Daily Bits For 6/22/10
Daily Bits is a collection of all the gaming news that has happened for the current day that we deem as interesting and relevant to our readers. Check back daily for more news round-ups and feel free to send your suggestions to dailybits@everydaygamers.com
DLC Galore:
Today is the day for DLC. Red Dead Redemption’s free “Outlaws to the End” is out on both Live and PSN, Just Cause has added its own free take on the Tuk Tuk, and PSN players get both Battlefield: Bad Company 2′s “Onslaught” and MAG’s “Interdiction” (the 360 version of “Onslaught has” been delayed).
Old 360s selling at discount prices
With the release of the new Xbox 360, many retailers have started discounting their older units. Amazon and Best Buy have both lowered the price of their Arcade units to $150 and their Elites to $250, so if you are thinking of getting a system, you may want to consider buying one of these.
Personally, I would hold out a bit longer. Microsoft has confirmed they will be announcing a $199 model of the new system, and if that one has a built in hard drive, you can expect these prices to drop even further.
Prince of Persia is highest grossing video game movie of all time
While Prince of Persia has received a lukewarm reception in the US, only pulling in $80 in domestic ticket sales, the movie has been extremely well received elsewhere. Worldwide earnings of $293 million have helped the movie edge out the original Tomb Raider, which earned $274 million.
As someone who has seen both films, I am glad to see Prince of Persia topple Tomb Raider. It is a much better film.
New 360 shuts down before RROD
So we have all heard the new 360 is Red Ring of Death proof. How can Microsoft promise this? Apparently, the new 360 will shut itself off if the ventilation is blocked enough that it could overheat. This kind of shut off makes sense for a system that has had serious heat problems. The question is will this become a more serious issue as games continue to push the console.
Live finally has a family plan
If you have a family all playing games on Xbox Live, that can get quite expensive. Microsoft is finally doing something about this. Starting in November, families will be able to purchase a 4 player Xbox Live Family Plan for $99. Not only is this half the price of 4 individual live subscriptions, but it includes a family center where parents can limit what games their kids are allowed to take online.
Kinect Rumors abound
In a day full of 360 news, the Microsoft store is now listing Kinect at $150. While many other retail sites have done the same, the fact this is on the MS site may mean it will be the final price for the device. Microsoft has stated over Twitter that the price has not been announced yet, so it is still possible this will not stand, but with a source within Microsoft allegedly listing the cost of the motion camera at $150, this is looking like a distinct possibility.
I hope this is not the final price. If it is, I will not be buying it.
Thought Jellyvision was done? You Don’t Know Jack
It appears rumors of the death of Jellyvision’s popular trivia title may have been exaggerated. The company is working with THQ to bring You Don’t Know Jack to new light. While it is unknown whether this will be a re-release of the older titles in downloadable form or a brand new game, it is good news for those of us who have grown up with this king of all trivia games.
So now all those pretenders can get out of the way and let the true champion return.
Daily Bits For 6/21/10
Daily Bits is a collection of all the gaming news that has happened for the current day that we deem as interesting and relevant to our readers. Check back daily for more news round-ups and feel free to send your suggestions to dailybits@everydaygamers.com
Crackdown 2 Demo Hits Today, Among Other Goodies
Today is the day you can finally get a taste of the Crackdown 2 demo on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Besides the Crackdown 2 demo there is a new list of Games On Demand, new Xbox Live Arcade titles and much more. Check out the link below for the full rundown.
Heavy Rain DLC MOVEs To A Undetermined Date
Back in February when Heavy Rain was released, Quantic Dream promised fans that we would be consumed with episodic DLC. Now those plans seem to be on an “indefinite hold” according to co-founder Guillame de Fondaumiere.
Quantic Dream is working on a patch to enable Playstation Move support for Heavy Rain, which I suppose is the main focus at this time. The patch will be free for people who already have purchased the game, but there will also be a re-release of Heavy Rain with the Move controls already on the disc.
