Fallout 3 OUT NOW!!! (Official Thread)

[Trumpman]

I can't wait. I'm buying a 360 just for this game because my lappy unfortunately is just under the system requirements. But I'm sure it will totally be worth it. I just played through the original Fallout and it is amazing. But Fallout 3 just looks awesome. The new VATS system looks like it keeps the style of the old games, and it still has the awesome atmosphere. I still don't know why they took out traits, but at least they made Bloody Mess a perk. They also took out the level scaling from Oblivion, which is even better.

Let's start the countdown for this one - I'm so glad I'm going to be on Fall Break when it comes out.

Check out this (http://www.gametrailers.com/gametrailerstv_player.php?ep=43) episode of Gametrailers TV for some awesome footage! :D

[geneshifter]

Yup, I'm right there with you. I even got the CE edition preordered I'm so excited. This and Fable 2 will be taking me through this winter.

[BHvrd]

http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/bonus/t/sysinfo_intro.tmpl?PHPSESSID=7904bfc927b9344f8d456 7dea35e7e0f&registration_option_id=7908&submit2.x=104&submit2.y=14

Awesome my pc passes everything but video card to run (by one bar) at recommended which is a great sign that this game will run great. I love games that are video card intensive, too many games lately have been way to CPU/OS/ram/HD intensive.

[Trumpman]

My video card only has 128 MB of video RAM, so I'm going to get it on 360.

[heybtbm]

I've got it pre-ordered and can't wait either. I'm trying to finish up a few games so I can start Fallout 3 with a clean slate.

[carlcarlson]

I'm pretty excited about this, but if it didn't have the names "Fallout" and "Bethesda" attached to it I'm not sure I would be. The videos I've seen don't really do a whole lot for me. The way VATS works seems really clumsy and the graphics/animation looks like it could use some polish. When you shoot someone they don't even flinch or anything, they just keep coming.

But yeah, still probably buying on day 1!

[mnkysuit]

I really wish I could pick this up day one but I'm afraid I'm going to have to wait. My cash is going towards Fable II this month. From the developer walk through I saw it looks fantastic. So are there any reviews up yet?

[alxbly]

I'm really looking forward to it. So much in fact, that I've taken some days off work just to play Fallout 3... and Fable 2 as well. :)

[geneshifter]

I'm really looking forward to it. So much in fact, that I've taken some days off work just to play Fallout 3... and Fable 2 as well. :)

If I didn't have a baby on the way (due Feb) I would be doing the same thing :)

[mezrabad]

Count me in as someone really looking forward to this one. I have pre-ordered too, and am getting the CE with the Lunch Box which I totally intend to use as a lunch box...

I enjoyed the first Fallout but I never did finish it. I have Fallout 2, but I've never even installed it.

I'll be playing it on my 360 because my PCs are over half a decade old...

[Sudo]

I have the 360 version pre-ordered, since my PC was top of the line when I bought it in 2004, but not so much now.

[ScourDX]

I preorder the Collector Edition for PC. Can't wait to see this in my big 30" monitor. :D

[CHOZO]

I can't wait for Fallout 3! I went to the store the other day and I ended up not getting anything because the games just didn't seem as fun compared to Fallout 3. And I haven't even played the game yet. :)

[Sothy]

Yes I hated the level scaling. Part of the fun of these kind of open ended RPGs is being able to go where you were not meant to. Finding some sneaky way to bait a high level enemy into a big ambush or jack some way beyond your means loot is hella fun.

[Nikademus1969]

Anyone getting the one from Amazon that comes with a Pip Boy?

[geneshifter]

Anyone getting the one from Amazon that comes with a Pip Boy?

I'm still waiting to hear information on the rumor that it's been changed to a wrist watch. If it has, I'm all over it haha.

EDIT" BTW, I heard this on some forums and have no idea if this is true.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

I preordered this the other day(collector's edition). I'm really hoping I like this, from the videos I saw and reccomendations of the series and this game coming from friends it seems to be right up my alley. Otherwise....I guess I will have a nearly new CE up for sale shortly after the release, but I'm thinking that I will really like it. So this and Gears 2 are now preordered(just did that at Best Buy today so I get the RC Tank), more games I probably won't finish right away!

[Nikademus1969]

I'm still waiting to hear information on the rumor that it's been changed to a wrist watch. If it has, I'm all over it haha.

EDIT" BTW, I heard this on some forums and have no idea if this is true.

