Review: Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage DLC

Fallout 3 was undoubtedly one of the best RPGs of last year, if not one of the greatest of all time. Its decrepit environment, dark humor, and killer atmosphere combined with fun combat and solid role-playing mechanics, made for an incredibly long lasting experience. Now, developer, Bethesda Softworks, aim to extend that experience with downloadable content. This content hit Xbox Live and PC months ago, and is just now being released on the PSN.

The main problem with Operation Anchorage is that it doesn’t offer any of the amazing role-playing that makes the game so fantastic. OA is strictly an opportunity to kick ass and chew gum, and you are indeed out of gum. Beyond the headshots and explosions, there really isn’t much here for, straight up, RPG fans. That being said, the combat is still a blast. VATS headshots never get old, and the new weapons are a great.

One of these new weapons is the Gauss Cannon. This is a one shot gun that has the potential to knock your target over as well as dish out massive damage. I won’t spoil any of the other cool gadgets you get, but I will say that there are some really useful items that you acquire after the completion of OA.

Speaking of Anchorage, what the hell are you doing in Alaska anyway? Well, you aren’t actually in Alaska. Turns out someone discovered an old training program that puts you in the middle of the battle for Anchorage against the Chinese. You go into this chamber, you do your business with the shooting and the blood, step out, grab some goodies, and leave. That’s it. It does add a little to the lore of Fallout, but honestly, I think they could have had a lot more fun with the story on this one, rather than just stick you in some virtual reality battle.

This Alaskan setting really isn’t that much of a departure from the Capital Wasteland. It’s essentially the Fallout environment you know and love, but with a pretty sheet of snow covering it. Granted, white is a great change from grey, but nothing really has drastically changed visually. The animations are still pretty terrible, but the explosions look amazing. The VATS camera sweeps are still a joy to watch, and the art design is top notch.

If you like the combat in Fallout, then OA is a godsend. But it really doesn’t capture the essence of what made this game so fantastic in the first place. Fallout fans should definitely check it out, but for those who love them some RPG elements, you might want to steer clear.

7.5 /10

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