It would be unfortunate if we no longer get content for Heavy Rain, but I guess worse case scenario is that they work on their next project.
Alan Wake DLC Gets Priced At $7 Each
For those that have finished the main story of Alan Wake and are looking to continue the journey can do so next month with the first piece of downloadable content “The Signal” which is due out July 27th. “The Signal” will cost you 560 Microsoft Points ($7). Unless you bought the game new, then you will be able to use the token that came in the box.
The second downloadable episode “The Writer” will also carry the same price tag. Both episodes are estimated at around 90 minutes of gameplay.
Halo: Reach Trailer Hints At Space Gameplay
At the end of Bungie’s E3 trailer for Halo Reach, it revealed some new gameplay elements that we really havent seen before from the franchise. For more of an understanding of what I mean, check out the gameplay montage from our source below.
Daily Bits For 6/4/10
Daily Bits is a collection of all the gaming news that has happened for the current day that we deem as interesting and relevant to our readers. Check back daily for more news round-ups and feel free to send your suggestions to dailybits@everydaygamers.com
Red Dead Redemption DLC Due June 22
The first batch of free Downloadable Content for Red Dead Redemption will hit PSN and XBL on June 22nd. The pack is called “Outlaws To The End.” Fitting title as it will include six, two- four player co-op based missions. Achievements and Trophies will also be added to unlock.
Killzone 3 Teaser Trailer Unleashed
Sony’s exclusive FPS has come out with a small teaser trailer not showing a whole lot quite yet, but just reminding people its on its way. We are expected to be revealed with more info on the game at this years E3 with a possible release date announcement. As of right now the game is slated for “2011.”
Keep your eye on Everyday Gamers for up to the minute breaking news regarding Killzone 3 and other titles at E3.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops=No Co-Op Campaign
It shouldn’t be a shock to Call Of Duty fans that there will be no Campaign Co-op for Treyarchs latest installment.
As it has been explained by Treyarchs studio head Mark Lamia
single-player is the epic, cinematic, seat-of-your-pants thrill ride that you star in, while the game’s cooperative offerings will be packaged in completely separate “unique co-op modes.”
We could possibly see something similar to Modern Warfare 2′s Spec Ops, which had 2 player co op missions in small bursts. Or could we see a revamped Zombie Mode? Everything is uncertain as of now but I’m sure we will hear more in the next couple of weeks.
Lego Harry Potter Demo Due June 7th
Been eager to get your hands on Lego Harry Potter? If so, you can download the demo exclusively on the Xbox 360 on June 7th. The PS3 and PC versions of the demo will come out later in the month.
Traveller’s Tales will be releasing the game on June 29th on Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, DS, and PSP.
Infamous 2 Shocks Its Way To Game Informer Cover
July’s issue of Game Informer shows superhero Cole McGrath in a whole new setting and enviroment. Check out our link below for a screenshot of the cover.
Be on the lookout for more news on Infamous 2 at E3.
Borderlands: Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot
Riding the unheralded success of Borderlands, Gearbox has released Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot for 10 dollars on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network respectively, as well as the PC. The content offers players an arena to engage in combat with increasingly difficult waves of opponents with ever changing game modes and modifications, but does it satisfy the cravings of Borderland junkies waiting for their next fix?
The answer, sadly, is no. Unlike the previous Zombie Island DLC, Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot fails to capitalize on what helped Boderlands become so beloved as it forces players to trudge through waves of waves of enemies while receiving little to no reward for doing so. All the weapon proficiency and experience points players would regularly receive from combat has been omitted for this DLC. While it makes sense as a way of preventing players from taking advantage and quickly raising their level, it also drains the game of any sense of accomplishment. Even with friends the arena’s and game modifications quickly become predictable and drab. Some little treats (an extra skill point, backpack slots) might draw some in, but it won’t keep them for long.
