Fallout III

Fallout III Review

This is the first game in the Fallout series that I have played and, honestly, I was instantly addicted. For me some of the biggest problems with role-playing games is the limitation to the worlds. This is not the case with Fallout 3. The world is completely open for the player to move as they like. You are only limited to what you want to do. With an open world you have so many options; what I did was explore a little which opened up new places for my character.

The story begins with a scene of your birth, then moves into a character creation screen. This is where you choose your character’s gender, facial features, hair style, and color. (Yep, you can even have green hair — ah, the mutant fun.) After that, you age a little to toddlerhood. When you toddle about your room, you will find the book called ‘You’re Special.’ Open it and this is where you assign points to your seven primary attributes. This part is a lot of fun because you determine what type of character you want to become. The seven primary attributes are as follows:

* Strength
* Perception
* Intelligence
* Charisma
* Endurance
* Agility
* Luck

Each one holds a benefit to your character during game play.

Good Karma or Bad? That is the Question!
Karma plays an important role in the game. As you progress, you will see the karma results through interactions with NPCs. Your Karma is affected through all of your interactions with others: if you lie a lot you will end up with plenty of negative karma. When you are working with Karma, remember — it will have an effect on the game’s ending. This is something to think about, since with Karma you can have three levels: Good, Evil, or Neutral.

I’m Healthy. . . not so much?
Your health is affected when you take damage from combat, fall, or the occasional accidental self injury — who hasn’t blown themselves up with some explosive device? You can also lose health through secondary means such as radiation poisoning or addiction to drugs. These effects are noticed through a blurring of the character’s vision. You should always stock up on stim packs and other health items. You will not find a hospital or other medical equipment; it is a wasteland, after all. (However, you can find first aid kits around the world, and roaming doctors.)

Be safe, stock up on the health aids.

Boom!
Weapons can be purchased from traders and store owners. They can be stolen, found, or picked up from bodies. One of the mechanics in the game is weapon degeneration, meaning the more you use a weapon in combat the quicker it will go down in health. On the lighter side you can find people to repair your weapons for a price. Certain perks and skills will allow you to repair your own weapons or even build them.

Yo, I’m rich.
Bottle Caps: the preferred currency in the Capitol Wasteland. You acquire caps from drinking Nuka-Cola, completing quests, finding, or stealing. The more caps you have, the more stuff you can buy. With caps, just like cash, you can have things repaired and purchase things for your home. Some of the items for the home my wife would kill me if I brought here, but in this game, I am king of the castle.

My Friend, My Ally, My . . . Puppy!
During your adventures you can come across people who will join you on your quests. They will aid you in combat and for the most part they make good pack mules (who doesn’t need a good pack mule?). Companions are also good to give armor to. This is because the condition they receive it in is the same condition they will return it to you. No degrading, yes! You have the option to pick from eight different companions depending on your Karma, but you can only have a max party of three. Your companions to choose from are as follows:

* Dogmeat – A dog
* Jericho – Former Raider
* Butch – from Vault 101
* Sergeant R13 – Mechanoid Gutsy
* Paladin Cross – Brotherhood of Steel
* Charon – Ghoul
* Fawkes – Super Mutant
* Clover – Female Companion

Just what every wastelander always wanted: a Scooby Crew.

Final Note
You have two play options: third person and first person. Depending on your preference, you can also juggle between both. On your travels you will encounter many enemies such as Super-Mutants, Raiders, Mercenaries, Death Claws, and Mirelurks. All will attack you on sight, but will also help you raise your XP to get to the next level. Experience points are gained for everything you do: finding new locations, killing enemies, completing quests, learning new information, and picking locks.

So, what are you doing still reading? Get to cap collecting and mutant busting!

Fallout III Screenshots

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Fallout III Videos

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Fallout III Guides / Links

Fallout 3 Wikipedia Entry

FAQ/Walkthrough