Ever wonder if the saying "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" is true? Well, Bethesda & Obsidian (publisher and developer, respectively) seemed to think so. I recently visited the post apocalyptical Mojave Desert to see for myself in Fallout: New Vegas. With Fallout 3 being my introduction into the world of RPGs, I was excited to see what wonders would await me in New Vegas. With the original storyline and creativity of Fallout 3, New Vegas had big shoes to fill.
New Vegas introduces a new, more western take on the post apocalyptic scene. Seeing that Vegas is in Nevada, this fits well. Everything from the small towns that litter the Mojave Wasteland to the clothes and weapons used by the locals, this was certainly a new twist on the aftermath of the world and I think it played out well. While the western feel worked, the high roller feel of Vegas did not. There was little effort put into this side of the game and that was a let down, since it was in the title and seemed to be the focus of the game.
New Vegas introduces a new, more western take on the post apocalyptic scene. Seeing that Vegas is in Nevada, this fits well. Everything from the small towns that litter the Mojave Wasteland to the clothes and weapons used by the locals, this was certainly a new twist on the aftermath of the world and I think it played out well. While the western feel worked, the high roller feel of Vegas did not. There was little effort put into this side of the game and that was a let down, since it was in the title and seemed to be the focus of the game.
Obsidian really built up the idea of Vegas. On your journey there, all you hear about is how untouched and massive it is; essentially, it was getting your hopes up. Personally, I expected a massive strip with tons of casinos and places to trade, all in one big area. Well, I don't want to give away the looks, but let's just say it did not meet my standards.
But I won't judge a game solely on its surroundings. The gameplay was a slight improvement over the previous entry. The movement was the same and the V.A.T.S. system was retained (thank the Lord!). Though I would have liked to see some smoother gun control and movement, the addition of being able to aim down the sights took them a baby step forward into being a shooter. One great introduction was weapon mods. I loved it! I don't care who you are, adding a scope to a hunting rifle or a maple stock to your cowboy repeater is a fun way to put your signature on a weapon and increase fire power.
But I won't judge a game solely on its surroundings. The gameplay was a slight improvement over the previous entry. The movement was the same and the V.A.T.S. system was retained (thank the Lord!). Though I would have liked to see some smoother gun control and movement, the addition of being able to aim down the sights took them a baby step forward into being a shooter. One great introduction was weapon mods. I loved it! I don't care who you are, adding a scope to a hunting rifle or a maple stock to your cowboy repeater is a fun way to put your signature on a weapon and increase fire power.
Another thing they added that made it more personal was the ability for the citizens and factions of the Mojave Wasteland to like you. Not only can they like you, but they can hate you as well! I'm not talking about just not talking to you because you pissed them off; I mean sending assassins after you for killing their livestock. This definitely drew you into the game and made you really consider the ramifications of your next move. Even though you'd prefer everyone to like you, Obsidian makes sure you have to choose. Although this was a cool system, it had its flaws. Once you were hated by a faction or town, they shot you on sight. This made it impossible to get back on their good side. The only way to get a quest completed in that particular territory was to wear a disguise (the armor of the faction). This was annoying, due to the fact that I couldn't wear an awesome suit of armor without pissing someone off.
Now we come to the story. Fallout has always introduced you into its world in a unique way. This time, you get shot in the head, waking up later in a small town doctors office. While this was a creative way to introduce the game, the depth and creativity seemed to fall away after that. Now, the main story line can have many different pathways and many different outcomes. While this is always interesting and engrossing, its disappointing with New Vegas. Mainly, when you choose a different path, it basically involves the same quest over and over, just for a different team. This was lazy work on Obsidian's side. They really seemed to drop the ball with that. In Fallout 3, I saw very creative and original quest lines. New Vegas seemed full of errands for you to run. The rest of the quests in the game were unimpressive, and hard to find! The quests that were the most interesting and deep came as DLC. Not cool to have to pay for the good stuff.
Now we come to the story. Fallout has always introduced you into its world in a unique way. This time, you get shot in the head, waking up later in a small town doctors office. While this was a creative way to introduce the game, the depth and creativity seemed to fall away after that. Now, the main story line can have many different pathways and many different outcomes. While this is always interesting and engrossing, its disappointing with New Vegas. Mainly, when you choose a different path, it basically involves the same quest over and over, just for a different team. This was lazy work on Obsidian's side. They really seemed to drop the ball with that. In Fallout 3, I saw very creative and original quest lines. New Vegas seemed full of errands for you to run. The rest of the quests in the game were unimpressive, and hard to find! The quests that were the most interesting and deep came as DLC. Not cool to have to pay for the good stuff.
All in all, the game wasn't horrible but was a step down from Fallout 3. You will still have countless hours of fun and exploration with it, but I would pay full price for it? No. If you feel like spending $20, by all means, go for it. This is, of course, my opinion and TheGamerDrive is all about everyone having the opportunity to express their own opinions, so don't let me discourage you from giving the game a shot. Just let it be known, I warned you.
Bethesda, next time, make the game yourself. And as for you, Obsidian, next time you get a slot in the Fallout universe, I want to see some improvement!
Bethesda, next time, make the game yourself. And as for you, Obsidian, next time you get a slot in the Fallout universe, I want to see some improvement!
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