The third game in the Fallout series, Fallout 3 is a singleplayer action role-before a live audience game (RPG) set in a post-apocalyptic Washington DC. Combining the horrific lunacy of the Cold War era theory of mutually assured destruction gone terribly incorrect, with the tasteless naivety of American 1950s nuclear propaganda, Fallout 3 will fit both players familiar with the well loved first two games in its series as well as those coming to the franchise for the first time.
Salutation to the nation's hub.
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The Brotherhood of Steel is a powerful ally.
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Customize characters with your Pip-Boy.
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The Tale: Vault 101 – Jewel of the Wastes
For 200 years, Vault 101 , a fallout shelter, has faithfully served the surviving residents of Washington DC and its environs, now known as the Hub Harsh environment. Though the global atomic war of 2077 left the US all but ruined, the residents of Vault 101 delight in a life free from the constant stress of the outside world. Giant Insects, Raiders, Slavers, and yes, even Super Mutants are all no match for superior Vault-Tec commerce. Yet one gloomy daylight, you awake to find that your father has defied the Boss and left the comfort and wellbeing afforded by Vault 101 for reasons nameless. Leave-taking the only home you've ever known, you emerge from the Vault into the harsh Harsh environment sun to search for your father, and the truth.Key Features:- Limitless Frankness! – Take in the sights and sounds of the vast Hub Harsh environment! See the fantastic monuments of the United States lying in post-apocalyptic ruin! You make the choices that define you and change the world. Just keep an eye on your Rad Meter!
- Experience S.P.E.C.I.A.L.! – Vault-Tec engineers bring you the latest in human skill simulation – the SPECIAL Reputation System! Utilizing new breakthroughs in points-based skill submission, SPECIAL affords unlimited customization of your reputation. Also built-in are dozens of unique skills and perks to choose from, each with a dazzling variety of things!
- Fantastic New Views! – The wizards at Vault-Tec have done it again! No longer constrained to just one view, experience the world from 1st or 3rd person perspective. Customize your view with the touch of a button!
- The Power of Choice! – Feeling like a dastardly baddie today, or a Excellent Samaritan? Pick a side or walk the line, as every situation can be dealt with in many different ways. Talk out your problems in a elegant make, or just flash your Plasma Rifle.
- Blast 'Em Away With V.A.T.S.! –Even the odds in combat with the Vault-Tec Helped Targeting System for your Pip-Boy Model 3000! V.A.T.S. allows you to pause time in combat, target specific body parts on your target, queue up attacks, and let Vault-Tec take out your aggression for you. Rain death and destruction in an all-new cinematic presentation featuring gory dismemberments and spectacular explosions.
- Mind-Blowing Reproduction Intelligence! – At Vault-Tec, we realize that the key to reviving people after a global nuclear war is people. Our best minds pooled their efforts to produce an advanced version of Radiant AI, America's First Choice in Human Interaction Simulation. Facial expressions, gestures, unique dialog, and authentic actions are brought together with stunning consequences by the latest in Vault-Tec equipment.
- Eye-Popping Prettiness! – Witness the harsh realities of nuclear fallout rendered like never before in modern super-deluxe HD graphics. From the barren Harsh environment, to the danger-filled offices and metro tunnels of DC, to the hideous rotten flesh of a mutant's face.
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 A review from an impartial gamer |
| Review Date: November 18, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jarlaxle, Marietta, Ga |
I play a lot of different RPG's and was not a fan of Elder Scrolls Oblivion. I will list the pros and cons as impartially as possible so you can be the judge on what matters to you.
PROS:
- You are left to explore and find things to do and quests on your own. This game is a right RPG. You have one main quest. All else are side quests.
- Over 100+ hours of places to explore. and more than 100+ unique map locations.
- Tons of perks and ways to renovate your reputation. Become a knowledge genius or concentrate on secrecy and your lockpicking skill. Invest in large guns and go into places with guns ablaze. Play the game how you want. Be excellent and people will like you, be terrible and people will dread you.
- Replay value. This is rare in RPGs but Because of the many different ways you can play the game I see myself before a live audience this game again to play a different type of reputation.
- Some people nag about the targeting system known as VATS. This game is not an FPS. VATS gives you a wonderful 1st person shooter feel with an RPG style or turned based combat. Score a vital by shooting your enemies head and it might explode. Shoot the enemy on his weapon hand and he will not be able to attack you very promptly.
- The graphics are incredible. Its a gorgeous post apocalyptic mess. The detail from the stains on a found mattress or a found comic called "Grognak the Barbarian and the Lair of the Virgin Killer" are all incredible. You can tell a lot of thought went into detail.
- The voice work is nice. Nearly every reputation talks out loud. This allows you to listen and answer as a replacement for of just surveillance a mouth go and reading dialog all the time.
