Five reasons to love Fallout 3

Combat with V.A.T.S.

When it was announced that Fallout 3 would eschew the classic isometrically viewed turn-based RPG combat system for something from the third/first-person-shooter world, there was a lot of fan upheaval. The biggest problem was that explaining how the V.A.T.S. system would look, feel and -- most importantly -- function wasn't done in such as way that it lowered worries of a run-and-gun Fallout game devoid of any strategic planning. Essentially, it wasn't shown to everyone yet.

Fast-foward to now and a look at the recent gameplay videos floating about shows plenty of strategic thought to be had. While the game seems to be playable as an action-only affair, it's entirely possible and almost preferable to pause the game and take an aimed shot with your action points once in a while. In other words, it should appeal to a broader audience than before, which includes the original players of Fallout and it's sequel. This is something that is arguably more important as it will help determine if we see expansions and/or further games entirely.

Of course, with old worries being removed come brand new worries sprouting up. Some people are wondering if the pause, queue up moves and subsequent cinematic camera shot gameplay will get old. Those are the people who don't really like RPGs much and will probably try and play (or wish they could play) most of the game as though it were Call of Duty. The beauty of the combat in Fallout 3 is that you should be able to achieve a balance. Play it like a turn-based RPG for a while and then take a few shots in real-time with your preferred weapon or something like that. We won't know until the game ships, but we've got a sneaking suspicion that gameplay is going to become a rhythmic back-and-forth of real-time and turn-based.

05/08/08