For a long time I was indifferent about this game. It lacks the gritty, intricate feel and emotion of fallout 3. Perhaps what the now deceased Adam Adamowicz was responsible for. It is supposed to be more humorous and a different type of game but it just feels as if there's nowhere near as much backstory, particularly to individual characters in the game. Rather, it just draws from the history of previous games and throws in a bunch of local loonies with a few key characters. Sometimes it feels as if things are being explained for the sake of it, rather than your character wanting or needing to know.

Recently I purchased the DLC and started a new character. For me, this is sadly where the game redeems itself. I'm not a fan of DLC or pay-to-win type models so, while dubious, it was very worthwhile. You get some more backstory and all kinds of fun weapons. Even with hardcore mode on, I felt about as free as I did in 3 (aside from the abundance of invisible walls in this game). Plus, the new features such as crafting, iron sights and kill cam make this game a real treat. I'm really excited to see where they take all that in the next one and what else will be added... I just hope they work on the UI and make it all a bit simpler/quicker. It seems I spend forever looting and sorting my stuff, especially when I accidentally tap A in a loot menu.

Anyway, even without DLC this is a great game. 9/10. There's so much to do and discover. You can play it again and again, there are very few scripted events so no two things will ever happen the same way. V.A.T.S just never gets old. There are dozens of perks and ways to play. A great selection of companions to help you and save your behind in the early levels. I suppose the qualms I have with this game are simply down to the fact that it's vegas baby and that place is never going to be normal. Though it is great to see they have thought about how an existing city may continue to function the way it did. The closest thing to The Strip in 3 was Rivet City. A much tamer community and stark contrast, so that is great to see. They pulled it off.

Just a note; on my first play through I went for NCR and a good karma character. I would thoroughly advise against that, as it's probably the most boring, linear and dull storyline this incredible game has to offer. Also, Raul is a great and amusing companion. Especially compared to Boone.

For a long time I was indifferent about this game. It lacks the gritty, intricate feel and emotion of fallout 3. Perhaps what the now deceased Adam Adamowicz was responsible for. It is supposed to be more humorous and a different type of game but it just feels as if there's nowhere near as much backstory, particularly to individual characters in the game. Rather, it just draws from the history of previous games and throws in a bunch of local loonies with a few key characters. Sometimes it feels as if things are being explained for the sake of it, rather than your character wanting or needing to know. Recently I purchased the DLC and started a new character. For me, this is sadly where the game redeems itself. I'm not a fan of DLC or pay-to-win type models so, while dubious, it was very worthwhile. You get some more backstory and all kinds of fun weapons. Even with hardcore mode on, I felt about as free as I did in 3 (aside from the abundance of invisible walls in this game). Plus, the new features such as crafting, iron sights and kill cam make this game a real treat. I'm really excited to see where they take all that in the next one and what else will be added... I just hope they work on the UI and make it all a bit simpler/quicker. It seems I spend forever looting and sorting my stuff, especially when I accidentally tap A in a loot menu. Anyway, even without DLC this is a great game. 9/10. There's so much to do and discover. You can play it again and again, there are very few scripted events so no two things will ever happen the same way. V.A.T.S just never gets old. There are dozens of perks and ways to play. A great selection of companions to help you and save your behind in the early levels. I suppose the qualms I have with this game are simply down to the fact that it's vegas baby and that place is never going to be normal. Though it is great to see they have thought about how an existing city may continue to function the way it did. The closest thing to The Strip in 3 was Rivet City. A much tamer community and stark contrast, so that is great to see. They pulled it off. Just a note; on my first play through I went for NCR and a good karma character. I would thoroughly advise against that, as it's probably the most boring, linear and dull storyline this incredible game has to offer. Also, Raul is a great and amusing companion. Especially compared to Boone.