Another major issue I have with the DLC is the lack of an ability to save progress during an arena. If you are forced to leave (or are disconnected) the game during the match at any point, you will be forced to start at the very beginning the next time you play. This happening 2 hours into an arena is enough to turn anyone off from ever playing this DLC again.
Even if some of these things were fixed in an update, the entire focus of the content still seems misplaced. Not that Borderlands combat is bad necessarily, but it’s not what makes the game fun nor is it the games strong point.
All feeling of progression and the delights of rooting through loads of loot are tossed aside as the game attempts to beat you over the head with combat. Even the levels themselves don’t do much to show off the wonderful cell shaded style the game aught to flaunt at every chance. I would only (and barely) recommend this for hardcore and high level Borderlands players who are desperate for more time on Pandora. I’m scratching my head trying to find the logic progression that led from Zombie Island to the Underdome Riot, but I just can’t see it. It seems that wave based combat modes (Horde, Fire-fight) are all the rage lately, but this one just isn’t worth your money or time. It’s not a deal breaker in terms of purchasing DLC for Borderlands, but I sure hope Gearbox has something better up its sleeve.
Left 4 Dead 2 DLC to bring back some old friends
So Valve has announced its first DLC for Left 4 Dead 2. Called “The Passing,” it takes place in Georgia and will be adding new Coop experiences, as well as new weapons and modes for Survival, Versus and Scavenger, “The Passing” will also do something gamers could only hope for: bringing the cast from Left for Dead into the sequel. That’s right; Louis, Bill, Francis and Zoey will make an appearance in the DLC. All Valve is saying is all the survivors are called together into one campaign.
This ought to be interesting. We have all wanted to see the original crew and the new one united in one game.
The question is, will the old crew still be survivors?
Gamestop: Another Bad Move
Starting next year, Gamestop is going to cater to DLC lovers. How you may ask, they are going to sell DLC… IN THEIR STORES. Ok, so something called Downloadable content, which can be DOWNLOADED in the comfort of your own home, is going to be sold in store? I honestly want to know who came up with this idea. I can’t see consumers making a trip just to get something they can download anywhere. All I can say is, Gamestop is either 1, running out of good ideas or 2, desperate. Either way, I do not feel that this a good move for Gamestop. Selling DLC in store kind of defeats the purpose.
Fallout 3: Mothership Zeta
Never let it be said Bethesda hasn’t supported Fallout 3 since it’s release late last year. Demonstrating a dedication to the post apocalyptic behemoth of sandbox gaming the company has consistently released new DLC episodes on such a regular basis it’s clear they thinking about these scenarios and all the possibilities they explore as they developed the main game.
Now that we’ve explored every nook of the wastes, the world beyond and even the past, there was only one more frontier we had yet to venture: The final frontier. I tip my hat once again to Bethesda as I have in past reviews for their willingness to experiment with the DLC and use it to do things they couldn’t try in the main game. Unfortunately however, differen’t hasn’t always been good and the DLC, though mostly positive has had it’s areas of disappoint. In attempting new things the DLC has too often strayed from the core gameplay, that special myriad of mechanics and genres, that makes Fallout 3 work.
Overall the DLC has been a slow positive return to that formula, a gradual rise to near perfection and into outer space. Mothership Zeta is the last DLC Bethesda has currently planned and takes us far beyond the arid desolation of earth into the cold metallic recesses of an alien spaceship. Sadly after the greatness of Broken Steel and Point Lookout, Mothership Zeta is an unfortunate and puzzling reversion to some of the same things that plauged the lesser of these installments. It isn’t a complete disappointment but it has similar problems as Operation Anchorage, the first and worst of the DLC. Whereas Point Lookout finally got it right as a simple continuation of the open ended adventuring that made Fallout 3 so much fun, Mothership Zeta returns to the constrictive “corridor-shooter” style gameplay that frustrated in Operation Anchorage.
