Fallout fans had to wait almost 10 years for the next true entry in the series – but that wait has paid off with Fallout 3. The classic open-world RPG series is brought to new life with fully 3D next-generation graphics and fresh new gameplay.

Fallout 3, like its predecessors, takes place in a post-apocalyptic world that has been all but annihilated by nuclear warfare. It’s been over two hundred years since the event, but society is still struggling to reestablish itself. Those people that are still living on the surface have huddled together in small communities for mutual protection against violent gangs, irradiated animals, and deadly super mutants. However, many others found their ways into safeguarded vaults prior to the nuclear destruction – and they’ve remained there ever since in small, insular communities.

FallOut 3

The player takes on the role of one such Vault Dweller. The player controls the character’s growth through his or her formative years, starting as a baby and then taking part in vignettes of the character’s adolescence and teenage years. When the character turns 18, the plot takes off in earnest. The character’s father, a noted scientist, breaks the cardinal rule of life in a vault – he leaves it. The overseer of the vault deems the character a threat that must be eliminated, forcing the player to escape into the unwelcoming wasteland of what was once Washington D.C. From there, the player searches for his father and unravels a greater mystery.

How exactly to go about finding the main character’s father is a left up to the player. As soon as the player leaves the vault, they are free to go anywhere in the Capital Wasteland. Of course, the area is far from friendly, and is crawling with all kinds of threats. Throughout the adventure, the player will visit a variety of locations. These include: Megaton, a makeshift city built around an undetonated atomic bomb, Little Lamplight, a town full of children that kick out anyone who reaches the age of majority, and Rivet City, a beached aircraft carrier now serving as a home for hundreds – and that’s just to name a few.

How the player interacts with characters around the game world is also totally open. The player can aid people and make friends, or they can simply walk into town and start shooting everyone and rob them blind. Even most key characters don’t have “plot immunity” and can be killed – although it’s probably not a good idea, as you will need allies in this quest.
As in most traditional RPGs, the player will gain levels by killing enemies, completing quests and exploring the world. Those who have played previous Fallout games will be happy to see the series’ trademark “S.P.E.C.I.A.L.” advancement system. In addition to increasing base attributes, players can choose from a variety of “perks” that have a wide range of different gameplay effects.

On the surface, Fallout 3 plays like first person shooter. However, the player won’t reach maximum combat effectiveness without using the Vault-Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S. This ability allows the player to target specific body parts of his enemies, allowing them to pinpoint weak spots, disarm (literally) or disable enemies. V.A.T.S. takes time to recharge after use, giving the game’s combat a light turn-based feel.

Key Features:

• Fallout goes next gen – last seen in an isometric 2D game, the world of Fallout is brought to life in all its grimness in full 3D with advanced graphics

• Go anywhere, do anything – from the moment you leave the vault, you’re free to go anywhere in the Capital Wasteland and interact with its inhabitants however you see fit

• No easy decisions – the world of Fallout is a dark one, and sometimes the only choice is between two horrific evils

• The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system and perks both make a return, allowing you to customize your character and gameplay experience to your liking

• First-person shooter meets strategic turn-based combat through with the help of the pinpoint-targeting V.A.T.S. system

• The series trademark kitschy post-WWII paranoia humor and style remains intact for this newest entry

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