Another Fallout Review

Even though this blog has done a Fallout review, now it's time for me to fill one out too. Having played through the game, I felt that it was an overall good experience. However, it was not perfect. I played this game through on the 360.

I liked Fallout 1 and 2. Having beaten them both, I liked the sense of humor and satire that was presented within a deadly serious scenario. They both had a character to them, unique in their own way. This was especially the case in Fallout 2, when your reputation had a real standing on your life, and NPC control was improved.

So onto Fallout 3. First, the graphics are excellent, and the soundtrack is one to be proud of. Even Enclave Radio was a treat. Scenery was realistic, and Washington looked beautiful in a terrible way. Speech options were good, and characters gave humorous or deathly serious responses. Side quests were unique and didn't repeat themselves like in Grand Theft Auto IV.

Karma remained, and the inventory was expanded. This was a nice touch, as ammo was weightless. Weaponry was tweaked, and even the FPS mode was enjoyable. Bethesda did a good job adapting VATS to a console.

One disappointment was not being able to level up past level 20. Perks were given per each level, which was nice, but may have been a bit much. I wound up rarely having an NPC, and even when I did the controls were clunky. Third-person controls were not up to snuff and looked poor next to first-person mode.

The main quest was about 5 links too short. The massive world provides a lot of playback value, especially with the option of speed travel. But of course, my biggest gripe with the game is the ending. Not going to go into detail on that one.

On a side note, it'd be interesting if they ever finished Van Buren.

Overall: 9/10

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