Eurogamer Fallout 3 Review: 10/10

[Tagaziel]

Hey Mikael, take more things personally plz. You realize he wasnt talking about you in specific right?

Also Mikael, lets get a final word in on this. From what you expected of the game from before release, is it better, worse, or on par with how you thought it would be.

What Top Secret said. I expected a dumbed down, hideously malformed action-RPG and got a game that's... really decent. And I mean it.

It's by no means a proper Fallout sequel, just a really good spin-off. I was also pleasantly surprised that the amount of raping Fallout lore was kept to a manageable minimum and that what the game introduces not only looks good, but also feels good.

 

[Shamrock]

What Top Secret said. I expected a dumbed down, hideously malformed action-RPG and got a game that's... really decent. And I mean it.

It's by no means a proper Fallout sequel, just a really good spin-off. I was also pleasantly surprised that the amount of raping Fallout lore was kept to a manageable minimum and that what the game introduces not only looks good, but also feels good.

And Grizzly Adams had a beard.

 

[Sheepo]

Grizzly Adams did have a beard.

 

[Krynn72]

What Top Secret said. I expected a dumbed down, hideously malformed action-RPG and got a game that's... really decent. And I mean it.

It's by no means a proper Fallout sequel, just a really good spin-off. I was also pleasantly surprised that the amount of raping Fallout lore was kept to a manageable minimum and that what the game introduces not only looks good, but also feels good.

Very good then. Your sig now actually represents my true feelings.

 

[Tagaziel]

And I'm having fun.

People.

I'm having fun in Fallout 3.

 

[Krynn72]

Now you're just messing with us.

 

[CrazyHarij]

As a standalone game, 7/10 - it's enjoyable, if severely unpolished.

As a Fallout spin-off, 8/10, it does capture the atmosphere and flavour (so far).

As a Fallout SEQUEL... 2/10. It simply isn't a Fallout sequel.

I think i'm beginning to see where you're getting at. As much as I'd love to see a proper reproduction of the fallout saga, I just don't think it's going to happen.

Of course it's not the same game. But tt has the atmosphere nailed down, 50's meet postnuke couldn't have been done better design-wise. In a way I think it's done better than the original fallout, with much more of that design (and the ability to listen to Fitzgerald while you're walking through a run-down shacktown).

The original FO were largely textbased in the feedback of info and combat report etc. It's like, "You are likely to be eaten by a grue" entices the imagination but doesn't work in today's games. It has to be visual. And I can't remember any situation where the feedback I was getting from the game was unclear because of it being an FPS.
The PIP-Boy is nailed 100% hands down.
The VATS works because it brings that "wait a minute, let me assess this" of turnbased combat into an FPS. Together with cool death animations. I haven't grown tired of it.

I think the problem (even though I don't think of it as a problem), is that FO3 is attempting too many things at once. It doesn't handle FPS as well as COD4, dialogue and animation as well as mass effect, the fallout universe as well as fallout1/2.

But what stands out to me is that within all of this, the blending that happens, in between all these gameplay elements, turns into a very, very enjoyable and all-round varied game.

Most parts of the issue are bugs. They're not actually very common, sometimes they break the illusion abit, but postulating that they detract from the overall game experience and perhaps influencing people not to buy or even try it is a very large step.
FO2 was unplayable at release before the first patch.

FO3 stands against one of the biggest enemies that sequels have to deal with, tainted nostalgia. The star wars prequels aren't star wars. Half-Life 2 isn't half-life (It's a brilliant game but more a spiritual successor and adaptation into today's videogame environment than a true successor of what HL was all about).

I guess it all boils down to the consensus that FO3 is a bit rushed, a bit dumbed down for the masses and not true Fallout because it's not Black Isle, all of which I'd agree with. However, none of these keep me from enjoying the game.

If anything, it could be a great way to attract new players to the old fallout games.

 

[Acepilotf14]

I love you, grizz.

Oooh. I want a piece of that.

Both actually.

Spoiler

If you get a high science skill you can force a paradox onto him. I loved it.

 

[Bad^Hat]

Oh god, I actually feel sorry for Mikael right now. Has this thread somehow rendered people temporarily blind and stupid or something?

Hey Mikael, take more things personally plz. You realize he wasnt talking about you in specific right?

Um.

It's a pretty good game -->grizzly<--, you heartless bastard, just accept it.

Hmm.

I really love the attitude in this thread. One wrong word about the game and people are up in arms, "OMG STOP BEING A HATER, IT'S STILL A GOOD GAME, STOP NITPICKING, I'M ENJOYING IT THEREFORE YOUR ARGUMENT IS INVALID, **** YOU AND YOUR EXPECTATIONS."

