I am a big RPG fan, that’s literally all I play on PC. So when Bethesda's new game Fallout 3 hit the shelves, I made sure to keep that at the top of the shopping list.
Fallout 3 is essentially an RPG game in nature; however, there are a lot of characteristics that suit every style of gameplay.
You start out as a vault dweller in vault 101 and it’s at this point you can customize the name, gender and look of your character. The game is set in post apocalyptic DC in the year 2077. Once you have completed the opening quests you soon discover that your father has mysteriously left the vault and it’s at this point where you decide to leave and venture out into the wasteland.
Fallout 3 ultimately follows the main quest chain in search of your father. However like all RPG games, advancing your specs and completing side quests are ultimately beneficial. As you progress in level throughout the game you will gain points which can be used on a variety of skills and abilities. There are many factions in the game that you can become friendly with, as well as a variety of objects throughout the wasteland that aid your character and your progression.
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This is your pipboy 3000. This device allows you to track your progress throughout the game as well as viewing and changing your skills and abilities. Pipboy also has a wide range of perks that let you decide the style of gameplay you want.
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One of the more exciting features to this game is The Vault dwellers Assisted Targeting System (V-A-T-S). This system allows your character to pause live action and selectively target the limbs or your enemies. This can be done with any weapon and the camera angles associated with this system allow for some compelling finishing moves to your enemies.
As with previous RPG’s released by Bethesda, Fallout 3 shares a common trend with that of Oblivion. The environment feels a bit animated at times. I felt like I was taking leaps and bounds when I jumped from one object to another. However the environmental qualities and structures surrounding the wasteland create the atmosphere and compliment the storyline. There are literally kilometres of wide open space for you to explore. If you stray too far you may end up in enemy territory and trust me, these are not your common crooks. Wasteland Raiders and mutated humans are riddled throughout the game as well as specific areas that have a higher radiation level.
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Overall Fallout 3 is a well polished game that has offers 100 hours of gameplay. If you immerse into the storyline, Fallout 3 becomes a very exciting and adventures game. Fallout 3 is available on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC. A world of exploration awaits you. : )