With a game that succeeds in the freedom and expanse of an open world it baffles me why the creators have at times aspired to more linear, scripted gameplay in the DLC. Mothership Zeta is not as annoying as I found much of Operation Anchorage to be, you can still scavenge after all, but it still reduces the gameplay to relatively simple, straightforward objectives and mindless run and gun action. As the DLC progressively went from mediocre to great, I didn’t think I would have to go through this routine again. I think I’ve remarked on the flaws of this approach at least to some degree in each of the DLC reviews, thoroughly in my frustrated review of Operation Anchorage.
To those who complain that Fallout 3 is an FPS disguised as an RPG, that it’s merely a shooter and little else, let me assure them: It’s very definitely not. How do I know? Because it’s a great game but when it’s reduced to simple FPS gameplay it isn’t. So there’s definitely something else to it. It’s the sum of it’s parts. When you strip away the exploration, and the dynamic nuance, strategy and variety it’s freedom represents, and you trap it in a narrow hallway with limited options and 5 enemies blitzing you, you’re quickly reminded how much this game is not an FPS. This may be outer space, but Halo it aint. There are a lot of reasons why but, without going in to detail, the controls are stiffer and less fluent in frenetic combat situations, the weapons less accurate or, in some cases, responsive, and the subtleties of an RPG style damage system makes straight firefights harder to assess tactically. It’s just not an FPS. Trust me.
Mothership Zeta begins when you explore the source of a mysterious radio transmission and are promptly abducted. Beamed aboard the alien craft you soon meet others who have been similarly collected for insidious experimentation at the hands of your extraterrestrial captors. after some introductions you’ll find yourself striking a blow for humanity and leading a charge to commandeer the spaceship. The gameplay is simple but well executed, if only Fallout 3 were a better shooter. Meeting a motley crew of abducted humans from various places and time periods, they station themselves behind you at specific locations, throughout the game as you clear sections, complete objectives, and reach new areas. They remain in tow as you press deeper into the alien vessel. Among these characters are a woman who can repair your weapons and a medic who can modify alien substances into healing biogel, as well as a little girl that reminded me of a little sister from Bioshock as she crawled through doors and vents to open them to you.
The game consists of simple forward progression as you make your way through each new section of the ship mowing down stereotypical aliens on your merry rampage to the bridge. A scenario of this kind would have been far better served in a game like Timesplitters, right down to the humor. Each section has objectives to complete along the way although I found 9 times out of 10 this consisted of nothing more interesting than blowing up the same type of generator over and over again. Meanwhile you’re assaulted by the alien crew who wield a variety of fancy laser guns and electric batons. This kind of simplicity works fine for shooters but only draws attention to Fallout 3′s shortcomings as such. With the RPG model, why are we limiting the game to rudimentary, over simplified action with little to no emphasis on story, character development or strategy?
As far as the story goes there’s not much of a driving narrative other than the obvious imperative to escape. It’s true that given the situation I really don’t need a complicated drama to motivate my actions. Fighting for freedom is obvious and so are the reasons. Instead of an overarching story the scenario itself is informed by pop culture and the tongue and cheek references to abduction, alien experimentation, spacemen and flying saucers. Audio sound bytes from human prisoners that fill out the story a-la Bioshock and each member of your team has their own story, however I found myself willing to bypass both since they were basically just standard stage dressing. The story exists in the background. It’s there if you’re interested. I’m a little surprised how little else they attempted, but what’s here works on an indirect level.
Enemy AI is serviceable but not great by any standard. Enemies charge you or shoot depending on what type of weapon they have but other than that they aren’t very creative and the minimal intelligence suffers from the cramped quarters. Often times I found myself surrounded by several enemies as they assaulted me with batons. This annoying scenario was often repeated and it wasn’t helped by the fact that the combat suffers from the slight over durability of certain enemies. Most are fine but the force field protected soldiers are frustratingly resilient.