But then try even mentioning the word Halo around here...

 

[Sheepo]

My friend is either getting this, LBP, or GH4. I seriously hope it's not this.

 

[Shamrock]

My friend is either getting this, LBP, or GH4. I seriously hope it's not this.

I'd get LBP. It looks amazing, and I've heard great things on other forums. Plus, it just looks fun. Then again, I can see it sucking cock if you weren't able to create anything fun.

Guitar Hero games are always fun to me so that would be a no brainer if you were unable to create in LBP.

 

[Kyorisu]

What Top Secret said. I expected a dumbed down, hideously malformed action-RPG and got a game that's... really decent. And I mean it.

Sigged. I never claimed it'd be a true Fallout game but I did claim it'd be good for the masses and enjoyable to some extent. Me I'm enjoying myself when I play this game, it could be better but for what it is it's quite well done. Waiting on that CS is killing me though, I hope to see a lot of work that makes the game more Falloutish. I'm already playing with the original music and a few other tweaks.

 

[Krynn72]

But then try even mentioning the word Halo around here...

Holy **** I love that game!!!!

 

[Top Secret]

Halo 1 was a great game.

The sequels just did not deliver.

 

[Bad^Hat]

Yes, well...




Big Rigs?

 

[Krynn72]

Haha that game gave me many great laughs, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

 

[Bad^Hat]

Fallout 3?

 

[CrazyHarij]

fallout 2 has nothing to do with the original fallout, it's an abomination

 

[Tagaziel]

fallout 2 has nothing to do with the original fallout, it's an abomination

B&

Of course it's not the same game. But tt has the atmosphere nailed down, 50's meet postnuke couldn't have been done better design-wise. In a way I think it's done better than the original fallout, with much more of that design (and the ability to listen to Fitzgerald while you're walking through a run-down shacktown).

There a few quirks that could be tweaked and/or removed. Like exploding cars. I don't think about them and don't shoot them, and they leave me alone.

The original FO were largely textbased in the feedback of info and combat report etc. It's like, "You are likely to be eaten by a grue" entices the imagination but doesn't work in today's games. It has to be visual. And I can't remember any situation where the feedback I was getting from the game was unclear because of it being an FPS.
The PIP-Boy is nailed 100% hands down.
The VATS works because it brings that "wait a minute, let me assess this" of turnbased combat into an FPS. Together with cool death animations. I haven't grown tired of it.

My biggest gripe with VATS is how repetitive it is, and how fragile people are in Fo3. You sneeze at them the wrong way and their head flies off.

The game could really use that textual feedback, though. Lack of item descriptions is annoying and I really mean the clever descriptions of your environment. Remember clicking on rocks continuously in Fo2?

I think the problem (even though I don't think of it as a problem), is that FO3 is attempting too many things at once. It doesn't handle FPS as well as COD4, dialogue and animation as well as mass effect, the fallout universe as well as fallout1/2.

But what stands out to me is that within all of this, the blending that happens, in between all these gameplay elements, turns into a very, very enjoyable and all-round varied game.

True dat.

Most parts of the issue are bugs. They're not actually very common, sometimes they break the illusion abit, but postulating that they detract from the overall game experience and perhaps influencing people not to buy or even try it is a very large step.
FO2 was unplayable at release before the first patch.

I beg to differ. It was playable and finishable in 100%, just buggy. Compared to Buggerfall, it was a fully finished game

FO3 stands against one of the biggest enemies that sequels have to deal with, tainted nostalgia. The star wars prequels aren't star wars. Half-Life 2 isn't half-life (It's a brilliant game but more a spiritual successor and adaptation into today's videogame environment than a true successor of what HL was all about).

I wholeheartedly disagree. It's not tainted nostalgia, as I repeatedly replay Fallout 1 and 2 just for fun, and it captivates me every single time, especially Fo1. Problem here is not nostalgia, but rather lack of appreciation for good old games by the modern gamer, spoiled by graphics.

I guess it all boils down to the consensus that FO3 is a bit rushed, a bit dumbed down for the masses and not true Fallout because it's not Black Isle, all of which I'd agree with. However, none of these keep me from enjoying the game.

It could use polish... I'm waiting for the construction set now.

If anything, it could be a great way to attract new players to the old fallout games.

Indeed, there was a sharp spike in Fo1/Fo2 torrent traffic lately. Plus, GoodOldGames.com is up and running and for six bucks each you can get Fallout.

Six bucks. And you get a LOT of bang for your buck, especially in Fo2 with killap's restoration patch.