- Enemies do not automatically level with your reputation. This was my largest problem with Oblivion. Some people liked the fact that enemies would always be your level. I found it perfectly unrealistic. Go ahead, run your level 1 reputation through the Wastelands. You might come across an simple roach or a mutant with a minigun. In my book this makes the game more fun and much more realistic.
- I have read on the forums and some terrible reviews here that they can not find tons of ammo. This is not Halo, Call of Duty or any other FPS. People need to take the right mindset. This is a world 200 years after major Nuclear war. Things will break, ammo is sometimes scarce, radiation is a fact of life, bottle caps are money, people trade all and you live in a harsh world. I reckon some people need to watch the Madmax series just as a primer to know the world made here.
- Second travel. Once you have visited an area you no longer need to walk to the place. You can locate the area on your map (through the PIPBoy 3000) and select it to instantly travel.
- The PipBoy 3000 Boundary works fantastic. This allows you to keep track of stats, items, equipment, quests, notes, maps, and karma very easily. The UI is simple and it keeps all the data you need at your finger tips.
CONS:
- AI is not anything special. It's not terrible, just not anything special. When I am shooting a shotgun at you, running at me with a pool cue might not be the smartest thing to do. They will sometimes run away if severely over matched (which is the smart thing to do). The AI is no worse then any other games, just no huge improvements here.
- Lack of excellent music. You can find radio stations on your PIPBoy but I was not a fan of the music. The social class can be ok but not fantastic. Sometimes when alone in the Harsh environment you want some excellent social class music.
- I had the game crash once but not a lot of times like some people are exposure. Still improper but manageable. Loading and saving times can take anywhere between 10-30 seconds which is kind of slow.
- No item descriptions. The vital data like weight, condition value, and perks of the item are still showed but full description of the items are no longer unfilled. This is different then Fallout 1 and 2 where each item had a paragraph describing it.
Additional view:
This game is rated "M". This means you shouldn't play this game with kids in the room. This isn't a Con for me but this might be a problem for all you gamer mom and dads out there. Seriously, no kids allowed. Women offer there "Air force", cussing, blood splatter on the screen when you get injured, mutants hanging people on meat hooks, tons of drug use, and of course blowing peoples limbs off. Excellent times but not for the kiddies.
No, its not perfect but it is a lot of fun and the best RPG now on the market. My 5 star review was based on that fact. This is the best RPG I have played since FFX (Final Fantasy X). I hope you delight in it.
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Brilliant game, comprehensive review.
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| Review Date: November 7, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Ira Carmel, Sacramento |
I recently bought 3 new games for PS3; Small Huge Planet, Resistance 2, and Fallout 3. Fallout 3 is by far the winner for me. Small Huge Planet is incredible in its own right, but Fallout 3 deserves 10 stars. Resistance 2, has fantastic graphics, but the single player really lacks a touch that it had in the first game. I know that the online play is now incredible, but I'm a tale guy so that's what I'm before a live audience for.
Food analogy for these three games;
Resistance 2; A nice brunch, but some of the guests are grating.
Small Huge Planet; Awe-inspiring snack party! Lets play again!
Fallout 3; A 10 course meal of the best of all kinds of food. WOW!
This review for Fallout 3 has minor spoilers.
All three games are fantastic, but so far I've had the most fun before a live audience Fallout 3. The scope of the game is huge, it feels huge, it looks huge, it sucks you in. The plot seamlessly welds together, and the detail is incredible.
My wife, who is an incredible artist, took a look at this game while I was before a live audience and commented the following; "Whomever designed this game really knew what they were doing. The color pallets are very well chosen so that all in the scene has the right lighting feeling for the time of day."
I mainly *like* the small fine points that make this game. First incredible detail; Hacking the terminals is *very* close to the way you would break into a real OpenVMS machine if you had console access. The terminals themselves look like ancient VT100 terminals. You can break into a VMS machine from the console (physical mortal) and the commands are not just so the same, but when I saw my reputation typing them in, I was so pleased. I reckon the authors of this game should be commended for their suitability, and for their design choice. The OpenVMS system is very ancient, very useful, very strong, and very stable. The similar commands fit in *perfectly* with the look and feel of the terminals the robot company makes in the game.
Next up, the super mutants perfectly take lines from the baddie "Humungous" in Mad Max: Road fighter 2. "No more games!" with the same manner of language. This small detail is so perfect. There are small nods like this to the Sci Fi genre throughout this game.
Even the starting system of this game, and the load "slides" which are modeled after 50's micro fiche are so perfectly in reputation for the rest of the game that you find yourself wishing the load times when they show were longer so you could pore over the fine points revealed.
