consistent, but in any environment this large, some glitches can be expected, but fortunately, there are few enough glitches that when one occurs, it can be laughed at, and is not a constant annoyance. As with Oblivion, the dialogue is very extensive and well executed, especially with Liam Neeson doing the dialogue for the main character’s father.
Dad, voiced by Liam Neeson
Recommendation:
I fully recommend this game. This is a game that really exemplifies a great and thorough free-world RPG. With an almost unlimited amount of gameplay and the soon to come expansion, Operation Anchorage, this game really gives you your money’s worth. My only big complaint is that, unlike Oblivion, when the main quest is over, the game is over, so be sure that you’ve done everything you want to do in the game before you finish the main quest. Also, this game is not meant to be rushed, and patience is crucial to fully enjoy it.
Fallout 3
Systems: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 & PC
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Find: Amazon - Gamefly - Goozex
All reviews are based on final retail code unless otherwise noted.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 am
I looooved this game. In fact, I am still playing it! I did hear that gameplay was over once you finished the quest, so I’ve been taking my time exploring every nook and cranny. I think the vats system is pretty neat too and I love how Liam did the voice of your father…it made it just that more enjoyable.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I’m only on Level 3. So I’m not sure how I feel about this game. So far, it’s too damn big and I’m too damn weak to really fight anyone. I find myself exploring and traveling great distances, only to have my character get killed and start from my last load. So all that traveling and collecting items was for nothing. I started doing more quest now though and it’s starting to move along a bit. I’m just afraid it’s gonna be another Oblivion for me. Where I have no idea where to go or what to do next and I lose interest.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
The upcoming expansions will raise the level cap and allow you to keep playing beyond the game’s “ending”. If you haven’t started now, it might be worth waiting until the DLC.
January 24th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Laura you rock my socks!
January 25th, 2009 at 7:48 am
February 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I will probably wait until all the DLC is out to get the full experience.