 

[Cornerstone]

I disagree. I thought the game was very hard from the get-go. I was constantly out of ammo and health but then I was out in the cities rumbling with the Super Mutants and ammo-gobbling Centaurs. I died many a times by bandits out there.

So in another words it made the feeling of living in a wasteland difficult... Are you sure you can call yourself The Antipop... Sure Primus made a good pop song with that but you obviously missed the point.

Since when was a since of accomplishment so easy? Oh yea since every kid was raised the "me, me, me" parenthood. Thanks, you ruined most enjoyment in life. Sex comes easy, no one bothers to try hard at sports, video games require no more than a rapid click of mouse/controller, sue for anything/everything... All because you deserve everything, you're S.P.E.C.I.A.L.

 

[Unfocused]

And you get a LOT of bang for your buck, especially in Fo2 with killap's restoration patch.

Just googled this. Do you know why that stuff didn't make it to the original game and how did the modders come into possession of those elements?

 

[Kadayi]

So far so good. Although I'm on PC I'm playing this with a 360 controller, which isn't working out too badly, although the aiming is ass, though that's where the VATS pays off. Certainly agree that the game doesn't feel like a fallout game, but that in itself doesn't make it a bad game. Overall it's pretty well done, and it's keeping me from returning to Farcry 2 bizarrely which is no mean feat.

Haven't gotten quite as far as some in the game as I'm an explorer whore (must find every unopened box everywhere!!), but it's keeping me occupied. Presently doing some of the side missions atm, rather than pushing the main (just got to the DJ) fire ants...pain in the ass tbh, but it has a certain charm.

 

[Jintor]

Waiting for modkit waiting for modkit.

**** Rivet City, I wish I could bomb it. So cramped. So depressing.

 

[Cerpin]

Where can I find the Alien Blaster? Or rifle, for that matter.

 

[Mirage]

Could someone give me directions to Paradise Falls, have been looking all over for it and can't seem to locate it. I headed east from Germantown like someone else said, yet all I found was Scrapyard.

 

[Dalamari]

beat the game, 200 endings my ass, I'd say more like 20-ish

 

[Ren.182]

Before this came out I'd only watched a few gameplay videos and read the odd article here and there. I thought it looked pretty boring. I thought V.A.T.S. was going to get boring. I basically thought it was Oblivion with guns.

My friends got the game and were all going crazy over it. So I gave it a go and fell in love with it. I haven't played the originals but I don't feel as though I don't know whats going on. There is so much to explore its basically taken over my life the past few days.

Deffo going to be replaying this a few times.

Whats this CS you're all talking about?

 

[knut]

So in another words it made the feeling of living in a wasteland difficult... Are you sure you can call yourself The Antipop... Sure Primus made a good pop song with that but you obviously missed the point.

?

I'm not even sure what you're talking about now. All I'm saying is that I found the beginning of the game very difficult, but then maybe you and I went down different paths. Me, I went straight to D.C. because the quest said I had to go in that direction - it wasn't til a few hours later that I discovered this quest wasn't quite as simple as it sounded and there I was, having already explored all of the east side of the map with a good 7 or so deaths from Super Mutants and lazaaar bandits under my belt. So umm, yes, it did come across as difficult living to me.

I don't even want to know why you're comparing Primus' song about the declining music industry to the beginning of this game.

(Not to mention I didn't decide on this username for any other particular reason other than I used to be a big Primus fan and it just sounded... well, cool.)

 

[CR0M]

And I'm having fun.

People.

I'm having fun in Fallout 3.

So did you actually pay for it then like you said you would? or are you having fun for free like you said you would?

 

[Laivasse]

Just googled this. Do you know why that stuff didn't make it to the original game and how did the modders come into possession of those elements?

I don't know anything about this patch, but I have used a walkthrough which mentions bucketloads of unfinished/unincluded content, which I got the impression was all still present (just hidden) within the game's files. Sounds like Black Isle were just beaten by a combination of deadlines + overambitiousness, and that the killap patch simply works some of that content back into the game, although I could be wrong and they may've had to create that content from the ground up.

 

[Krynn72]

So in another words it made the feeling of living in a wasteland difficult... Are you sure you can call yourself The Antipop... Sure Primus made a good pop song with that but you obviously missed the point.

Since when was a since of accomplishment so easy? Oh yea since every kid was raised the "me, me, me" parenthood. Thanks, you ruined most enjoyment in life. Sex comes easy, no one bothers to try hard at sports, video games require no more than a rapid click of mouse/controller, sue for anything/everything... All because you deserve everything, you're S.P.E.C.I.A.L.

