Honestly, this is the best Fallout so far. While I will admit, the base main story isn't strong itself, it becomes clear that is was likely designed as a stepping stone for the overarching story that continues throughout the DLC, something I never realized I wanted until after finishing Dead Money and Honest Hearts for the first time, seeing the wrap-up plates talking about future events, and having you learn a little more about your history and some reoccurring characters as you play through each DLC.

New Vegas also offers something that neither 3 or 4 do; Reputation. Fallout 3 had karma, and it is fantastic, but NV takes it to the next level by also introducing a Rep system for major groups. Different benefits appear when you reach various Rep points, and you can even wear certain outfits to mask a negative reputation.

Unlike Fallout 4, and similar to Fallout 3, your stats matter in this one, more so than in 3. You will find various instances where your SPECIAL stats or your skill levels will have a use. Whether it's convincing someone of something or safely blowing something up, there are all sorts of interactions with how you choose to allocate your points. It really makes you think more about how you level yourself up, maybe not rushing to max one thing out, and instead evenly spreading your points into a couple skills, then moving onto other when they've reach a certain point.

Overall, it certainly feels like a more "full" game, or something to that effect. Everything (except maybe caravan) feels like it serves to compliment the game, flesh it out more, unlike the settlement system in 4, which often feels like it exists simply to bloat the "gameplay time" stat, or for them to push out "DLC" that shouldn't even have that name after the DLC we've seen from 3 and NV. If you enjoyed 3, and haven't played NV, then stop what you're doing, buy New Vegas NOW, and give it a play

Honestly, this is the best Fallout so far. While I will admit, the base main story isn't strong itself, it becomes clear that is was likely designed as a stepping stone for the overarching story that continues throughout the DLC, something I never realized I wanted until after finishing Dead Money and Honest Hearts for the first time, seeing the wrap-up plates talking about future events, and having you learn a little more about your history and some reoccurring characters as you play through each DLC. New Vegas also offers something that neither 3 or 4 do; Reputation. Fallout 3 had karma, and it is fantastic, but NV takes it to the next level by also introducing a Rep system for major groups. Different benefits appear when you reach various Rep points, and you can even wear certain outfits to mask a negative reputation. Unlike Fallout 4, and similar to Fallout 3, your stats matter in this one, more so than in 3. You will find various instances where your SPECIAL stats or your skill levels will have a use. Whether it's convincing someone of something or safely blowing something up, there are all sorts of interactions with how you choose to allocate your points. It really makes you think more about how you level yourself up, maybe not rushing to max one thing out, and instead evenly spreading your points into a couple skills, then moving onto other when they've reach a certain point. Overall, it certainly feels like a more "full" game, or something to that effect. Everything (except maybe caravan) feels like it serves to compliment the game, flesh it out more, unlike the settlement system in 4, which often feels like it exists simply to bloat the "gameplay time" stat, or for them to push out "DLC" that shouldn't even have that name after the DLC we've seen from 3 and NV. If you enjoyed 3, and haven't played NV, then stop what you're doing, buy New Vegas NOW, and give it a play