One of the main titles shown at this years E3 in Los Angeles was Bethesda’s Oblivion follow-up post-apocalyptic title “Fallout 3”. Many thought that the title was Game of the Show. Months had finally passed since E3, and Bethesda finally has unleashed its latest Epic to the gaming masses.

First and foremost, Fallout 3 is a HUGE game. Every single aspect of this came is impossible to cover in a small review. And rather bore the hell out of you with a 20 page bore-fest; I am going to make this review quick, short and sweet (as well as future reviews). Because I need to get back and play me some more Fallout 3.

To put it plain and simple, Fallout 3 is a “must-have” game. If you are a PC gamer, Xbox 360 gamer or Playstation 3 gamer, the game is a definite must-buy. Because not only are you getting an amazing title with a gripping storyline that you pretty much control, you are also investing in a game that will give you endless hours of gameplay and enjoyment.

So let me break down some of the details about Fallout 3. As you know, your character (which you design in terms of looks, race and style) is trapped in an underground shelter. But something happens (which I will not speak of in this review) that forces you to go out into a post apocalyptic Washington DC. The world outside is full of mutants and survivors. You will see anything from gentle, deformed bar tenders to mutated, two-headed cattle. Pretty much every move you make will decide your fate (I learned that the hard way).
Fallout 3 makes you feel the game. You will go through the motions of daily life; things such as eating food to keep your strength up, sleeping to get rest. You will talk to various people; some that will like you while others will totally despise you. Your character can become addicted to drugs, catch a case of radiation poison, or become addicted to beer. In the case of becoming a drug addict, you have to go see a doctor and get treatment. So yes, this game is not for “Little Johnny” to play. The game has a Mature rating, so in no way is this game for children.

A Post-Apocalyptic Oblivion on Steroids!

If you are a fan of Oblivion, you will feel right at home with playing Fallout 3. Bethesda uses the same engine and you have the same feel, although many things have been tweaked. First the way you kill has been completely redone. You now have a very cool aiming system at your disposal. You can zoom in and pick various body parts to attack. You will also see a percentage of how good a shot you will be able to perform. The higher percentage, the better you are going to make your enemy lose a limb. If you are using a rifle, you can pull off attacks from a distance. This results in cut-scenes of your character shooting and your enemy meeting his bloody demise.

The game itself looks amazing. We still have the transition from night to day (which Oblivion had). The draw distance is pretty amazing as well. You can look well off into the distance in Fallout 3. Bethesda put some major detail into the game as well. You will see many trademark sites located in the real Washington DC. Fallout 3 is filled with atmosphere. Seeing the sun set on what is left of Washington DC looks pretty surreal. Bethesda took what they learned from Oblivion and expanded upon it by giving the game a really gritty, “Last Man on Earth” feel. You will see tall, crumbling buildings, destroyed schools and abandoned supermarkets.

Another aspect of Fallout 3 that Bethesda gave great detail to would be the music and sound. Much like Oblivion, you will hear a somewhat soothing and relaxed soundtrack as you walk across Washington DC. When your character comes into some trouble during the game the music kicks in and the soundtrack shifts gears. You will also be able to listen to radio stations. One station plays patriotic music. There is something weird yet fun about listening to “The Saints Go Marching In” while blowing off some mutated scavengers head.

The Gore, The Merrier…

And to state the obvious; Fallout 3 is bloody as hell. The more gratuitous gore the better. And Fallout 3 delivers the goods when it comes to blood and gore. I shot one scavenger and his head popped off and started spinning until it hit the ground. Body parts fly, eyeballs, spines, etc. There were many “Holy Shit” moments during my many hours of gameplay so far. I blew one guy apart and started to scavenge his body, and I saw his eyeball lying on a table close by. I know it may sound cruel, but I couldn’t help but laugh after seeing that.

Many great games will come out this holiday season. We have Call of Duty World at War, Gears of War 2, Resistance 2, etc. I can honestly say that Fallout 3 is my frontrunner for 2008 Game of the Year.

The Bottom Line on Fallout 3…

I am sure I missed a ton of little tidbits about Fallout 3, but that is why you are a gamer, it is your job to dive into the game of Fallout 3 and experience it all for yourself. And who listens to reviewers these days? I have written game reviews for over 8 years and I still could care less what one person has to say about a game…

Personally from my standpoint, the game kicks major ass!

Final Score for Fallout 3:

9.8 out of 10

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