This post made me laugh out loud. Thank you for posting it.

 

[Gray Fox]

So what should I do, where should I put points in, what should I equip.
I like to find out as much as I can about the worlds and the story,
but off course not at the expense of having a retarded hard time fighting monsters.

 

[Unfocused]

So did you actually pay for it then like you said you would?
or are you having fun for free like you said you would?

What? Make up your mind as to what he said.

 

[Pesmerga]

Unfocused, your avatar makes me hate you.

 

[CR0M]

What? Make up your mind as to what he said.

He said both. Which he will be well aware of, which is why I addressed the post to him and not you.

 

[Krynn72]

Unfocused, your avatar makes me hate you.

Finally, Pesh is coming back.

 

[Krynn72]

So what should I do, where should I put points in, what should I equip.
I like to find out as much as I can about the worlds and the story,
but off course not at the expense of having a retarded hard time fighting monsters.

You could just go diplomatic and then lower the difficulty slider.


EDIT: **** double post.

 

[CrazyHarij]

So what should I do, where should I put points in, what should I equip.
I like to find out as much as I can about the worlds and the story,
but off course not at the expense of having a retarded hard time fighting monsters.

diplosniper

 

[Gray Fox]

Both thnx, I got this from another forum, is this any good:

The game isn't as relentless as fallout 2 in terms of how you choose your SPECIAL and skill points. So you can really go any direction you want.
I went Endurance, Intelligence, Agility in the start and got a couple perks to raise Agility. Agility is great for small weapons and accuracy and it helps when you want to wear power armor which reduces agil by.. 2 I think?
As for skills I mostly went Lockpick, Science, and Small Guns. By level 16 I had Lockpick and Science maxed. Nothing I couldn't pick or hack and it made getting around a lot easier. I usually stole my ammo and weapons.

As for equipment, power armor is really nice if you can get a good suit. You can get a full condition power armor suit later in the game from the brotherhood if you choose a certain path. As for weapons I usually used the Lincoln Repeater which is a great magnum rifle for headshots and it comes in full condition when you find it. The combat shotgun is nice and the Chinese Assault Rifle for good, quick damage.

I also forgot to mention I want to be nice, or more precisely I don't wanna get in to situations where I
have to hurt nice people. I don't mind stealing and hacking, but if it will make honest people attack me
and force me to hurt them, I don't wanna do it.

 

[CrazyHarij]

I don't mind stealing and hacking, but if it will make honest people attack me
and force me to hurt them, I don't wanna do it.

I ended up with the title "capital crimelord", for which i had to blow up megaton, kill a lot of traders and slaves, wipe out the ghouls, overall alot of dark dialogue and quest options, and i stole practically everything of value that wasn't in sight of powerful folks.

It resulted in a bounty on my head (bad guys in the wild here and there), i couldn't make some characters join me, I got gifts and respect from the slavers, some bad reputation in the radio and bad comments from characters, but I could still roam free, I don't think I ever had to fight a good important character. I strolled around the brotherhood headquarters without a problem. But I never attacked markets or towns, except the slaver compound which i wiped out, including their slaves.

I once got attacked by the brotherhood for eating one of their dead (cannibalism perk), but they are unable to kill (just become unconscious) so i just reloaded. But i never arrived to gunpoint in a new place. Generally people just thought i was a dick and kept interaction at a minimum.

Some tips;
Buy: stimpacks and ammo, as much as you can get
Loot and sell: anything of no use to you, superflous weapons that have good value, valuable crap like conductors (30 a pop sells for pretty good when you have several).

Combat shotgun (kickass in close range + vats), assault rifle, hunting rifle, grenade and the occasional minigun/missile/laser kept me alive even when i was terribly outnumbered.
Go into pipboy and heal and change weapons alot.
keep tabs on your action points, take jet (rarely though because you might get addicted) or drink nuka cola quantum to replenish action points instally.
Take psycho (i got addicted) to increase your damage. real effective
Take buffout (got addicted as well) to increase health temporarily.

get lockpick to 50 to open most locks, 75 is very useful later into the game.

Quickest way to get assault rifle; when finishing up megaton to blow it up, first make sure you have a sawed off shotgun (or find one outside megaton off a trader) or similar good weapon like grenades, set up the bomb and head to tenpenny. watch out for raiders since they might be difficult for your level, you can outrun them though. When at the gates, kill the friendly ghoul trying to get in, he has an AR and isn't too difficult to kill.
Of course with this you're going to be well on your way to bad choices, blowing up a town and killing friendlies doesn't exactly make you a wasteland jesus.