Abduction is not altogether without benefits though. You find and collect a surplus of foreign substances and items that have advantageous uses such as the Alien epoxy, which can be used to repair weapons and the Adapted Bio-Gel which is good for restoring a whopping 180Hp. You’d think the new weaponry would be the coolest yet but it’s fairly modest in terms of damage and function. There is a pistol, the Alien Atomizer, and a rifle, the Alien Disintegrator. Both are fun to toy around with but ultimately somewhat dismissible, especially compared with some of the cool toys in DLC past. The other notable weapon is the Drone Canon, which sounds cool but is just plain bad. It’s a heavy weapon that launches a ball of energy that explodes after bouncing around a bit. Since it doesn’t explode on contact but deflects against surfaces, accurately placing a shot is a guessing game. I actually had it bounce right off my target only to explode harmlessly off to the side and after only a few shots I put it away.
The best part of scavenging is how little everything weighs and how valuable it is. You will, in the course of the game acquire a ton of equipment, all of which can be traded for large sums of money. I went up fairly light and returned with about 30,000 caps worth of loot. You heard me right. Your money problems are over. Honestly, though it’s a little excessive and unbalances the game slightly but it’s nice to get something for your trouble. You can also return to the ship after the quest is completed but many doors are no longer accessible.
To be fair, Motherhsip Zeta is not a terrible campaign. The design of the alien craft is visually appealing with blinking lights, buttons and screens practically everywhere, though at times the disarray of bells and whistles can be distracting during quests and make knowing exactly which button to push a little confusing. Responses to this DLC seem generally positive but playing it I found myself more often than not underwhelmed by the gameplay. It isn’t badly designed but, like Operation Anchorage it fails to deliver on the potential we know Fallout 3 is capable of and I experienced a similar sense of aggravation in some situations as I did with that first DLC episode. It gravitates to it’s weaker FPS side and given the content, we’ve been there and done that in better shooters. Mothership Zeta gets a very moderate recommendation to only the Fallout 3 die hards like myself. It simply pales in comparison to what was offered in Point Lookout and is an unfortunately mediocre finale to Fallout 3′s DLC.
New Left 4 Dead Campaign Announced
Looks like Left 4 Dead (that’s right the original) will indeed see some new content this year. Valve announced a new campaign entitled Crash Course due this September. Crash Course takes place between the No Mercy and Death Toll campaigns. Priced at 560 MS Space Bucks ($7) and free of charge on the PC.
Crash Course Campaign Due in September
August 4, 2009 – Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises (such as Half-Life,Portal, Team Fortress, and Counter-Strike) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced the next major downloadable content (DLC) update for its co-operative zombie thriller, Left 4 Dead (L4D), the #1 new game title on Xbox 360 and PC in 2008
Entitled “Crash Course,” the latest DLC delivers new single-player, multiplayer and co-operative gameplay to both platforms. Targeted for release in September, “Crash Course” bridges the gap between the end of the “No Mercy” campaign and the beginning of “Death Toll” in the original game, expanding the game universe with new locations, new dialogue from the original cast, and an explosive finale
While containing both Survival maps and a Co-operative Campaign, the primary goal of “Crash” is to deliver a complete Versus mode experience in just 30 minutes, resulting in a streamlined version of the game’s existing Versus campaigns. A recharge timer for infected teammates has also been added, and item spawn behavior has changed for more balanced gameplay.
“Since the release of Left 4 Dead last November, the design team has been excited about creating new experiences for this world and allowing players to do the same, by releasing much of our internal toolset, like the Survival Pack and Authoring Tools,” said Gabe Newell. “We’re working with the fans toward the ongoing entertainment value of the product.”
Left 4 Dead is an action horror game from Valve that blends the social entertainment experience of multiplayer games such as Counter-Strike and Team Fortress with the dramatic, narrative experience made popular in single player action game classics such as the Half-Life series of games. Released in November of 2008, L4D has earned over 50 industry awards from outlets around the world and sold almost 3 million copies worldwide.
