This game is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

It combines the Bethesda formula with the spectacular writing and tone of the first two games. The numerous amount of factions and the reputation system make interactions all the more interesting as you build up both allies and enemies simultaneously, with a multitude of branching quests that make you really feel like you have an impact on the Mojave. It gives a lot of replayability too as you make your way through the different quest lines. The main questline is hardly much of the game at all, as the sheer amount of sidequests manage to balance quality and quantity. As the player, you get a lot of agency to determine the outcome of almost all aspects of the story. Characters are also convincing, as (especially companions) showcase motivations and actual development over the course of the game.

Character creation and experience gathering is equally as rewarding with dialogue interactions requiring the player to have poured in enough skill points into a specific trait, such as explosives or medicine. These have weight as they actually provide you shortcuts, items, or just more evidence that the writing is on point in this. Leveling up also eventually allows you to sift and pick through a variety of perks to reinforce where you've poured your skill points into.

The combat, in all honesty, is lackluster on the surface level. There's a great deal of bullet sponges and landing shots can be really funky. This is all greatly mediated, however, by the V.A.T.S. and the perks that make it pretty interesting to experiment with. You can make use of a great plethora of weapons, as well. You can go the simple way with standard weapons like pistols, full melee, really fun energy weapons, or explosives.

Another truth one must muster is the game is by no counts pretty. The visuals haven't done it any favors, and there's a lack of convincing textures and a sheer gruffness to it all. Honestly, it doesn't prohibit the fun of the game near at all. In a way, it just reinforces the fact that a wasteland isn't SUPPOSED to be pretty.

There's quite a few bugs packed in here. It makes sense considering the development time Obsidion was given to release this. I've only had a few that really hindered my experience. All I can say is don't feel to guilty for save spamming in this one.

Overall, hard recommend.

This game is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It combines the Bethesda formula with the spectacular writing and tone of the first two games. The numerous amount of factions and the reputation system make interactions all the more interesting as you build up both allies and enemies simultaneously, with a multitude of branching quests that make you really feel like you have an impact on the Mojave. It gives a lot of replayability too as you make your way through the different quest lines. The main questline is hardly much of the game at all, as the sheer amount of sidequests manage to balance quality and quantity. As the player, you get a lot of agency to determine the outcome of almost all aspects of the story. Characters are also convincing, as (especially companions) showcase motivations and actual development over the course of the game. Character creation and experience gathering is equally as rewarding with dialogue interactions requiring the player to have poured in enough skill points into a specific trait, such as explosives or medicine. These have weight as they actually provide you shortcuts, items, or just more evidence that the writing is on point in this. Leveling up also eventually allows you to sift and pick through a variety of perks to reinforce where you've poured your skill points into. The combat, in all honesty, is lackluster on the surface level. There's a great deal of bullet sponges and landing shots can be really funky. This is all greatly mediated, however, by the V.A.T.S. and the perks that make it pretty interesting to experiment with. You can make use of a great plethora of weapons, as well. You can go the simple way with standard weapons like pistols, full melee, really fun energy weapons, or explosives. Another truth one must muster is the game is by no counts pretty. The visuals haven't done it any favors, and there's a lack of convincing textures and a sheer gruffness to it all. Honestly, it doesn't prohibit the fun of the game near at all. In a way, it just reinforces the fact that a wasteland isn't SUPPOSED to be pretty. There's quite a few bugs packed in here. It makes sense considering the development time Obsidion was given to release this. I've only had a few that really hindered my experience. All I can say is don't feel to guilty for save spamming in this one. Overall, hard recommend.