Fallout 3
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New pics, new perks and no traits for Fallout 3
click to embiggen We talked about the exhaustive Fallout 3 Q&A yesterday, but there are a few morsels of information we want to point out specifically, chief among them are new images that reveal the Megaton Bar, a "shotgun on robot" and the Pip-Boy skills menu.For the Fallout purists, chances are you'll be dismayed to hear that traits have been taken out of the game and melded into the perks system, which has been modified to where you're allowed a new perk with every level. "That was a hard decision for us, and one that took, literally, years," said executive producer Todd Howard, who noted that the traits and perks system were so related that many of the design-a-perk contest entrants were actually traits. According to Howard, if you include ranks, there are about 100 perks available and only 19 chances to pick a perk each game (level cap is 20). No worries, though, because "Bloody Mess" is still available, and that's all we need to hear to be satisfied.%Gallery-3507%
No children will be harmed in Fallout 3
Todd Howard answered quite a number of questions in an extensive Fan Interview over at Bethesda about Fallout 3. First off, despite the inclusions of elements like slavery and drugs, Howard assures us the player will lack the ability to kill children, whether on purpose or accidental. Howard wants the game to sell, and he's pretty sure no one would buy the game if people were allowed to harm em' young'ins. In fact, NPCs will turn on you if you even attempt to harm any kids, got it? Fallout 3 will also feature 40,000 lines of dialogue, up from just several thousand in the original Fallout. There's also three new screenshots of the "Post Nuclear Simulation" posted along with the interview. A summary of what's revealed after the jump, courtesy of X3F: [Via X3F]
Bethesda talks murder, sex, slavery and cannibalism in Fallout 3
When we first heard that Bethesda was working on a Fallout 3 game we made a pledge to ourselves that we were going to stay completely spoiler free, that we'd go into the experience fresh, with no knowledge of what surprises awaited and what mysteries we would unearth. Sadly, it didn't take long for us to remember that we worked for a video game site, and trying to remain willfully ignorant of a major title was misguided at best.But it's not too late for you, dear reader! You can avert your eyes right now. You don't have to read this exhaustive Q and A with Bethesda wherein they discuss everything from drug use and child murder to Fallout 3's inventory system! You can still ... you already clicked on it, didn't you?
New Fallout 3 screens and details
In a second fan Q&A over at Bethesda, Todd Howard has answered a collection of fan questions taken from the forums. The questions asked range from armor and inventory to children, non-human creatures and more. Check the list below for a quick run down. Oh, and Todd also released a few new screens too. Armor sets come in two pieces, body and head Inventory limit is based on weight Children and essential NPC's are unkillable Good/Evil karma system relating to in-game choices Crimes committed against specific groups are known to all in the group throughout the game world NPC's navigate via a mesh instead of via a point to point system like in Oblivion and Morrowind Like Oblivion the game uses a skill list and those skills determine maximum possible effectiveness in battle More after the break%Gallery-4995%
We can't resist new Fallout 3 screens
We know that as the supposedly impartial game media we're supposed to give every game a fair shake, but can we be honest with you about Fallout 3: We are helpless to resist it. Maybe it's the aesthetic, maybe it's the pedigree, but we just can't let an opportunity to post about it pass us by. Luckily though, we think a lot of you probably feel the same way, so you won't mind seeing a few new screens.In addition to the above image, we've got a still that looks like it's from the stat management screen and a mutant firing a giant gun at the national mall. And that's it. That's all Fallout 3 has to give us to get onto Joystiq. Isn't that sad?%Gallery-26091%
Fallout 3's Todd Howard discusses RPG elements, implementation
Ever wonder what Todd Howard is thinking about when moving from Oblivion to Fallout 3? The executive producer from Bethesda Softworks speaks with Adam Sessler from X-Play about the ambitious title and covers the difference between Oblivion and Fallout 3 (besides the obvious, of course). Howard says Fallout 3 is "far ahead" in terms of technology from Oblivion. We'll figure out the truth behind those words when we get our hands on Fallout 3, we guess. Otherwise, Howard speaks a bit about the trials and errors involved in getting RPG elements into the game when the use of guns and futuristic weapons is a gameplay must-have. Enjoy the video![via PS3Forums]
New Fallout 3 SKU adds life-sized Pip-Boy
Amazon has snagged exclusive rights to sell the "Survival Edition" of Fallout 3. The Survival Edition is basically the entire Collector's Edition, previously seen before, plus a life-sized Pip-Boy 3000 -- just like what's in the game. The exclusive new item functions as a working digital clock and, well, will cost you an extra 50 smackers over the 80 dollar Collector's Edition. Doing the basic arithmetic, that comes out to about $130. The console versions of the Survival Edition will ship only to North America -- no Europe, sorry.While we can say the Pip-Boy 3000 is certainly an interesting piece to add to one's collection, we're not sure if the price merits a purchase over the other SKUs. We guess you have to be true hardcore Fallout fans to get this. If you're on the borderline and want to know more, you can have a read of how Bethesda came up with all this extra collector's stuff. Also, see more images of Pip-Boy 3000 here.[Via press release]
Real life Pip-Boy or wacky geek clock? You decide
Bethesda must really have faith in Fallout 3. Not only are they doing a "normal" collectors edition, but now they're actually going for the coveted Cat-Helmet Award® by actually creating some sort of uber-collectors edition. Available only through Amazon, the only difference between the "Survival Edition" and the normal CE is the replica Pip-Boy, which is actually a digital clock. Maybe some of the Fallout faithful out there will be willing to shell out $129.95 plus shipping for this, but frankly, we already have an alarm clock. We hate it, we don't need another one. Still, it'll be interesting to see how its sales pan out. Even though it's an Amazon exclusive, could it eventually see the price drops that the Halo 3 one did?
