Saving Frequency

[David Bedlam]

I've been thinking about saving.

Usually when I play a Fallout game, I'll hit the save button every time I attempt anything more dangerous that open a door.

However I've started to think that may be taking some of the suspence out of the game, so I've started a new game with this self imposed rule.

"Thou shalt not save on a map more than once every 24 hours, and never in random encounters, unless thou finds something funkey like the Café of Broken Dreams.

Also, if thou messes up after saving, thou shalt not reload, thou shalt live with it, and bloody well enjoy it!"

In other words, unless it's something drastic like death of my character, no reloading.

And to top it off, my character is a diplomat cum healer with the fighting skills of armless grandparent.

So, does anyone else have a saving policy, or is it just freaks like me?

 

[alec]

There are other reasons why saving VERY often and saving in DIFFERENT slots is the best way to play FO:
-> bugs
-> you can try to do a quest in a totally different way without much hassle
-> beginners will post less crap on these forums that goes like: 'I just died in New Reno and I don't have any savegames. Are there any resurrection scrolls to be found in the wasteland?'

Save your game, Bedlam, trust me.

 

[David Bedlam]

Actually I've already compleated the game a few times, so I'm trying different things in the game.

One of the things I've never had to deal with before, thanks to loading games, is the consequences of screwing up.

 

[ZealoT]

I don’t agree with your policy David. I think Blade Runner is right at least for the precaution of bugs, or power down, or you didn’t like the way the quest ended, etc. Remember, fallout could be the best game ever made but it’s still a game so even with 10 Int and 100 % speech you not always say the correct thing (even with empathy and even if at first looks like it) because many times you don’t have free speech and you want to throw away 23 hours (without rest) for a single mistake that made that town against you and give you the perk of SLAYER? If you want the game more challenging play it in the hardest options and never with companions (in case of Fallout 1 play only with Ian) for start at least but save often. Just an idea…

 

[Dove]

I've always had the problem of forgetting to save, so I would roam around for a while, get a lot of cool stuff. Then go and attack the deathclaw nest (and die obviously) and have to start way waaaaay back.

I do however choose to continue playing after something bad happens instead of reload. NPC's aren't hard to find in F2, and they mostly suck in F1. So who cares if they die?

 

[ZealoT]

I like Skulik Grandpa

Or Ancestor Ghost, whatever...

 

[APTYP]

NPC's aren't hard to find in F2, and they mostly suck in F1. So who cares if they die?

Funny you should say that - a lot of reviewers say they care immensely.

 

[Lockout]

I agree with APTYP.

I've always approached the Fallouts for what they are: Role-playing games. I like playing the role of the "naïve Vault Dweller" or the "ignorant, sheltered tribal," who enter the wasteland knowing nothing about it - but who soon recruit a few good people who know plenty about it.

To me, NPCs aren't mules for items gathered during these quests. They're the friends of the Vault Dweller or the Chosen One, and the only real allies your character can count on. They're all part of the team. I like to treat them that way...even when they do shoot me in the back, now and then.

 

[Big T]

I always hated using NPCs.
They're just so damned STUPID! Between burst firing you/other NPCs in the back, shooting the wrong people (eg: trade caravans) and going psycho and attacking you for no reason (Sulik & Vic seem to do this frequently for me) I just find it easier to go it alone.
Giving any NPC a burst fire weapon (Particularly Sulik and Marcus) is just asking to die.

I also don't agree that they are your friends. I never felt any emotional response to them, and I certainly never felt that I could count on them.

I still don't like them dying. It closes off parts of the game if NPCs die. I just collect 'em all and leave them in a town (usually VC or San Fran).

 

[quietfanatic]

Go Sulik and Dogmeat. They are kick ass.

Yes, I found out in about 5 seconds that Marcus with a Bozar can kill me and all the NPCs in one burst.

I usually just keep Dogmeat as all the NPCs just get in the way and are not needed in 2. That doesn't mean I would let one die though!

Unless it's Myron..........

Do your NPCs really attack you. I thought that was just advertising.

 

[Big T]

Do your NPCs really attack you. I thought that was just advertising.

I don't think it's deliberate, it seemed like a bug as it was usually for no particular reason.
I never liked having dogmeat. One well placed burst, and he's gone.

 

[MazeMouse]

Hell I would even keep Myron alive....
I get really... REALLY pissed if any of my NPC's die.
That's why I always do targeted shots to the head and hope to knock a few opponents unconsious (minimizing danger of NPC death) only to see marcus fire 2 pulse rifle shots into Sulik's back....