E.G. Review: Fallout 3: Broken Steel
Don’t fix what ain’t “Broken”
“Conflicted” would be a descriptor apropos for how I actually feel about Broken Steel (BS). As my review of Fallout 3 would mildly suggest, I love this freakin’ game. So far, Fallout 3 has managed to have me log on 60+ hours, a feat worth noting for sure. When the game “ended,” I naturally craved more. Upon hearing of more content downloadable in the future, I couldn’t hold the excitement in. On the other hand, I had the suspicion that Bethesda was placing limits on the game in order to justify more content in the future. Oh who am I kidding? That is the reason why they did it.
The biggest draw, for me, was the new level cap at 30. This where the conflict begins. Would I have bought the DLC if it weren’t for the new level cap? While part of me says, “yes,” the other part completely disagrees. I personally think Bethesda should have never instituted a level cap to begin with. However, they needed to find a way to sell their additional content. It’s the same model that made WOW such a booming success: earning XP through completing missions. However, players have to pay a monthly fee to continue playing. Fallout 3 isn’t an MMO and, as a result, cannot feasibly charge a monthly fee. By capping the XP level, you give an artificial reason for players to come back to Wasteland of Fallout 3.
I personally think that the DLC is good enough for a purchase. Although it is more of the same, it furthers the story in form of an epilogue. Clean water is now available to the Wasteland and protecting it from thieves, profiteers, and raiders become inevitable missions. Furthermore, although a big blow was struck to the enemy army, the Enclave, there is still much to do to secure a war victory. A few notable additions are some nifty new weapons such as the Tri-beam Laser (very powerful) and another secret weapon specially made for you by the Brotherhood. Other additions come in the form of enemies such as the Hellfire Enclave, equiped with powerful flame throwers, and new ghouls with increased defense and offense and regenerative abilities. Some of the enemies, namely the new, powerful ghouls, are ridiculously hard to kill and not a welcome addition in my opinion. I do like the fact, with the exception of the raiders, most enemies are increased in level and are more difficult to deal with, adding some welcomed challenge and, of course, more XP.
The BS missions are interesting and engaging. The problem is that there isn’t much of them in this new DLC. Although longer than first two, BS can be completed in 5 hours or so. For ten dollars, you can decide whether or not that is a good deal. A few more missions would have solidified BS as an outstanding purchase. I felt wanting at the end really. I finished the last mission of BS and thought to myself, “what’s next?” I’m glad, however, that Bethesda has decided to release more DLC, keeping the fictional world of the Wasteland alive. The prospect of seeing this world being rebuilt with the help of my heroic efforts makes me giddy with anticipation.
If it weren’t for the new nevel cap, I wouldn’t be recommending BS so highly. Without it, BS is a worthy purchase if you are wanting more missions, more story, and don’t mind paying an additional ten dollars to do so. For the rest of us, the new level cap is the real draw as sad as that may seem. True but sad nonetheless.
-jj
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