Left 4 Dead: Crash Course is targeted for release in September and will be available free of charge on the PC and for 560 Gamer points on Xbox Live.
For more information, please visit www.l4d.com
Fallout 3: Broken Steel
Broken Steel, the final chapter of Fallout 3′s immediate DLC, is the best yet, for several reasons. Incorporating some of the best aspects of both the original game and the other two DLC installments, the episode feels surprisingly epic, featuring some impressive combat sequences and offering a variety of reasons for players to return to the Fallout universe and remain there for a while longer.
Operation anchorage was frustrating but modestly entertaining. The Pitt was a marked improvement but still just a side note. Broken Steel surpasses them both, in length and enjoyability, extending the main quest of Fallout and taking advantage of the D.C. Wasteland while still providing several large additional maps.
It’s hard to evaluate the episodic enclosure of Fallout 3′s DLC considering the strength of the main game was it’s expansive freedoms and successful moderation of boundaries. The condensation of it’s size was one of the flaws in Bethesda’s approach to DLC but they have all been fun diversions. Broken Steel smartly concludes this package with great additions to the existing game that make it a must buy for fans. If you’ve been on the fence about the DLC, now may be the best time to pick them all up. The various additional creative weapons, armor and bonus features alone are very nearly worth the price of the downloads and when used within Fallout 3′s main quest are extremely entertaining.
Broken Steel is a great way to conclude the series of add-ons not simply because it includes the standard additions of two new weapons and a new suit of armor, or because it’s slightly longer and more epic than the previous DLC, but because it finally delivers on the much anticipated promise to raise the level cap. Now players can grind away all the way to 30 and the points needed to do so are substantial. The quest to once again max out will last far longer than Broken Steel, which is of course the point.
This feature alone has had players eagerly awaiting it’s release, with some fans even holding off on the other DLC until they could take advantage of it. What makes Broken Steel the best installment so far is the way it provides players with so much, with little additional effort. I don’t think it’s actually that much bigger than Operation Anchorage or The Pitt but it’s the features it offers and the way it incorporates them that make it seem so big.
It extends the main quest of Fallout 3, returns to the massive world of the Wasteland, and offers the incentive of a raised level cap and new perks to reinvigorate this post apocalyptic adventure. Combined, these elements result in easily the most satisfying and worthwhile episode yet and as the crowning achievement of the trio, alongside them justifies the entire package.
Broken Steel begins where Fallout 3 ended and allows players to continue on, joining the Brotherhood of Steel in their campaign against the Enclave. If you’ve played through Fallout 3 you know why this would be difficult to do. Without giving too much away Bethesda essentially chose to alter the ending, which is a little awkward and detracts from the original story. However it’s story was never it’s most compelling or outstanding feature so I doubt any tears will be shed. As a continuation of the main quest this means you will need to finish Fallout 3 before you can begin Broken Steel. Most people who have already done so will have at least one saved game nearby so this shouldn’t be a problem.
It’s a little odd since now, instead of a full fledged ending you will have, Broken Steel. The story line simply continues and you are thrust into action alongside the Brotherhood who, armed with Liberty Prime (the enormous robot) are conducting an extermination crusade against the remnants of the Enclave. Make no mistake, this is a combat quest. There is a lot of fighting and fortunately it’s all a lot of fun. There isn’t a lot of necessary structure to the story-line other than what I’ve already explained. The game takes you from one location to the next completing objectives, gathering intel, and eradicating the Enclave. The story for the main game was passive but well done. Here it’s just okay, so it’s fortunate we barely need it. A great story wouldn’t have hurt but what’s offered is serviceable and it’s just so much fun mopping up the Enclave that I didn’t need an abundance of narrative. To quote Aliens, “I only need to know one thing: Where. They. Are.”