This game is so huge, and incredibly wide success. This is demonstrated by the example of a side quest/area that is introduced through deft foreshadowing into the game when your reputation inquires about the local area at one of the towns in the game. The person you're talking to refers to this nearby place to stay away from. "Its terrible mojo!" So of course you reckon "Well I have to go there next!" Next stop, terror! And 3/4 of the way through the side quest you're asking yourself "Maybe I really should have listened to this guy" as you're dying and irradiated in a terrifying area of doom! This minor side quest is so huge, and perfectly executed within the game that you really feel like you're paid your money's worth.
I reckon one of the things that some other reviewers mentioned is how cool it is that you can treat the game like a real time game, or as a more turn based game by using the V.A.T.S system. This lends flexibility to the game allowing you to play it either as the largest open finished fps you've ever played or as a giant post apocolyptic RPG.
Game strategy is introduced subtly by the npcs, making you feel like you are there. An example of this is a side exchange you have with a kid who tells you about the calamity that happened to his town. He describes how his father would rant about the invaders and how to defeat them, but the kid doesn't know what his father meant. You end up using the strategy to avoid death it a wonderful high quality Sci Fi B movie plot line yourself later.
Each storyline in this brilliant game is peeled back like layers of an onion, that you slowly uncover. The graphics are eyepopping sure, but I must give the writers for this game the highest praise. This is a touch that the author Neal Stephenson writes about in his book Diamond Age. The thought that you can have incredible immersion games that have a absolutely realistic physical background a la the matrix thought, but lacking a mesmerizing storyline you've got not anything. Well Fallout3 has the tale lines, and it has them in spades. It has the eye popping graphics, and the incredible detail. This game has it all.
There is never a time in this game where the game technicalities themselves get in the way of the play. You can save whenever you want, and the absolutely transparent technicalities sink you into the game background.
In end, if you like adventures, and you like Sci Fi, get this incredible Game. |
Fallout 3 = video game crack.
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| Review Date: November 4, 2008 |
| Reviewer: , |
For those of us who have played Oblivion the obvious will be when you first start to assume that this game is a lot like that game. To some extent there are particular elements to that thought that do hold right. But as the game really starts to unfold and you realize the world you're in that Bethesda has made that this is not Oblivion with guns. This is an epic post war nightmare that is both gorgeous and haunting.
This the type of RPG that every gamer dreams of. A rich tale in the main quest and an incredible amount of detail at every turn. The real meat of this game though is the side questing and the exploring of the landscape. You will literally spend HOURS read-through out every nook in this game and not meaningful what awaits you at the next turn. This is the type of game that will both make you use your head, and get your blood pumping at the same time. It's called weigh and it's done to perfection in Fallout 3.
If you are not a fan of games where you have to take your time and you are looking for a touch to pick up and shoot things Fallout 3 is not your game. If you like games that demand you to conserve your supply and make crucial choices that will affect your outcome one way or a further Fallout 3 is your game. If you are looking for a touch that is quick and simple, Fallout 3 is not your game. If you are looking for a touch that takes time, patience and you delight in exploring Fallout 3 is your game.
The point is that you really need to know the genre of RPG to delight in a game like this. That's not to say that if you have never played one that you won't delight in it just expect to be a bit overwhelmed at first and allow the game to unfold which is where the patience aspect comes into play, because once it does you will be sucked into it's world and have a very very hard time putting it down if you do connect with it. These are the types of games that RPG gamers long for and this one hits it out of the park.
As far as the combat system it's both a mixture of action RPG and somewhat of a turn based constituent with what is called the VATS system. More or less this allows you to make a choice of which body part you want to target and will show you a percentage of if that part will be hit. Then you go to a cut scene which shows your consequences. You will find this constituent very fulfilling when you see an enemy taken by surprise and watch in glory as body parts explode on the screen when it works right.
This is a game that has endless amounts of game play value. There are so many choices and out comes you will be able to explore every part of the game. End every quest and still be able to replay it perfectly different if you chose to do so with a absolutely different outcome. That is rare to find a game like that with so much quality.
The version I own is the PS3 version so let me say first the game looks incredible. I am before a live audience it on a 47 inch 1080 LCD TV with a 7.1 surround sound system and it just crushes on every single level. Are there glitches? So few you won't even care when you see them. The rumors that the PS3 version is somehow less a game from particular reviews is a lie. It's incredible and worth every single penny and your time.
Video game crack at it's finest and surely game of the year for me.
Thanks again Bethesda for making an epic world for me roam in. |
Absoutely Stunning RPG Shooter!
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| Review Date: October 29, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Paul Tinsley, Colorado Springs, USA |
Fallout 3 only appears to use the disc substantiation aspects of SecuROM 7.36.0006. I used System Mechanic to perform some "before and after" system scans to ensure not anything sinister was experience with the bed in. All I could find was the usual ticket and CD / DVD entries in the Registry. There were no activations or installation hiccups. The installation does take quite some time though, so I advise people to de-mess and defrag before they bed in.
