Ladonna of RPG Codex has transcribed a Fallout 3 preview/interview from the September issue of Australian magazine PC PowerPlay. There is a lot we recognize from other newsbits lately - they're really making it feel like a Fallout game, Fallout's notable technical achievement was lip-syncing, Fallout is violence. They go into some detail about the new combat system:
<blockquote>Because Fallout 3 has made the jump to 3D, combat now has the opportunity to be far more action oriented. In fact, elements of the combat will be much as you find them in any shooter: just point the gun and press the fire button.
Naturally this causes alarm to Fallout diehards, since the original games had turn-based tactical combat systems. The good news is that Fallout 3 does too, and it's called VATS -- the VaulTec Assisted Targeting System.
It's needed because the real-time combat is affected heavily by the player's own stats. You can whip out the old shotgun and hew away, but if your stats aren't up to the task, likely as not you'll miss a challenging opponent.</blockquote>There is a suggestion that Action Points recharge very slowly, even out of combat, as it is said you may not want to use them on weak creatures even with a lack of other targets, as you might run into something tougher later on.
<blockquote>VATS sounds great, but here's the question. If the engine is capable of real-time combat, why not just make Fallout 3 a shooter? Why implement VATS at all? Similarly, why not just stick to a turn-based combat system like the originals, if Bethesda is so careful to maintain the spirit of the first game?
"Basically this is the most fun way to play," Howard says simply. "It makes your character choices more meaningful and it strikes a balance between twitch gameplay and the slow pace of a turn-based system."
...
According to Bethesda, the core storyline will last roughly 20 hours (And will end the game) although side quests should flesh that out to around 40. Some actions, like blowing up a city, will eliminate quest lines while opening others, and Bethesda is promising between nine and 12 different endings to reflect your deeds throughout the game.</blockquote>Also included are transcriptions of the article's sidebars, for which you'll have to scroll down a bit.
Linky: Transcription post at the Codex
<blockquote>Because Fallout 3 has made the jump to 3D, combat now has the opportunity to be far more action oriented. In fact, elements of the combat will be much as you find them in any shooter: just point the gun and press the fire button.
Naturally this causes alarm to Fallout diehards, since the original games had turn-based tactical combat systems. The good news is that Fallout 3 does too, and it's called VATS -- the VaulTec Assisted Targeting System.
It's needed because the real-time combat is affected heavily by the player's own stats. You can whip out the old shotgun and hew away, but if your stats aren't up to the task, likely as not you'll miss a challenging opponent.</blockquote>There is a suggestion that Action Points recharge very slowly, even out of combat, as it is said you may not want to use them on weak creatures even with a lack of other targets, as you might run into something tougher later on.
<blockquote>VATS sounds great, but here's the question. If the engine is capable of real-time combat, why not just make Fallout 3 a shooter? Why implement VATS at all? Similarly, why not just stick to a turn-based combat system like the originals, if Bethesda is so careful to maintain the spirit of the first game?
"Basically this is the most fun way to play," Howard says simply. "It makes your character choices more meaningful and it strikes a balance between twitch gameplay and the slow pace of a turn-based system."
...
According to Bethesda, the core storyline will last roughly 20 hours (And will end the game) although side quests should flesh that out to around 40. Some actions, like blowing up a city, will eliminate quest lines while opening others, and Bethesda is promising between nine and 12 different endings to reflect your deeds throughout the game.</blockquote>Also included are transcriptions of the article's sidebars, for which you'll have to scroll down a bit.
Linky: Transcription post at the Codex
Be good. That's what Jesus told you. Love each other. 