I dunno..I think the full size one will look good on my computer desk...
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/videogames/features/pip_boy_3000.jpg

[FrakAttack]

They also took out the level scaling from Oblivion, which is even better.

Oh, thank god, that was one of my biggest fears. Haven't watched the trailers or read much about it cuz I want my journey out of the vault to be spoiler free.

[Dastardly Dylan]

WOOO! the game that I keep thinking sounds liek the name of a underground racing game is finally coming out! sweet!

[Trumpman]

Eight days...AND COUNTING.

I can't wait for this to come out...it will mean my midterms are over.

[mailman187666]

I'm going to be buying the PS3 version of this game, when it comes out, and can't wait either. I loved Oblivion to death and from what I've been hearing, this should be better. No enemy level scaling sounds like my idea of a good time also. I never saw the point of leveling up if all the enemies are going to level up at the same time as you. Either way, this is on my must have list. Here's hoping I beat Dead Space before it comes out.

[Dark_Sol]

I'm in for PC version!

[Slate]

What all is coming in the CE? I know about the clock.

[dao2]

preordered and paid off my CE fallout 3 for pc ;p go pipboy bobblehead!

[exit]

This and LBP will probably be the last games I pick up this year, I've been spending way too much money lately and it's time for me to cut back on my funds, especially since I just bought a new car the other day.

[Slate]

I just found out that the Survival Edition (The Amazon exclusive that comes with a clock) Is $130! @_@ I may have bought it at $80, Maybe even $90, But $130? I think I will have to pass on it. :(

[Trumpman]

Yeah, that's too much for me as well, and all you get is the clock. I'm just getting the normal collector's edition with the lunch box. I think I'm going to buy the strategy guide for this one, because it looks really good and the maps will be useful. I normally don't buy strategy guides but I used my Oblivion one to death and I figure Fallout 3 will be like that as well.

Six days!!!

[videogameking26]

Can't wait as I got the 360 CE on reserve

[BHvrd]

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/8521/imgkj5.th.jpg (http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgkj5.jpg)

[carlcarlson]

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/8521/imgkj5.th.jpg (http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgkj5.jpg)

I'm not sure how much stock I put in their reviews, but that's still good to hear. It's getting close now!

[Trumpman]

So I came back from school yesterday, and fired up my new 360 this morning, which I bought solely for Fallout 3. Of course it was dead on arrival. First time I turned it on, I got the three red lights of death. Second time I tried, it didn't even work at all. Obviously this one was busted - the manufacture date was June 2008. So I'm returning it to Amazon and I'm just going to buy one around here at Target or Best Buy. That way I can get the new Jasper chipset (that has an October 2008 date, right?), and if it breaks it will be easy to replace.

Stupid Microsoft. That was the first console I've ever had break on me. What a piece of shit.

[misfits859]

It's sad when we get used to hearing stories similar to that...

[Jorpho]

This and LBP will probably be the last games I pick up this year, I've been spending way too much money lately and it's time for me to cut back on my funds, especially since I just bought a new car the other day.Then why not just wait? :frustrated:

I look forward to playing this game in the distant future when I might have actually gotten around to playing Fallout 1 and 2, not to mention Wasteland. By then the PC version of Fallout 3 probably won't fetch much at all.

By the way, where's the bitter complaining about the DRM?

[Nikademus1969]

So I came back from school yesterday, and fired up my new 360 this morning, which I bought solely for Fallout 3. Of course it was dead on arrival. First time I turned it on, I got the three red lights of death. Second time I tried, it didn't even work at all. Obviously this one was busted - the manufacture date was June 2008. So I'm returning it to Amazon and I'm just going to buy one around here at Target or Best Buy. That way I can get the new Jasper chipset (that has an October 2008 date, right?), and if it breaks it will be easy to replace.

Stupid Microsoft. That was the first console I've ever had break on me. What a piece of shit.


That sucks dude :(

[BHvrd]

Then why not just wait? :frustrated:

I look forward to playing this game in the distant future when I might have actually gotten around to playing Fallout 1 and 2, not to mention Wasteland. By then the PC version of Fallout 3 probably won't fetch much at all.

By the way, where's the bitter complaining about the DRM?

Oh this is gonna have the same DRM as Spore did? Screw it then i'm definitely getting it on PS3.

I'll miss the mods, cause i'm sure there are gonna be some cool ones, but DRM can suck it. At least in its current form.

