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Tuesday, December 02, 2008 |
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Fallout 3
By JoeBob @ 7:00 PM :: 1697 Views ::
1 Comments ::  :: PC
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Fallout 3 is quite possibly the most anticipated game release of the year and for good reason. The combination of a cult classic RPG series and one of the most talented RPG developers in the business seems like a match made in heaven. Best of all, the massive, free roaming adventure aspect of Bethesda’s former titles fits the Fallout series like a comfortable glove.
It is extremely impressive that Bethesda manages to create a game that plays like an Elder Scrolls title while still feeling like a Fallout game. All of the Fallout staples are here and very well implemented. The Karma System is particularly well done. Depending on the choices your character makes, you will either be treated like a savior, or a criminal or anything in between. This system seemingly has no limits, as your reputation is spread through the entire game world and consequences or rewards are often given for your actions. For example, a noble character will be hunted by mercenaries due to his “goody two shoes” reputation but will also often receive free gifts for townspeople. Another Fallout characteristic that makes a triumphant return is the idea of perks. Every time you level up your character, along with the typical stat upgrades you also get to choose a new perk. These perks range from useful like the “Solar Powered” perk which increases your strength and causes you to regenerate health while in the sunlight, to entertaining, the “Bloody Mess” perk increases the game’s gore level substantially. The higher your level, the more useful the perks that you will have access to. Lastly like in the other Fallout titles the player can recruit NPCs to join their party. The most significant of these is Dogmeat, a descendant of the dog in the original Fallout who can scavenge for food, ammo and weapons. Just a warning, when Dogmeat (or any NPC for that matter) dies, they will not come back.
While Fallout 3 is very much a Fallout game it still maintains numerous aspects from the Elder Scrolls titles (specifically Oblivion). Like Oblivion, the game world is massive, so the player must rely on fast traveling to locations by using their map. Also like Oblivion the player is allowed to switch between a first person and third person view at will. Sadly the third person view remains virtually useless. The skills, weapon repairing system and the aspect of looting also remain unaltered from Oblivion.
As stated earlier Fallout 3 is very similar to Oblivion, however in many ways it is refined. While the actual “world” in Fallout 3 is smaller than Oblivion’s it manages to feel larger due to the interesting areas to explore. In Oblivion the landscape would consist of tons of forests and caves. To contrast Fallout 3 contains a variety of unique places to find. From abandoned schoolhouses to outdoor movie theaters to supermarkets to soda bottling plants each individual location feels fresh. It is strange that a post apocalyptic game set in a desolate wasteland feels so lively, more so than any Elder Scrolls game to date. This is largely due to the title’s incredible sense of atmosphere.
Although Fallout 3 takes place many centuries after Bioshock, the atmospheres of the two games are strikingly similar. While Fallout 3 occurs in the distant future, some of the technology is very much dated. The title has an overall 1950’s vibe. While things like high tech weaponry and robots are commonplace throughout the title, so are vintage radios, refrigerators, soda machines, clothing, cars and architecture. Perhaps the greatest contributor to the 1950’s atmosphere of the game is the mascot, The PIP Boy 3000. Not the minicomputer attached to your character’s arm but rather the avatar that characterizes this device. This avatar is a typical 1950’s child mascot (big blue eyes, curly hair and all).
Speaking of the PIP Boy 3000, the title’s menu system is impressively well done. All of your character’s stats, items, equipment, perks, notes, quests and maps are stored in one extremely useful gadget. The player cannot play for an extended period of time without checking the PIP Boy as it is simply their greatest means of survival.
As I stated earlier, Fallout 3 strikes a delicate balance between first person adventure and RPG. The main gameplay element which cements the title as an RPG is the VATS system (The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System). This system allows the user to stop the action at any time (much like in KOTOR) in order to target any area on an enemy’s body. Accuracy is shown as a percentage and differs with each body part. As soon as the player chooses which body parts to shoot the game launches into an extremely cinematic slow mo scene of your character slaughtering his/her opponent. Of course you can’t always use VATS as that would make the game far too easy. Instead VATS is based around AP points. Normally if your AP gauge is full, your character can launch around three shots in VATS, after that they must wait a short amount of time before their AP gauge recharges. The VATS system is the game’s biggest innovation. Contrary to popular belief, slaughtering in slow motion never gets old.
As with any Bethesda title, you won’t be putting down Fallout 3 anytime soon. The main quest takes 20 to 30 hours to complete and with all of the side quests, this game could last over 200 hours! Bobbleheads are also cleverly inserted throughout the game world in order to increase replay value. These bobbleheads are extremely useful as they increase your character’s stats permanently.
Fallout 3 benefits from awesome presentation. The music in the title tops Oblivion and the voiceovers are outstanding as expected. The graphics are also impressive if a bit plain, however this only helps sell the post apocalyptic atmosphere even more.
In my opinion Fallout 3 is Bethesda’s best title to date. It combines the best elements of their successful Elder Scrolls franchise and the critically acclaimed Fallout series and does not sacrifice anything from either. Addictive gameplay, lasting replay value and a great atmosphere merge to form the best game of 2008 thus far. I really cannot think of any flaws. Fallout 3 is truly a must play title. Pick this game up immediately.
10/10
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