Fallout 3: Broken Steel & Point Lookout (Xbox 360) > Reviews (2)

Introduction & Context:

This product contains 'Broken Steel' and 'Point Lookout', 2 separate expansion packs for Fallout 3, the glorious Action RPG (role-playing game) by Bethesda.

For context, please consult my previous review of Fallout 3, as these expansions packs work within exactly the same engine and game structure, although they add certain features, locations and quests.

Original Review: http://www.ciao.co.uk/Fallout_3_Xbox_360​__Review_6007301

In terms of content, the expansion packs are very different...

Broken Steel

'Broken Steel' primarily expands Fallout 3 by adding to the main story... Fallout 3 is an open world game where much of the content is enjoyed by exploring locations and engaging in side quests and chance encounters - the main storyline is just one of many elements to be explored.

GENTLE SPOILER AHEAD: However those who have played the original story through to one of its conclusions will know that completing the final quest results in a rather abrupt ending to the game, with no way to continue exploring the world with your developed character - you simply have to load up an old save, or start again from square 1.

Broken Steel changes this, resurrecting the storyline with additional quests, and allowing the player to continue exploring and playing even when all of these quests are completed. This is a double-edged sword; it presents a very welcome change to the gameplay, allowing further progress and exploration, but at the cost of a clumsy rehash of the original storyline. Purists may be upset by this, but I don't feel it is sufficiently poor storytelling to detract from what is otherwise a great addition to the game.

Levelling Changes:

With your added freedom comes added levelling capabilities. Fallout 3 has a level cap at Level 20, meaning once you raise your character to this level, they cannot become any better or stronger, and cannot obtain new capabilities. 'Broken Steel' raises the cap to 30, allowing greater character development, and opening up access to new and interesting perks. To counteract this ability boost and maintain balance (you will not be an untouchable superhero, even at Level 30), it also introduces new and more powerful enemies into the mix. These ensure that the game still offers a healthy challenge, and builds on the already brilliant variety of encounters that are possible.

Point Lookout:

The style of Point Lookout is very different to Broken Steel. It adds a new and separate location ('Point Lookout') to the game map, which you can access at any time, rather than integrating more missions into the core storyline. This location has its own mini-story, which is unique, compelling, often terrifying and generally great!

As well as a new location, Point Lookout introduces the player to new characters, a completely new set of often disturbing enemies to contend with, and some great original missions with a different flavour to the original game. It also offers new items, new apparel and new weapons which expand your experience further.

Overall Thoughts:

Broken Steel and Point Lookout are two vastly different and very worthwhile expansions to an already rich and fantastic game. Together they grow and enrich the main storyline, and an increased challenge for higher level players, and provide new and original encounters in the game.

Fallout 3 is brilliant enough in its own right, but the presence of add-ons such as this creates a game of unrivalled depth and variety. Now on to another important factor...

Value & Purchasing:

Bearing in mind these are expansions, and not full games, purchasing this add-on separately can be pricey (it currently retails at between £10 and £12, which does not represent value for money in my view). If you are new to Fallout 3, and don't own the game, I would definitely recommend the the 'Game of the Year ' edition, which includes the original game complete with all 5 expansion packs, and is available for around £17 on Amazon.

FYI: The full list of Expansion Packs:

- 'Broken Steel'
- Point Lookout'
- 'The Pitt'
- 'Operation Anchorage'
- 'Mothership Zeta'

Also on DooYoo :)