Fallout 3

Fallout 3 is the third main installment of the cult RPG series, launched in 1997. This part was developed by Bethesda Game Studios, previously known mainly for The Elder Scrolls series, and its release was handled by Bethesda Softworks, which took over the rights to the Fallout brand from Interplay Entertainment in 2004.

Plot

Fallout 3 takes us to a post-apocalyptic future, specifically the United States. After being bombed with nuclear warheads during a global conflict, USA turned into a sun-burnt wasteland.

We start the adventure in Vault 101, one of the gigantic shelters that are the last remnants of an ancient civilization. We get to know our character at the moment of their birth and accompany them through the various stages of growing up. Finally, in the year 2277, we set off into the wasteland in search of the missing father.

Karma

The story told in Fallout 3 it can end in various ways. Thanks to the karma system implemented in the game, our actions and choices affect the character of our protagonist. It determines how he or she are perceived by the inhabitants of the game world.

Game map and world

The open world of Fallout 3 covers an area slightly smaller than what we previously saw in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The map focuses on Washington, the former capital of the United States. We can visit many characteristic places in this city, such as the Jefferson Memorial (or rather - what's left of them). Additionally, on the map we can find a number of settlements, several of which aspire to be called cities.

Gameplay

In Fallout 3 we can play the game from a first-person (FPP) or third-person (TPP) perspective. At the beginning of the game, we choose the gender and decide on the appearance of our character, as well as its seven main stats. After completing the tutorial, we can then plunge into the whirl of adventures in the wastelands.

The core of the game are numerous story quests and side missions. From time to time, we have to make decisions during quests that not only affect our character and their relationships with others, but sometimes also leave a lasting mark on the game world. Additionally, we can hire mercenaries for help, although we are still dealing with a game primarily focused on one hero or heroine.

Fights and opponents

In the world of Fallout 3 we can't get by without firearms or melee weapons. We use the weapons during battles with opponents, among which we can find both hostile people and mutated creatures. We eliminate enemies in real time, like in shooters, or by using V.A.T.S. (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System). The second option allows to slow down the flow of time and target specific parts on the opponent's body.

Brutality is strongly highlighted here. For example, an enemy hit in the head says goodbye to their life, accompanied by the contents of the skull splattering in all directions. Scenes of this type are presented in slow motion.

Character development

The source of information about our character's condition is Pip-Boy 3000, a portable computer worn by the character. It allows for viewing his or her health and the items he or she has, as well as skills and statistics.

The game implements the SPECIAL system, so the seven main attributes of our character are: strength, perception, endurance, charisma, intelligence, agility and luck. As we progress, we develop these attributes and also unlock useful benefits (perks), which allows us to face increasingly bigger challenges over time.

It is worth remembering that the difficulty level of the fights does not adjust to the current level of the protagonist's skills, so visiting some places is only possible after reaching the appropriate experience threshold.

Power armor

As we progress, better armor pieces are added to our equipment. They include power armors and dedicated helmets. The most important of them are the power armors of the Enclave and the Brotherhood of Steel, i.e. the two main factions in the world of Fallout 3. Other armors of this type also appear here, such as Robo-Thor, military power armor, Ashura power armor or even Tesla's armor. They can be used after unlocking the appropriate perk.

Romances

Fallout 3 does not offer us the opportunity to establish romantic relationships with other characters. In the city of Megaton, however, there lives a woman named Nova, with whom we can spend the night.

Game modes

Fallout 3 is a game intended entirely for a single player, so there are no multiplayer modes. However, modders took matters into their own hands. Thanks to projects such as VaultMP available on PCs, it became possible to traverse the wasteland in the company of other players.

Graphics and music

Fallout 3 uses the Gamebryo engine, which also powers other Bethesda games, including The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The soundtrack of the game consists of atmospheric music pieces composed by Inon Zur, as well as original music from the 1940s and 1950s. It is played by Wasteland's radio stations, which we can listen to through Pip-Boy.

Last updated on August 14, 2015