Jonric of RPGVault has done a preview of Fallout 3.<blockquote>Based on an admittedly initial glimpse, there is every reason for optimism. Although there can be no doubt about the team's ability to craft an outstanding RPG, some observers have wondered how well it could capture the aforementioned distinctive personality. To some extent, this is a valid question since none of the current developers worked on either previous title. The complete answer can't be known yet, but the goal stated by Executive Producer Todd Howard back in 2004 - "a visually stunning and original game... with all the hallmarks of a great RPG: player choice, engaging story, and non-linearity" - certainly seems within reach.
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Indeed, unfounded mumblings to the effect that Fallout 3 would be a post-apocalyptic The Elder Scrolls have arisen within some corners of the RPG player community. Thankfully, this has been confined to fairly infrequent occurrences. The vast majority of us are happy to evaluate the game on its own merits.
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As you might expect, Bethsoft isn't skimping on the eye candy. The locations and characters show exceptional attention to detail, with eye-catching reflections, refractions and lighting effects. As well, a new system for damage textures enables some cool visuals, although the actual destructibility of the environments is limited. It was pointed out that the PC version won't require Vista, although DirectX10 may be necessary. The primary point of view is first-person, which Todd Howard considers more personal. However, the team is also accommodating those who prefer third-person by enabling an over the shoulder angle with rotatable camera.
(...)
Purists may argue that Fallout 3 should retain its turn-based heritage. While we weren't afforded any opportunity for hands-on play, my initial impression is that the new system is fun. If so, it won't be an issue, at least not a major one.
(...)
The critical path, which involves finding your father, will have a fairly linear sequence of key events. The team is aiming for it to take about 20 hours to complete, with optional quests approximately doubling that time. There will be multiple endings, although I don't recall a specific number being mentioned.
(...)
Assuming Fallout 3 ships next autumn, fans of the property will have endured a decade-long wait since the release of its predecessor. It's truly unfortunate that circumstances played out this way, but there's finally light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, and it's looking pretty bright. There's still a lot of work to be done - the team doesn't make small games - but after the three years spent on it so far, the project gives every indication of meeting and perhaps even exceeding the lofty expectations that have arisen among the grognards, And newcomers to the franchise have ample reason to anticipate a different type of RPG experience from The Elder Scrolls, but still a Bethsoft one, and potentially just as rewarding.</blockquote>Link: RPGVault Fallout 3 preview.
Spotted on RPGWatch.
(...)
Indeed, unfounded mumblings to the effect that Fallout 3 would be a post-apocalyptic The Elder Scrolls have arisen within some corners of the RPG player community. Thankfully, this has been confined to fairly infrequent occurrences. The vast majority of us are happy to evaluate the game on its own merits.
(...)
As you might expect, Bethsoft isn't skimping on the eye candy. The locations and characters show exceptional attention to detail, with eye-catching reflections, refractions and lighting effects. As well, a new system for damage textures enables some cool visuals, although the actual destructibility of the environments is limited. It was pointed out that the PC version won't require Vista, although DirectX10 may be necessary. The primary point of view is first-person, which Todd Howard considers more personal. However, the team is also accommodating those who prefer third-person by enabling an over the shoulder angle with rotatable camera.
(...)
Purists may argue that Fallout 3 should retain its turn-based heritage. While we weren't afforded any opportunity for hands-on play, my initial impression is that the new system is fun. If so, it won't be an issue, at least not a major one.
(...)
The critical path, which involves finding your father, will have a fairly linear sequence of key events. The team is aiming for it to take about 20 hours to complete, with optional quests approximately doubling that time. There will be multiple endings, although I don't recall a specific number being mentioned.
(...)
Assuming Fallout 3 ships next autumn, fans of the property will have endured a decade-long wait since the release of its predecessor. It's truly unfortunate that circumstances played out this way, but there's finally light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, and it's looking pretty bright. There's still a lot of work to be done - the team doesn't make small games - but after the three years spent on it so far, the project gives every indication of meeting and perhaps even exceeding the lofty expectations that have arisen among the grognards, And newcomers to the franchise have ample reason to anticipate a different type of RPG experience from The Elder Scrolls, but still a Bethsoft one, and potentially just as rewarding.</blockquote>Link: RPGVault Fallout 3 preview.
Spotted on RPGWatch.