[gum_drops]

I am really looking foreword to Fallout 3 and will be picking it up on the PS3. I will miss the mods but I would much rather play it on my 32" widescreen with surround sound then my 18" computer monitor.


Oh this is gonna have the same DRM as Spore did? Screw it then i'm definitely getting it on PS3.


Doesnt look like that will be an issue.

LINK (http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/689722/Fallout_3_Will_Not_Feature_Intrusive_DRM.html)

Fallout 3's copy protection will be "Similar to what we did for [Elder Scrolls IV:] Oblivion, which was--we basically don't do any--we do the mildest form possible."

[Jorpho]

How enlightened.

[Poofta!]

im right there with you, oh man oh man oh man i cant wait, fallout 3 was one of my favorite games ever. EVER!!! ive been waiting for fallout two since well about a week after fallout 2 came out (thats when i beat it)

i have amazon's super bundle reserved and cant wait to get it. i also reserved and will buy an extra LE edition just so i can pull the bobble head out of it! (one for work and one for my desk at home)

edit: definitely getting it for the PC, would have it no other way.

[carlcarlson]

im right there with you, oh man oh man oh man i cant wait, fallout 3 was one of my favorite games ever. EVER!!!

But... not out.. yet?


ive been waiting for fallout two since...

But... it's out... been out.. huh?


...well about a week after fallout 2 came out

But you were waiting for... fallout two.. I'm done.


Poofta is so excited he can't think straight! I hope it lives up to your expectations man, I'm pretty pumped myself. Tomorrow people!

[Trumpman]

I picked up a new 360 at Best Buy and thankfully this one works. I also preordered the Collector's Edition there and got a cool Nuka-Cola bottle opener. I can post pics of that if people want - it looks pretty cool.

One more day!!!

I can't wait!!!

[heybtbm]

The Gamestop I pre-ordered at is having a midnight launch tonight. Crazy.

Circuit City is giving away a free mini-guide and $10 giftcard. Midnight launch or not...I'm thinking I may get my $5 pre-order back and go with CC tomorrow.

[JustRob]

I've had this on preorder for over a month now. LE at the gamestop by my house where the cute girl who actually knows what she's talking about works at...

I took Wednesday off because I have a doctor's appointment early afternoon. Guess what I'll be filling the rest of my time with...

[scooterb23]

So, this Fallout...what is it? 3? Fallout 3. Ok. Is it some kind of fighting game or what?

[mezrabad]

So, this Fallout...what is it? 3? Fallout 3. Ok. Is it some kind of fighting game or what?

Fallout was a Science Fiction themed RPG that came out in 1997. It was themed similar to an earlier Interplay game called Wasteland. You had stats, skills, traits and perks along with an item modification scheme.

Fallout 2 was similar to Fallout as I understand it, at least in terms of gameplay and engine.

Fallout 3 is using an extended version of the engine used for Oblivion so it's got the same stats/skill/and perks based play as the earlier games Fallout and Fallout 2 but in the the gorgeous environs of Oblivion, well, as gorgeous as they'd be if they'd been decimated in a Nuclear war.

Seriously thinking about going to Gamestop just before Midnight tonight. I know I wouldn't be able to play it very late (not unless I was willing to Red Bull myself tomorrow) but knowing it was waiting for me at home and being able to bring the lunch box to work would be a plus. Yeah, I'm pretty much that excited. I feel like a kid on Christmas eve, though it would be nice if I had the day off, which was always the plus about being a kid on Christmas.

[Trumpman]

I think my second 360 might be a bad one as well. Twice while playing NHL 09 I got a "Cannot read disk" error when the disk is brand new. Has anyone else had this happen to them?

This one's manufacture date is April 2008. Is there any way I can guarantee myself getting a newer one with the Jasper chipset just from looking at the box?

I might be on my third 360 in three days. o_0 This is the first time I've had any console crap out on me.

[Slate]

This one's manufacture date is April 2008. Is there any way I can guarantee myself getting a newer one with the Jasper chipset just from looking at the box?

If it says "Go Pro" "Go Play" or "Go Big" On the box it should be relatively new. Personally, The DVD drives were the biggest problems for me and even then I can count them with three fingers.

[scooterb23]

Fallout was a Science Fiction themed RPG that came out in 1997. It was themed similar to an earlier Interplay game called Wasteland. You had stats, skills, traits and perks along with an item modification scheme.

Fallout 2 was similar to Fallout as I understand it, at least in terms of gameplay and engine.

