Which Fallout to pick: No. 3 or New Vegas

Now, we all know how successful the Fallout franchise has been, and this has really boosted Bethesda to the 'RPG God' status. They really have perfected the formula, and personally, I believe that they are unbeatable when it comes to the genre (lets not forget the Elder Scrolls series!!!). But how about 'within' these franchises, and their numerous prequels and sequels.

Firstly I do have to mention that Fallout: New Vegas was not developed by Bethesda as these games usually are, and instead was developed by Obsidian, who were a little on the 'outside' when it came to these games. It is also important to note that when Fallout 3 was made, as well as Bethesda developing it, their 'father company' ZeniMax Media produced it. So those were the production differences. So without any further ado' it’s time to look at both games individually, and I must stress that this is totally my own opinion!!

Fallout 3 

Fallout 3 is set 36 years after the events of Fallout 2, and 10 years after Fallout 2 was released. In this game you start as an inhabitant of a very iconic vault 101. The map is set around the ruins of Washington D.C or as it's called in the game, the 'Capital Wasteland'. The general atmosphere of Fallout 3 is generally bleak, very much so in comparison to New Vegas' Mojave Wasteland. This also reflects upon Fallout 3 in general. This game, after long periods of time, will slowly whittle down your will to live. I mean it. The complete grey palette and filter over everything really does take a toll on your mood, personally I get VERY grouchy after extended play. But, on the flip-side this enhances the desperate and desolate feel of the game, I mean, there isn't much to be happy about if you lived here. The nuclear war destroyed, well, nearly everything.

           

 Fallout 3 is very dependent on its combat, and I believe that it can be one of its strongest points. There are no iron sights, but this was the game which introduced the game changing V.A.T.S which works brilliantly, and is also repeated in New Vegas. But again there is another side to V.A.T.S, as it can be the only real way of targeting an enemy successfully, which can take the thrill and suspense out of some fire-fights, but, at least, I found that it was not a big deal. 

            

 Graphically this game is like any other Bethesda game, mediocre. That is it. The developers really did limit what beauty and set pieces they could create through the constant drab settings and grey filters. I should also mention that again, as with most Bethesda games (I see a pattern emerging...) there are a lot of bugs and glitches, but nothing which would really ruin the game for you.

Questing! Questing is what these games are really known for. The sheer quantity of quests is really something, and also the quality of the quests really dominates over other RPG's. This is what you can guarantee Bethesda will always supply!

Altogether, Fallout 3 is an amazing game, with real character, which admittedly is drab, but will still keep you captivated for easily 150hrs+

Fallout: New Vegas 

Fallout: New Vegas was released 2 years after Fallout 3, and instead of putting the player in the shoes of a vault dweller, you are instantly thrust out into the vibrant Mojave wasteland in the Nevada, California area, as a courier how is dug out of a shallow grave with a bullet in their head. Fallout: New Vegas is not a direct sequel to Fallout 3, but is very similar. Unlike Fallout 3, New Vegas’ wasteland is not so much if a drab area, but is bustling with diverse villages and towns. Now I must mention New Vegas itself. What I first felt when I entered the strip, and I am sure you would have felt this too, was that New Vegas was a real let down. For an area which is meant to be the social hub of the wasteland, it is not very awe inspiring to see the strip split into 3 small areas. You would really expect a high budget game like this to manage one area. What's worse is that there are only about 10 npc's in one area at a time, so that really eliminated the flashy feel of the strip.

New Vegas' combat, again is centred on V.A.T.S, but this time the player can use iron sights on any weapon which has them. This is a really good addition to the game, as it does add another aspect to the combat. Now you are also given the option to create your own ammo, and melee attacks can now have unique strikes which do stir the combat up more. Not to mention the vast amount of weapons for you to buy. 

To be honest, the graphics really hasn't changed, and at initial release, New Vegas was incredibly buggy, and on PC there were horrific instances of screen tearing which ruined the landscape. But after a few patches the games was up to Fallout 3 standards. But, a massive issue for me was New Vegas’ invisible walls which really take then fun out of hours of exploring!!

What is also new to New Vegas, are the factions who rule the land, from the barbaric Caesars legion to the cannibalistic white glove society. This also affects clothing, as certain groups wear certain clothing, which allows you to play dress up, and pose as a faction member.

               

The Questing does continue to excel, with the central story revolving around a huge power crisis between Caesars Legion and the NCR (Northern California Republic). There might be a little fewer quests in this game though than Fallout 3.

Conclusion

Altogether, even though they are both fantastic games, I would say that, for me, Fallout 3 with all of its DLC's and haunting atmosphere wins the competition! Many of my fondest, and at times, darkest, gaming memories are held with this game, and I think that if you play it, the same could happen with you.