Fallout 3 Review  

Played on Xbox 360

Reviewed by Coxster

It goes without saying that Fallout 3 being one of this years most anticipated games would be a gross understatement.  There are literally millions of gamers out there who would consider the Fallout series to be amongst their favourite franchises of all time and just as many who would consider Bethesda and its epic game Oblivion to be one of the finest and most memorable RPG’s to be released in recent years – the sales alone certainly seem to reflect that sentiment.  Ever since Bethesda announced that it was working on a new Fallout game, the internet has been a battleground with various sides both arguing the pros and cons of what Bethesda will do with this beloved series.  Well now that the game is out and we all have our grubby little hands on it, it is as good a time as any to explore and discover if the agonizing wait was worth it. 

Our review begins on an ordinary Tuesday that was very much like any other.  I was working hard on some reviews when I received a message that a package had been delivered and needed my signature.  This in itself is nothing new as we get parcels and review code games sent to us all the time, what made this particular day different was that inside this package happened to be a little game called Fallout 3…and suddenly my mind was full of anticipation as I knew that the game I was holding in my hands was going to be the start of a heroic and epic adventure that would probably consume many nights to come…I wasn’t wrong.   

Fallout 3 not only met my expectations – after all was said and done; it had left me breathless and wanting more.  It made me realise how privileged I was to be a gamer that was able to live in a time where such remarkably original games like Fallout 3 happened to exist. It made me feel sorry for all those millions of humans throughout history who never made it this far to see such things, it also made me sad for the millions of humans in our own lifetime who will never know the joy of playing a game that is as richly rewarding as this contemporary classic.   

Growing up somewhat sheltered and naive in a massive bunker that has saved me from suffering from the effects of radiation poisoning as we are the survivors of a great nuclear war that has decimated the American population.  All that is left is Super Mutants, wasteland mercenaries, scavengers and ghouls who look like they are rotting alive.  After growing up in those bunkers, the last thing I would expect to happen is for my father to go missing, but he has and I must follow to see what has come of him.  This is where my adventure begins.  

When I first stepped out of the vault and stood looking out at the shattered and grimy landscape, it was obvious that I had entered a world where life was cheap and survival was a challenge that opposed you at every opportunity.  If this wasn’t a videogame, I would’ve turned around and headed straight back into the protection of the vault.   

Every little inch of the landscape is dotted with obstacles that want you dead, both mechanical and organic.  From the rabid dogs to the super mutant soldiers that scour the landscape looking for prey, the Wastelands only allow the fittest to survive.  If being attacked left right and centre by ferocious animals and mutants wasn’t enough I also have to beware of radiation poisoning – a little reminder from a historic nuclear war – the catalyst behind our predicament, something I will no doubt try to change for future generations.  

My journey is a long one, taking me from one corner of the wastelands to the other.  Throughout the land is small camps and towns as well as other vaults that have long decayed into a state of disrepair, and let’s not forget the once great cities of the old world, all of which are now ruins and home to all types of villainy and scum.  It would be easy to act like these desperate people, stuck in a world that discourages optimism and desire, but I know I’m made of stronger stuff and choose to stick with a higher degree of morality, hopeful that it will gently persuade those I meet on my way into reclaiming an authority on their own lives and the world we now find ourselves stuck with.  The mistakes of our Fathers are made every day by the crushed people of this land; it’s time that those mistakes stopped here and now.  

I encounter the struggle between the Brotherhood of Steel and the Super Mutant armies, the Enclave and their interest in the Purity Project, I inject myself into these struggles of power in the hope that my actions will collectively create a picture where the world can once again rebuild.  It’s not easy and many times I come close to death, if it wasn’t for a few friends I make along the way and their generosity I wouldn’t of made it this far. Not only are there many major players competing to provide leadership for a proposed new world, there are the smaller and lesser known tales of everyday villagers who require the services of a kind-hearted stranger like me.  I may take a little credit for my hard work from time to time, this sort of gratification never hurt anyone, but I rarely take their money if I can help it.  They should keep whatever meagre possessions they have and try to build whatever happiness they can, for the most part when I am successful on scouting missions and other similar quests, their appreciation is often payment enough. I only wish I had more time to help these impoverished and unfortunate souls, but there are bigger forces at work and they urgently require my talents. I must get my priorities correct; even if it means that it will dramatically change the world and close off possible relationships.  

Over time I find myself resting during the day and travelling by moonlight, avoiding what trouble I can.  My collection of weapons has grown considerably as well as my ability to communicate, but it my close quarter combat training that has truly made me a formidable opponent.  I can feel my weather beaten skin conform to my new environment as I traverse its jagged peaks and dangerous valleys.  My VATS system enables me to focus when I do come up against serious opposition; it gives me the percentages and recommends the best targets to take out first.  Without it I would find myself a battle torn wreck, with it I am all powerful.  It shouldn’t make me happy but scoring a head shot against a frenzied mutant always makes me thankful that my VATS system is with me at all times.  

Overall:  

After many days and nights, many glorious battles and as many spectacular failures I came to the end of the main adventure.  It was epic, time-consuming, exhilarating and Bethesda’s most successful piece of work to date.  Even though the main adventure has concluded there is still a wasteland out there full of ruined characters that probably need a person like me in their corner right now.  I’ve made some friends on the way and they are more than willing to lay down their lives to back me up.  I hit the road, it might be reckless and end up with me coming to an untimely end, discarded on a cindered roadside in the middle of the wastelands…luckily at the end of the day it ends up being only a game, and one of the best I’ve ever played in my life.