Amazon offering Fallout 3 'Survival Edition'
As if Fallout 3's Collector's Edition wasn't enough to make you frantically type "DO WANT" in our comments section, Bethesda and Amazon have announced an even grander package, the Fallout 3 Survival Edition. In what's essentially the special edition of the collector's edition, Amazon's offer includes all of the latter item's goodies -- a Vault Boy Bobblehead doll, a hardcover book of art and a behind-the-scenes DVD in a Vault-Tec lunch box -- as well as a "life-size" replica of the Pip-Boy 3000, the wrist-mounted contraption worn by in-game apocalypse survivors.Of course, being a replica, the Pip-Boy 3000 doesn't offer the full functionality enjoyed by those wandering Bethesda's wasteland. This one's just a cool digital clock, we're afraid. It's already available for pre-order on Amazon (but not to Europe, sorry!), with the console and PC versions listed at $129.99 and $119.99, respectively. DO WANT ... ?
Fallout 3 limited edition lunchbox contains many goodies
Since we seem to be on a limited edition kick, let's go over the newly released specs for the Fallout 3 limited edition pack. This is by no means a final product, so take this list with a grain of salt. Anyway, if you grab the limited edition, you'll be getting what you see above: the game (of course), a Vault-Tec lunch box, a bobble-head Vault Boy, a "making of Fallout 3" DVD, and an artbook. A fairly standard package, though the lunchbox looks rather cool because it seems, well, vaguely dirty. It's probably just the image, though. What do you guys think? Good limited edition, or will getting just the game satisfy you?
Fallout 3 Collectors Edition lunch box and contents
Twenty dollars more for a collector's edition eh? Well Bethesda looks to be making this one as worth it as they can, by cramming it full of creative extras. This isn't just a simple "Making of" DVD (though there is one of those too). There's also the bobble head, the 100 page hardcover art book, and the nuclear-devastation ready lunch box to hold it all in. Plus, y'know, the game. That is the most important part after all, but to tell the truth this looks like a great example of how to do a CE right. As long as the game is the at the level of quality we hope it is, we might just have to knuckle under and shell out the extra money ....[Via Big Download]
Fallout 3 Collector's Edition gets visualized
Click to embiggen As if you needed more incentive to pre-order the game, the Bethesda Blog has now revealed "representational images" of the Fallout 3 Collector's Edition. Based on the above design, the Vault Boy bobble head will likely be the same vertical size as the Vault-Tec lunch box, and the hardcover art book about the same diameter as a DVD. Alongside the game, it all looks like it will fit neatly into the carrier, which should be sturdy enough to block its contents from our drool.%Gallery-3507%[Via Big Download]
New Fallout 3 screens show Pip-Boy statuses, leg dismemberment
Click to embiggen Meet. Albert. Poor Albert has a wounded right leg, and an extremely wounded left leg. He's also got some major issues with his head. We haven't seen Albert before, mind you, but we do have an image from his Pip-Boy, one of three new images that Bethesda has released for Fallout 3. The image also gives a good indication as to how menu navigation will work. Another new screenshot released shows the Vault dweller literally shooting off the leg of a mutant adversary. Come to think of it, we really hope that wasn't Albert he just hurt. Rounding out the trio of new images is a landscape portrait of what we believe is the first town you visit in the game. Fallout 3 is due out this Fall.%Gallery-3507%
New Fallout 3 screens are more than just exploding heads
Click for high-resolution image. Fallout 3 is more than just exploding heads. It's more importantly about the balance of all body parts being equally destroyed to itty bitty pieces. That sort of gritty imagery is well-suited for a dystopian adventure such as the post apocalyptic Fallout 3. From the landscape to the technology, you can see every bit of gloom seeping out and turning this virtual world evermore life-like. To get a better picture, check out the new screens in our gallery below.%Gallery-4357%
New Fallout 3 screens and a crying Vault Boy
