Fallout 3 Review

As a fan of both Fallout 1 and 2, I was nervous to see whether or not this game followed properly in their footsteps. I am glad to say, yes...or at least until the end of the game, yes. Unfortunately, this game is fantastic with a terrible ending.

As you emerge from the vault after escaping to look for your father, lights shine bright, blinding you for a split second. As they fade away, you come face to face with the Capital Wasteland. This beginning, joined with excellent narration and the voice of Liam Neeson, prepares the player for an exciting experience. And it was just that.


















So how does Fallout 3 follow in its predecessor's footsteps? As before, there is Karma, Perks, leveling up, etc. But most important are the choices you can make in this game: your choices actually affect gameplay and outcomes of people and settlements. The choices and quests are plentiful, the "speech" ability is excellently executed, and the environment is large and lush. Another two excellent additions: Harold from Fallout 1 and 2 makes a return and Dogmeat is back.











The game has plenty of hours to offer to gamers...but that brings us to the game's end. I won't give away the ending, but after hours of exploration and enjoyment, the end comes quickly and painfully. No chance to change it, no chance to continue after it, no chance to enjoy yourself at the end. Remember the endings in Fallout 1 and 2? Not present in Fallout 3; you get approximately one minute of narrated pictures that tell the tale of your journey from the vault. That's it, no more. No summary of the towns you went to and how you effected them, just a glossing-over of how you were and what you did outside of the vault. Disappointing is an understatement.

The Final Verdict: 8.25/10, Very Good