Falling into Fallout 3
Published July 13, 2007
When the beloved Fallout franchise was picked up by Bethesda—makers of The Elder Scrolls® IV: Oblivion™—the announcement was greeted with equal parts applause and trepidation for the new direction of the franchise. After a nearly hour-long demonstration courtesy of Bethesda's Todd Howard though, no one needs to worry.
Vault 101: No one enters, no one leaves.
The post-nuclear apocalyptic world of Fallout 3 brims with detailed destruction that puts even Oblivion to shame (believe it), and the trademark dark humor is found around every dystopian corner. Put simply, this is the Fallout world, built from the ground up for next-gen gaming.
First Person Preferred
Fans of this classic series have expressed some concern over the switch to first-person, but after even a few minutes of in-game exploration, it's clear that the shift succeeds at immersing you in the game.
Even so, Bethesda revealed that you can pull the camera back and play from the third-person perspective if you so desire. The animation in the third-person perspective has undergone a massive upgrade over Oblivion, and feels far more natural.
Hit 'em Where You Want
Action is handled for the most part in real-time, very much like Oblivion. However, the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (VATS) allows you to pause mid-combat and use action points to place precision shots. Take aim at arms, legs, torso, head, and various enemy-specific locations, such as the quivering antennae of giant, irradiated insects.
Megaton's Sheriff. Friend or foe?
Pip Boy
Your trusty Pip Boy was given to you by your father when you were a child. It's used to manage your inventory, check statistics, repair weapons, examine your quest log, and it will even pick up radio station broadcasts.
Facts of the Wasteland
After a nearly hour-long tour of all things Fallout 3, we managed to pick up a few of the fun little details that bring the world to life:
- Nuclear cars: Before the world was seared by the nuclear onslaught, folks traveled around in nuclear-powered cars, and these can still be found, many of which retain some measure of atomic charge. A few well-placed bullets will ignite the car into a miniature nuclear explosion.
- Frenzied bugs: Tagging irradiated bugs on their antennae will send them into a frenzy, making them unable to distinguish friend from foe. This is why the VATS system is so important, because strategic shot placement is rewarded with unique results.
- Brotherhood of Steel: This band of gritty, well-armored "knights" patrols the nuclear wasteland protecting leftover remnants of humanity from mutants and other threats. It's a faction you may wish to assist.
- Daddy's look: The appearance of your father (voiced by Liam Neeson) isn't preset, but instead, is based on the choices you make for your own appearance, ensuring a family resemblance.
- Mr. Handy: Fans of the original Fallout will be pleased to note that the hilariously duplicitous robot-handyman Mr. Handy makes an appearance in Vault 101 and still retains his caustic wit.
The only disappointing news to come out of Bethesda's spectacular Fallout 3 demo is the release date, currently set at "a year or so from now." But if Oblivion proved anything, it's that the wait is invariably worth the time. Look forward to more detailed Fallout 3 coverage as it nears release.
Article by Ryan Treit
