The Stunning World of Fallout 3: A Game Ahead of its Time
There is nothing quite like the stepout moment in open world RPGs, especially in Bethesda games. As a player, that sense of wonder and spectacle is unparalleled by other forms of media. There’s just nothing quite like seeing something on the horizon, walking over there to investigate, and Fallout 3 captures this feeling better than almost any game I’ve ever played.
16 years ago, I stepped out of Vault 101 for the first time. I saw the Washington Monument and the White House in the distance – a long-term goal to reach. But first, I saw a megaton right there enticing me to see what’s inside. I played Fallout 3 again this December for the first time in years, and there was so much that I’d forgotten. But one thing I do remember is, ‘Godamn, this is a good video game!’
Before we delve deeper into this, I want to mention that I put about 50 hours into Fallout 3, recorded nearly 40ish gameplay files, and every single one was corrupted. So, if there is some repeat footage in this video, it doesn’t exactly match what I’m talking about. Look, I’m sorry. I tried my best. But you know how it feels after spending days on end playing, enjoying yourself, finishing and recording the game, and writing the script – it’s kind of painful to have to do it all over again just to get footage.
Performance and Visuals
The performance of Fallout 3 isn’t great despite being a game from 2008. While you can run the game above 60 frames per second, it’s advised not to do so as it may cause physics issues. The game can be expected to crash every 2 to 4 hours, with most crashes occurring in Point Lookout DLC, especially in the swamps. However, once the frames are capped at 60 frames per second, the game runs well, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the world.
When you look at the visual style of the world in Fallout 3, it predominantly features shades of gray and brown. While this may not sound visually stimulating at first, the beauty lies in the points of interest scattered throughout the world.
Conclusion
Despite its performance issues, Fallout 3 remains a visually captivating and immersive experience that stands the test of time. The game’s ability to evoke a sense of awe and discovery is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Watch the video above for a more in-depth look at the world of Fallout 3.
