First Impressions: Fallout 3

So, today I went and picked up my reserved copy of Fallout 3. Being a fan of both the original Fallout titles and the recent Elder Scroll games, I have to say I was looking forward to this title. Every preview, teaser or viral video made me want the game even more. It is gritty, gory and dark which is exactly what I want out a Fallout game.

First off, the action is pretty fast paced even when the VATS (Vault Assisted Targeting System) is used. First glance would make you think that a system that stops time and allows you to target would slow down the game, but after about 4 hours of playing it really doesn't seem to be the case. The forced "cut scene" that happens after the VATS selection would also seem to lend it to slowing down and being repetitive, but again isn't the case. Every time I use VATS to blow a limb off an enemy, I get a little bit of that gib crazed giddiness that I haven't had since my old days of playing UT and TFC on my computer.

So far, skills such as repair and science really don't seem to lend themselves to anything more than hacking a computer here or there. I am still early in the game and the pay offs might come soon, but as of right now it just seems to be best to make yourself as skilled as possible with guns.

The story is very fun, the dialogue is clever and the environment is very engrossing. It really feels like a place where people used to live, but was completely destroyed and left in shambles.

So far, it's up near the top of my list for Game of the Year. Tune in later for more thoughts and a full review of the game.