Fallout 3 is using an extended version of the engine used for Oblivion so it's got the same stats/skill/and perks based play as the earlier games Fallout and Fallout 2 but in the the gorgeous environs of Oblivion, well, as gorgeous as they'd be if they'd been decimated in a Nuclear war.

Seriously thinking about going to Gamestop just before Midnight tonight. I know I wouldn't be able to play it very late (not unless I was willing to Red Bull myself tomorrow) but knowing it was waiting for me at home and being able to bring the lunch box to work would be a plus. Yeah, I'm pretty much that excited. I feel like a kid on Christmas eve, though it would be nice if I had the day off, which was always the plus about being a kid on Christmas.


While I had my tongue firmly planted in cheek when I made my post...I do want to thank you for the history of the game. Quite honestly, I've never played the other Fallout games...just never seemed like a series I would get into. And nothing about 3 is really screaming to me either, so I suspect I won't play this one either, but I do thank you for the info.

[Nesmaster]

I think my second 360 might be a bad one as well. Twice while playing NHL 09 I got a "Cannot read disk" error when the disk is brand new. Has anyone else had this happen to them?

This one's manufacture date is April 2008. Is there any way I can guarantee myself getting a newer one with the Jasper chipset just from looking at the box?

I might be on my third 360 in three days. o_0 This is the first time I've had any console crap out on me.

There's a little tab on the 360 box that you can lift and see the MFR of the console without opening the box or anything. I didn't know about it either until I was told about it.

[Jorpho]

Fallout 3 is using an extended version of the engine used for Oblivion so it's got the same stats/skill/and perks based play as the earlier games Fallout and Fallout 2 but in the the gorgeous environs of Oblivion, well, as gorgeous as they'd be if they'd been decimated in a Nuclear war.The funny thing is that it seems there's no small number of people who utterly despise the gameplay of Oblivion. Or is that Morrowind? I keep getting them confused. (They're both first-person perspective, right?)

[misfits859]

Has anyone played it yet? What are your impressions so far?

[carlcarlson]

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/42063.html

Check out the combat at the end with the three raiders. This is the only thing keeping me from grabbing the game this afternoon. Look how pathetic it looks. Everyone just stands there exchanging shots without any type of reaction at all. You shoot a dude in the face and he doesn't even flinch!

I'm waiting to hear from some people on here who have played it. Poofta, Sudo, Mailman, let's hear it!

[Trumpman]

I just picked it up and am about to fire it up for the first time.

I'll post impressions this afternoon.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

The funny thing is that it seems there's no small number of people who utterly despise the gameplay of Oblivion. Or is that Morrowind? I keep getting them confused. (They're both first-person perspective, right?)

They're both switchable between 1st and 3rd person perspectives. Although the 3rd shows all your armor and looks cooler. The 1st works better for combat and most other modes of game play.

[mailman187666]

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/42063.html

Check out the combat at the end with the three raiders. This is the only thing keeping me from grabbing the game this afternoon. Look how pathetic it looks. Everyone just stands there exchanging shots without any type of reaction at all. You shoot a dude in the face and he doesn't even flinch!

I'm waiting to hear from some people on here who have played it. Poofta, Sudo, Mailman, let's hear it!

I'm not going to be able to pick the game up for another hour, and then I won't be able to play it until tonight but I'll definately post my impressions tomorrow unless I go without sleeping from playing it so long, then I'll probably just say "game good. fun time. must sleep."

[Drexel923]

Picked up my 360 CE this morning :D

Unfortunately I won't be able to play it until I get home from work at 8 tonight :(

[carlcarlson]

Just read the IGN review and it sounds good. One thing though: there's a 20 level cap! The reviewer said that he hit that at about 40 hours, but didn't see "everything" until about 100 hours. So... for 60 hours you're killing enemies and unlocking areas but not getting any reward for it. That sounds bad.

Also, there IS still a bit of scaling. It doesn't sound as bad as the Oblivion system, but the fact that it's still present at all kind of sucks.

[Trumpman]

I played about four hours this afternoon. I got to Megaton, and saw a lot of the stuff in the trailers. Sadly there's no Power Fist in the Super-Duper Mart. But so far it is really cool. I loved Oblivion and this is much better. Fallout 3 is significantly harder than Oblivion - if you go somewhere you're not supposed to be, you know it because the enemies will own you. I had a tough time against some Raiders in the Super-Duper Mart, but with the help of VATS I took them down.

