| I Want to Set the World On Fire Despite the issues with the game (most of which, I have no reason not to believe will be resolved in eventual patches) Fallout 3 is a stand out title and will certainly earn its place in gaming history, both as a brilliant third volume in a time honored series, but also on its own as one of the great games of its era and great RPGs in history. It's utterly massive, finely detailed, and wholly immersive. Anyone playing this game may disappear from the rest of the world for many, many hours. A great trait in any RPG, or any game for that matter. We've been waiting many years for this sequel, and even speculated as to if such a sequel could ever exist at all. Fallout 3 is finally here in grand fashion and should satisfy the (somewhat sadistic) desires of Fallout fans anticipating its arrival.
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| Graphics
- Sound - Gameplay - Depth
- Multiplayer | Reviewed
by John Del Percio |
GRAPHICS
87 % |
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While the graphics are slightly upgraded from the Gamebryo iteration used in Oblivion, there's definitely evidence that the graphics are based on a fairly outdated engine. It doesn't harm the game much, the graphics are quite sufficient for what is needed, but to break out the graphics on their own element, it's an important note. The artwork and models, however, are stellar, and blend in completely with the earlier predecessors of the series. On the negative side, there's a definite performance penalty on the new "slightly upgraded" graphics in a far greater proportion than should be. This isn't Bethesda's fault however, but a characteristic trademark of the Gamebryo engine, unfortunately.
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SOUND
93 % |
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From the badly attenuated scratchy AM radio to the horrifying sound of feral ghouls running at you, the retro space age sound of a laser blaster roughly the size of a microwave oven being held in your hand, and vintage Fallout series sound effects, the sound is highly immersive, and adds significantly to the game.
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GAMEPLAY
97 % |
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Take Oblivion and cross it with Fallout, and you have a blend of two of the most popular franchises in Role Playing history. The game does have its hangups and issues including a questionable V.A.T.S. implementation, overly difficult battles, and some mind-numbing tunnel expeditions, but overall the gameplay will keep you coming back for more for a long time to come.
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DEPTH
100 % |
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If nothing else, the depth of the game is remarkable. You're presented with a massive world to freely wander, including some structures and underground areas, numerous towns, the major structures of Capitol Hill (including the mindless zombies and shattered shells of humans one would expect to find there), a huge inventory of items, great personalities, and a host of other features. You can truly get lost in an alternate universe and not come up for air for quite some time. The game even warranted the creation of a 500 page official strategy guide which can easily be mistaken for a mid-sized phone book. It's hard to top that.
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MULTIPLAYER
0 % |
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This game does not feature multiplayer gameplay.
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As a long-time fan of the Fallout series it's hard to fault anything with it, especially with the remarkably huge world (even larger than Oblivion) that it takes place in. What I wasn't prepared for, though, is how much more dismal it could feel, even over its predecessors. It's a game one must truly be in the mood for and expect to be in such an environment for extended periods of time. I've found myself switching off to more jovial games for a time before I can work up the desire for this bleak world again. On the other hand, it's truly amazing, and every inch is worth exploring, so I know I'll be heading back to it in the future. Oh, and if you find vault 106, take my advice and run away! You'll thank me for it later!
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