I don't want to issue any spoilers, but what I will say is that the graphics are revolutionary! The world feels very immersing and the reputation interactions are very realistic. The controls are very similar to Oblivion too, so it wasn't hard to dive in. The game is very, very polished and when you exit Vault 101 for the first time, the scenery that greets you is astonishing! You can see objects in full clarity right out to the horizon and the background looks very much like a post-apocalyptic harsh environment, albeit under a very gray palette. I maxed out the in-game detail settings and my single slot GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB handled it perfectly. This is first class!
My largest gripe with DRM is restricted activations, which also infer spying on your machine. This game does indeed use the "evil" SecuROM, but it's just the usual SecuROM disc-read-through that we have in tonnes of games prior to this. There are NO Restricted ACTIVATIONS. I'm a huge anti-DRM person, just look at my posts for Spore, but this, in my attitude, is an square use of DRM and I recommend people get the game. |
Has to be game of the year
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| Review Date: October 31, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jason, NC, USA |
I never played the first fallout games, but I have always been an elder scrolls fan. Oblivion is one of my favorite games that I have ever had the pleasure of before a live audience, news that the same team bought up and was working on this game made me very pleased, if it could just be oblivion with guns, I would be sure to find much enjoyment. But it is SO much more.
The game is epic in scope, when you are "born" you crawl around, and you find this book (which is very cool) that teaches you about the S.P.E.C.I.A.L System, and you get to choose how you will be. I like the whole way this game is presented, all seems very realistic, the environments are of the best I have ever seen.
The voice acting has to be heard to be loved. I finally beat this sucker, after many late night gaming sessions (who needs sleep?) its crazy how many times I would say, ok, a few more synopsis then its time to sleep, and the next thing I know the suns coming up!
One of the cool things about this game is the Pip-Boy 3000, it is how you manage all, stuff you pick up, your aid, your skill to check your radiation level, as well as letting you check your maps, choose your quest, and the coolest feature of all, the skill to listen to the in game radio.
The radio features music from the 40's and 50's and its all real music, very unique, and fits perfectly into the world this game has made. I like it. It adds so much to the experience.
Since your reading this review, you may wish to know about the "Collectors" features. So lets get into if its worth you reducing a further 20$ for.
There is no definitive Yes or No. If you work in the game industry, this is one of the best things you can buy, you get a 100 page art book that looks really excellent, you get the thought art for the creatures, reputation armor, and background landscapes. This book makes others such as gears of war seem quite imperfect, this book alone was worth the price for me. The very cool looking lunchbox which houses all only sweetens the deal, it is very well constructed, and looks awe-inspiring, that's all i can say. If you delight in the retro type advertising of the game (and in game) you will like the lunch box, it is very cool. You get a making of dvd, which I'm preparation on exploring later on after I beat the game again. You also get the bobble head which is now "bobbling" right now as I type. I like this guy, he looks awe-inspiring, I'm somewhat disappointed we didn't get the version with him giving a thumbs up, but this is still cool nonetheless.
This is a very excellent game, much more mature than oblivion due to the foreign Foreign language and themes (one part has you visiting a virtual world, where you break up a marriage, beat up a small kid to make him weep, then proceed with murdering all the inhabits while in a mask scaring them all away -- though you can avoid it, if you figure out how to get out on your own!)
Language of which, I must bring up the cool perks system. If you want to play the game as being evil (my next play through for sure!) you can use the "Sandman" Perk and kill people in their sleep, if that's not enough, there is a perk that lets you eat people! Also whenever you pick pocket you can replace what you stole with a grenade and watch as they die (you get an achievement for this too!)
The game is so excellent, so slick, I really hope they treat this game like oblivion and offer some expansions, maybe one taking place in NY, LA, or a touch, that would be very cool.
The new VATS system is pretty cool, you can use Attack Points and use your weapon in a cinematic view that lays waste to your enemy, weather your slamming a mallet down on a demon dog, or shooting off a raiders head with your hand gun or rifle (reckon inhabitant evil type animations), with that said, this game had me jumping several times throughout, it is very excellent and you get very caught up in this game.
Lastly, I must bring up the graphics are the best I have seen. They surpass Oblivion, and look better than any game out on the 360 right now.
Bottom line, pick it up, you will be before a live audience this more than 1-2 days, it is a very excellent game, a game that requires repeat visits. It combines the best of all my favorite games, GTA's seedy underground background, Inhabitant Evils Reputation design, boss strength, and the gun play and horror, oblivions fantastic engine and how all goes together. It has to be played to truly delight in.
Also, the guide is NOT de rigueur, the game is pretty simple to figure out on your own. (though not an simple game) |
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