The fight eventually leads you to a military air base which boasts some memorable sequences and a generous gratuity of Enclave to dispatch with the copious selection of “hot death” at your disposal. Speaking of which the new Heavy Incinerator may be the hottest “flavor” yet! Picture this: A flame-thrower machine gun. It’s easily one of the coolest weapons ever and the most fun in Fallout 3. That actually should have been the first thing I mentioned in this review because after that there really isn’t any reason to go on. Once you get your hands on a gun that shoots giant balls of fire incredible distances rapidly, you’ve already gotten your money’s worth. Because of it’s incredible range it works great in broad expanses as a first strike weapon that allows you to light your enemies on fire before they even realize they’re being attacked: It’s hilarious. In addition there is an accompanying suit of armor that is my new favorite. The other new weapon, the Tesla Canon, is almost as cool. A heavy, one shot, reload, deal that blast enemies with cocoon of electricity then delivers a crippling surge, the TC definitely has it’s applications.
Though, as far as I could tell, unrelated to the main events of Broken Steel there is also the Tri-Beam Laser, an upgrade to the standard Laser Rifle. Not to be outdone by the weapons, certain enemies have also been upgraded as well. Super Mutant Overlords, and Feral Ghoul Reavers make an appearance as tougher versions of their respective casts. Incinerator wielding Enclave also make things interesting.
Besides the combat and some pretty impressive set pieces, what really makes this experience great is how these events unfold within the context of the Wasteland. Though most of the action still takes place on a few exterior locations, the way the quest is grounded within the primary overworld, allows players access to familiar amenities, and lends to the feeling that this campaign is huge, certainly bigger than it would seem on its own.
The fact that it requires players to complete the game means that most will be playing with fairly leveled up characters, the amount of weapons, perks and other advantages available at this stage in the game (including the additional armaments from previous DLC) is staggering. Again the general feeling is a newfound immensity to a game that has gradually shrunk with the 100′s of hours spent in it.
What Bethesda has done to extend the playability of the game is commendable. One of the best ways they’ve done this was incorporating the logical progression of the main story-line into the world itself. There are various changes to the wasteland that reflect the events that transpired at the end of the main game as well as the pivotal choices the player can make at that point. It’s this natural evolution of the environment that attributes a sense of novelty to locations hours of playtime have since exhausted. In addition to the primary campaign against the Enclave there are a few side quests that branch into these new developments.
These additional quests are brief but satisfying and contribute to value, scale and enjoyment of Broken Steel. Bethesda was smart and with all the incentive features at work here, it’s clear that this DLC is intended, not only to last longer than the others but inspire a renewed interest in the Fallout 3 experience as a whole as players return to the Wastes in pursuit of level 30. If you haven’t checked out Fallout 3′s DLC yet, if you’ve been waiting for a reason to do so, rest assured, that reason is here. Whether you decide to pick up the others, which are worth it for the additional weaponry, or not Broken Steel is a must for fans of the game. You really owe it to the Wasteland to do something about the Enclave. Do it for Dad.
Trouble with the Pitt
Fallout 3 fans will have to wait just a little longer for the newest DLC expansion. The Pitt, set in the raider capital of Pittsburgh, has already been delayed a month from it’s original February release and has apparently run into another delay, albeit a minor one.
Scheduled to launch today (March 24) it appeared on Live only briefly before it was pulled due to some kind of technical problems. Bethesda has addressed the issue on their forum stating:
“We are continuing to look into the issues people are experiencing with The Pitt for Xbox 360. As of now it looks like the file for the English version on Xbox Live was somehow corrupted. We are currently working with Microsoft to remove the existing file off of Live to prevent any further downloads. Our plan is to replace it with a new file as soon as possible. We hope to have another update for you shortly.”
This as of 11am this morning. According to an update around 10pm, Bethesda hopes to have The Pitt back on Live tomorrow.
Stay tuned for our review coming soon.