Sorry that I haven’t posted for awhile, I was away on holiday and it was a tech free zone. So now I’m feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, here is my latest review:
Due to the spring clean event on Steam, I was driven to play an old favourite; Fallout New Vegas. This game was bought on Steam in one of its infamous summer sales. I originally had this game on PS3 and thoroughly enjoyed it. Replaying it has urged me to really look at this game as an adult and revaluate my opinion. So what did I think this time around?
Graphically, the game has aged. The character models are bland, though the clothing is unique and wacky enough to differentiate between everyone and there is not too much repeat (gangs aside). Thankfully the modding community is still thriving and you can buff up the textures to look really good. The creatures in fairness look the best of any fallout game, towing the line between downright terrifying and lovingly created. From land-based critters to airborne bugs, there’s plenty of wildlife that will actively try to kill you, so no relaxing out in the wasteland.
The gameplay is where this game shines the brightest, with interactions being a particular highlight that towers over every Fallout game since number 3 (in fairness, I have not played 1 & 2 and can not fairly judge against them). Starting off with it’s strongest mechanic, the interactions you have with everyone is the best I’ve seen in a game, where rather than lump dialogue into the speech skill (which is present in the game), your expertise in a skill can dictate the dialogue options available to you. Example being, in one quest your Intelligence level lets you thwart a fraud bodyguard, or your medicine skill can reveal it during the staged attacks orchestrated by the fraudster. This is a system that I think is fantastic and can really make you think about how your character is built.
The sheer exploration options are a step up from its predecessor (which basically stole half of their areas from Oblivion) are staggering, with a fantastic variety of areas to explore, plunder and in some cases, rampage. The majority of your quests will come through stumbling across strangers in the Mojave, as will your companions.
Speaking of companions, you find an eclectic bunch of people to follow you around New Vegas and make sure a Deathclaw doesn’t munch on you without resistance. From the world weary alcoholic Rose, the mysterious NCR sniper Boone and the schizophrenic Nightcrawler Lily you are regularly entertained but there comments and I personally really enjoyed their companion quests. They provide an opportunity to add some depth to their character and meet new groups, Victoria comes to mind, and give you an excuse to earn some sweet XP.
Experience hunting for that sweet dum-dum noise of the level up is as addictive as the game itself, where you level up and get yourself some sweet perks. I’d recommend looking over the perks the first time so you can have an idea how you want your character to develop, as you only get a perk every 2 levels and having one the makes your hammer strikes hurt more is pointless if your skills are developed towards gun slingin’. You should also really think about your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. assignments, as these dictate the way you play, but also contribute to perks and skills as well as gameplay.
To summarise, I think that any RPG fan should definitely be playing this or have this game on your CV. Out of all the Fallout’s I think that this is one of the best (of the modern gaming era).
Hints and tips to survive the nuclear wasteland:
- Traits make the game more interesting at the start, so consider them carefully and keep fun in mind.
- When it comes to S.P.E.C.I.A.L.’s you should definitely have a dump stat and one you boost. Personally I think Luck is a great one to boost as you become a V.A.T specialist though I am the stealthy type that relies on criticals.
- I want to stress that if you tag the wrong skills don’t worry. The tutorial is fairly short and can be redone if you settle into a playstyle.
- If Charisma is your dump stat, don’t worry about it. New Vegas relies on all your skills to unlock conversation options and if your that worried, plump your speech skill up.
- Once your out in the big bad wasteland, remember that the main quest will wait. Wander and do your own thing, there is a ton of content hidden in every corner of this game and the side quests are hilarious and are some of the best highlights of the game.
- If your about to do some sneaking into places you shouldn’t, then I recommend you save frequently. No shame in reloading if you’re not happy with reducing karma and getting shot by everyone.
- Speaking of sneaking, you are going to want to break into places for some sweet loot and even a unique weapon.
- Back to saving, I recommend not saving before conversations and pot points. Stick with your first instinct and see where it goes. Not happy with the thread just gives you more reason to start the game again anyway.
- Loot is heavy, if you have stuff that isn’t suited to your playstyle or pointless, store the cool stuff and sell the rest. The last thing you want is when your raiding a building and finding some awesome gear but them you haven’t got the space for it.
- Perks appear every 2 levels, so research the first time you have the chance to look at them all and see what the skill requirements are. This helps your character build.
- Lastly, if you are lucky enough to get this game with DLC, definitely play them. They offer new experiences that the main game doesn’t provide and can force you to adapt to different circumstance (e.g. unkillable tech ghosts that murder you)