I cannot pin down why I have always preferred this game over Fallout 3. I could say it's because the plot stands together a little bit more than the other (though someone would probably argue otherwise). Or, it might just be the fact the game doesn't have the green tint everywhere I go.

I have played and re-played New Vegas many times over. The mods and DLC make it different every-time. I always find something different, or a cave I have to explore (ignoring my initial objective). The characters/companions you meet on the way are varied and add so much more. The stories they come with, Boone and Cass being the most interesting for me.

I came to the Fallout universe with this game, after the failed attempts with Fallout 3. The lore and mythos of the Brotherhood, the Vaults etc have truly captivated me. And I have this game to thank for it.

I would suggest playing it without any mods to start, bar those that may adjust the graphics or adjust the visual aesthetic. There is a great deal to explore, and then more to explore as you start messing around with mods. My current play has me at 25 mods running. Ranging from graphical adjustments, to companions, to gameplay adjustments. If you absolutely cannot play the game vanilla, I make two suggestions. Project Nevada for a very customisable gameplay overhaul. And, Electro City to make those long dark walks just a little more bearable.