Genre: Role-Playing Game

Platform: PlayStation 3

Publisher: Bethesda

Classification: 18 (PEGI)

Warning! Fallout has shifted – by around 4 years and about 2420 miles.

That’s right, it’s the Fallout 3 that we know and love in a new location and timeframe with new people, storyline, missions, weapons and items. How could a fan want for more?

Both Fallout 3: New Vegas and its predecessor Fallout 3 are games firmly rooted with role-playing game mechanics that seamlessly integrate third or first-person action gameplay. There’s plenty of shooting, plenty of information gathering and plenty of important choices to be made.

The VATS (that’s Vault-Tec Assisted Targeted Systems – nothing to do with Value Added Tax) enables players to target their opponent and queue up shots to certain parts of the body. Stats for the likelihood of a hit are provided, so good judgement of where and when to hit is imperative. This system and the in depth attribute tree help New Vegas sit slightly more on the role-playing game side of the fence than the first/third-person shooter side.

Exploration is a large part of Fallout: New Vegas, with shacks, huts and buildings being the subject of far off intrigue and an often welcome diversion to just following the main story. ‘Life drainers’ would be the only apt description for the diversions as hours trickle by with often no gain but the thirst of curiosity quenched.

The landscapes of post-nuclear wasteland and re-established settlements are technically and visually gorgeous beyond compare This coupled with the intricate and expertly crafted missions that involve game changing choices, makes Fallout: New Vegas an unforgettable experience. Players literally get to choose their own alliances and make their own enemies.

But it’s not without fault – there are nuclear clouds on the horizon. The animations and expressions of the characters are beginning to look a little dated and there are strange bugs with bizarre effects. As strange, funny or annoying as these bugs may be – they’re almost entirely forgivable for a game that’s as diverse, complex and unbelievably gargantuan as this.

It’s always a challenge, often breathtakingly beautiful and large beyond compare. New Vegas is a great refresher and addition into the astounding world of Fallout.

SCORE: 8 / 10