The hacking and lockpicking minigames are fun, especially the hacking one. (I love Mastermind and it is essentially the same thing). I do wish that they had kept traits in from the originals, and am a little alarmed that there appears to be a perk with 10 levels that ups one of your SPECIAL stats, as that never happened in the originals. Overall, I don't think I've progressed enough to tell how "Fallout-y" it feels, but it definitely captures the atmosphere of the Wasteland. Wandering it makes you feel lonely and it is very very detailed.

The dialogue is great - there are many different options, ranging from "Fuck you" to "I love you" when you respond to people. This is something that is much better than Oblivion. You can say something to someone and it will permanently affect your game. As such I advise you to save frequently, especially before conversations, as saying something can cause you to be attacked by an entire town. I found that out quickly and had to reload.

I can tell that I'm going to be spending hours with this one as I haven't even reached DC itself yet. I'm just doing side-quests and leveling up in Megaton - I'm already level 3.

The graphics are very impressive, especially the draw distance (I'm playing on Xbox 360). But some textures look ugly up close. Overall it captures the desolate atmosphere very well.

Highly recommended. I'll post more impressions as I get further in the game.

[carlcarlson]

Thanks for the early impressions. Feel free to keep us posted as you progress! It sounds like you have a Fallout history so it will be interesting to see what you think of it after you're further along.

[heybtbm]

I played about an hour so far. I'm already finding it hard to choose anything but the "nice" or "kind" responses. I even screwed up my G.O.A.T. giving the sensible answers (thankfully you can correct it manually after it's done). Oh well, I guess I'm never going to get the "bad karma" achievements. Citizens of Megaton, fear not. I'm just too nice.

[Tempest]

I played about an hour so far. I'm already finding it hard to choose anything but the "nice" or "kind" responses. I even screwed up my G.O.A.T. giving the sensible answers (thankfully you can correct it manually after it's done). Oh well, I guess I'm never going to get the "bad karma" achievements. Citizens of Megaton, fear not. I'm just too nice.
I could never play the Fallout games as a mean person, I was always the 'Savior of the Wastes'. I doubt it'll be any different in this version.

Oddly enough my brother did go through Fallout 2 once killing EVERYTHING he could (people, mutants, livestock). It was fun for awhile, but then there was no one left to talk to.

I picked it up for the 360 today, but I won't get around to it until after I finish Tales of Vesperia and Eternal Sonata.

Tempest

[Trumpman]

I just disarmed the bomb in Megaton. Popped some Mentats and it was easy.
When you disarm it they give you a house with a hilarious robot that tells you jokes. It is also really handy to store crap in.

I've also been doing some quests for Moira, the owner of the general store in town. She's nuts and asks you to do some crazy things but it is definitely worth it. You get one funny perk from one of the quests and lots of useful items. Basically I've been helping everyone in Megaton and leveling up to get ready for DC itself.

I've heard that Harold the ghoul has returned in this one and hope that I can find him. I actually have only played Fallout, not the second. So far though, Fallout 3 has been very fun.

[heybtbm]

So I'm about 2 hours in and I have some advice for people just starting up the game...SAVE and SAVE OFTEN!

I realize this is common sense to most people, but it amazes me how little decisions completely change your character even at this early stage of the game. Without spoiling anything, I'll just say you would be surprised how easy it is to accidentally kill someone. People that you don't want to die. I had 3 of those scenarios play out last night. I had to start from an earlier save each time. The Overseer's head comes off too damn easy...oops. Restart.

Anyway, the game looks stunning once you leave the vault. And that's only after experiencing 2% of the world.

[mailman187666]

I played for a while last night and I'm at a level 3 already and I'm definately loving this game. I've pretty much stuck around Megaton trying to figure everything out as well. I've already died a couple time just going to the wrong places and just not healing quick enough. There characters all seem to be pretty insane in thier own little ways, some nicer than others. I messed up on the overseer in the begginging of the game too but I never restarted or anything, I'm just continuing on the old dusty trail. I really like the V.A.T.S. system too, it makes the battles more fun. I've been kind of going slow in the game so I don't have much more impressions so far, but I like the game overall.

[Drexel923]

I played for about 5 hours last night! I also love the game. I find myself using VATS alot...which I thought would get annoying or ruin the gameplay, but it doesn't. So far I have saved Megaton but in the process killed the sheriff LOL ...not a big deal since his kid gave me the rewards ;)

I also did the Super Duper Mart and and bunch of other sidequests (I'm tracking down the "Family" now).