Visually impressive, artistically refined and X3F approved new Fallout 3 screenshots have just been released thanks to the folks over at Bethesda and we're in love all over again. The three new screenshots (added to the gallery below for your convenience) show exactly what Fallout 3 has to offer including nuclear wastelands, physical violence and technology. Health monitoring technology that can tell you your health status using a crying and crippled Vault Boy. We heart Vault Boy even if he only has one functioning leg.%Gallery-4995%
Fallout 3 using HDD smartly -- no upfront install
Bethesda sat down with our big brother site, Joystiq, and spoke a little bit about Fallout 3. As many people know, it's pretty much customary for developers to slap a giant mandatory install onto our PS3 titles. It's mildly annoying if you don't have a big hard drive. Bethesda echoes these sentiments and as such, have declared that the PS3 version of Fallout 3 will not have any upfront install whatsoever.Pete Hines, marketing man for Bethesda, confirmed this and then went on to say "that doesn't mean we don't use the hard drive, just that it does it in the background as opposed to a large, upfront install." The game will require an estimated 4-5 GBs of space, similar to Oblivion, though. So even without a large install, you'll have to make sure you've got adequate free space to let the game work its magic.[via Joystiq]
Pre-ordered Fallout 3? Have some tunes! [Update]
Update: It appears this bonus is available at GameStop only and also includes a Brotherhood of Steel poster. Hopefully Canadian gamers will get some love from EB Games on this one.Does anything say good times more than a toe-tapping soundtrack based on a post-Apocolyptic America? Those looking for an incentive to pre-order Bethesda's Fallout 3, you know in case the game looking awesome wasn't enough for you, will be treated with a five-track CD of mixed tunes from the upcoming game.Mixing licensed tracks from The Ink Spots, Bob Crosby and Roy Brown with a pair of original tunes the bonus comes in a beautifully ruined package (above, back of the CD after the jump) which screams "old-timey vibe."We've made it no secret that Fallout 3 is one of our most anticipated games of 2008, so we'd be glad to get something extra for throwing down a five-spot to pre-order the upcoming game.[via Joystiq]
Fallout 3 pre-orders come with soundtrack CD
There are plenty of reasons to pre-order Fallout 3. Maybe there's a cute checkout boy/girl at your local game retailer that you'll take any opportunity to see or, maybe, it's because Fallout 3 is almost certainly going to be completely and utterly rad. Either way, those that lay a five-spot on the game at their local GameStop are going to be walking away with a five-song Fallout 3 soundtrack disc, according to Bethesda's official blog.As you can see here, there are a few licensed tracks as well as some originals by recently-announced scorer Inon Zur. As you can also see above it's gorgeous and we want it so bad and please Fallout 3 just come out today oh please please we need this please. Please.
New Fallout 3 conceptual concept art
Over on the official Fallout 3 development blog, the Bethesda crew posted an interesting read about concept art and how Fallout 3's overall look and feel ended up coming to fruition. Fallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz discusses and breaks down the ideas and thought process behind the look of the game's Super Humans (which do look badass), weapons, vault suits, robots and various creatures. Make the jump to get the full concept art experience or check out all eleven new pieces of art in the gallery below. Mutated cows? Consider us disgusted.%Gallery-4995%
Fallout 3 composer named, soundtrack samples available
Music is an integral part of any game. It's important that the right composer is put in charge of bringing the aural atmosphere to life. For Fallout 3, the right man to pen the musical score would apparently be Inon Zur, composer of game soundtracks from Crysis and Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones. Fallout 3 executive producer Todd Howard had this to say about Zur's original music for the game: "He's created a score that has epic sweep; from the lonely ambience of the wasteland to dramatic fights for survival." True enough, Zur is well-known for that sort of sound. Don't believe it? Then hit up Fallout 3's official website to listen to three songs from the soundtrack. Also, you can hear some of Zur's older work at his official website.[Via press release]