Game definitely lived up to the hype and I wish I was at home playing it now instead of work.


I've heard that Harold the ghoul has returned in this one and hope that I can find him.

I believe I found him (I always get names messed up)...he's not too far from Megaton.

[misfits859]

Is anyone using the guide? I always found the Morrowwind and Oblivion guides invaluable (almost necessary for Morrowwind).

[RyanMurf]

This may sounds pretty lame but I am new to this series. I have just disarmed the bomb in the middle of the cruddy looking town(sorry I dont remember names of things well). But I then went into the saloon looking for my father and the bartender(the corpse looking guy) told me to talk to somone (I also forgot his name) to get more info on where he is. Do I need to pay attention to finding my "father" or should I just start doing little quests in this town? Sorry im very new to this series and dont understand it that well although I can say it is very good so far. If anyone knows where I can find this guy that would be great.

*EDIT* The name just popped up in my head. Im trying to find "Moriarty" to help lead me to my "father"

[mailman187666]

This may sounds pretty lame but I am new to this series. I have just disarmed the bomb in the middle of the cruddy looking town(sorry I dont remember names of things well). But I then went into the saloon looking for my father and the bartender(the corpse looking guy) told me to talk to somone (I also forgot his name) to get more info on where he is. Do I need to pay attention to finding my "father" or should I just start doing little quests in this town? Sorry im very new to this series and dont understand it that well although I can say it is very good so far. If anyone knows where I can find this guy that would be great.

*EDIT* The name just popped up in my head. Im trying to find "Moriarty" to help lead me to my "father"

durring the day, Moriarty is usually on the balcony outside the saloon. Also don't feel bad, I've never played the old fallout games either.

[Arcade_Ness]

Lots of fun and hard to put down is what I think about it. I really like all the options in conversations that you have, ie you can be a real jerk :) I'm planning to blow up Megaton 'cause I'm feeling evil. The ladykiller perk was useful in getting into Moriarty's terminal.

[Trebuken]

The Overseer deserves whatever he gets. I really ticked off his daughter...she still helped me out though.

Enjoyable so far. Oblivion like enough that I might complete it evem. I hope that level cap isn't as bad as it sounds. There will certainly be additional content if Bethesdas history counts for abything...

[Trumpman]

I'm already to level 6 and finally ventured into DC. DC is really tough - you run into minigun toting super mutants very quickly. I got to the radio station, and it's pretty cool there. I think I'm going to take a break from the main quest and try to find the other cities first. I might go to Rivet City next.

[chicnstu]

How long of beards can your character have?

[spoon]

I played for about 5 hours last night! I also love the game. I find myself using VATS alot...which I thought would get annoying or ruin the gameplay, but it doesn't. So far I have saved Megaton but in the process killed the sheriff LOL ...not a big deal since his kid gave me the rewards ;)

I also did the Super Duper Mart and and bunch of other sidequests (I'm tracking down the "Family" now).

Game definitely lived up to the hype and I wish I was at home playing it now instead of work.



I believe I found him (I always get names messed up)...he's not too far from Megaton.

That is pretty much how my situation went down Drexel. I thought I had the double cross on, oops. lets just say you will be "hunted" for your actions.

I played for ten hours straight last night and I have yet to finish up the first city. I can tell this is gonna pretty much consume my life.

I also thought the VATS system would get long in the tooth pretty damn quick. Not the case though. It is actually fun to target the different parts of the body and try and take someone out and or cripple them.

The ghoul bartender in Megaton, I believe his name is Gabo?, is my favorite character so far. Also, has anyone ran into any scavengers or people wandering about the wastelands?

I keep picking up all the garbage lying around like forks, plates, cups, cans, etc. and selling/trading them to people. I can't count how many times I have been to heavy and had to drop a few toilet plungers, lol.

[geneshifter]

Is anyone using the guide? I always found the Morrowwind and Oblivion guides invaluable (almost necessary for Morrowwind).

I'm not using it until I play through the game for a while but I picked up the collector's edition strategy guide. It's hardcover like the Zelda:TP one :)

[Trumpman]

I might get the guide later but I want to beat the game first without it. Has anyone completed the "Family" quests? Those are pretty cool - I'm friends with a bunch of nutjobs now. Now I'm trying to find Dogmeat. Gob is a really cool character and is also hilarious. The only thing I'm worried about is that I'm level 7 after only 8 hours of gameplay. Does this mean that I will reach the level cap well before I've beaten the game?