Fallout 3: Point Lookout
Score: 90% Publisher: Bethesda Softworks Developer: Bethesda Softworks Media: Download/1 Players: 1 Genre: RPG/Shooter
Introduction: Fallout 3: Point Lookout is based on the real-world Point Lookout State Park, which is located on southernmost tip of Maryland's shore. The area was a popular summer resort until the Civil War, when the area became home to one of the war's largest and worst POW camps. The area has since become a state park and now plays home to a number of ghost stories. The area's haunted connections provide a neat backdrop for one of the area's key quests and setting. Although the occult only plays a major part in one major quest, an element of mysticism runs throughout the entire area. It's a different look for Fallout 3, but not unwelcome. The area was spared the bomb's worst blow, but managed to get itself in a completely different situation involving zombie-like yokels, troubles with the occult and centuries-long feud between two rival families.
Gameplay: Unlike the lifeless Capital Wasteland, Point Lookout is full of plant life and dotted with radioactive swamplands. These areas play home to numerous, brainless "swamp folk" and zombies. If each expansion is setting to do something different with the series, Point Lookout introduces a horror element. Though not particularly scary, it has a great B-horror flick meets Deliverance feel that lends itself to a creepy, isolationist feel. Fallout 3: Point Lookout plays home to three major quests as well as a few minor ones. This is Fallout 3's largest expansion, featuring a landmass roughly the size of a third of the Capital Wastes. As such, gameplay lends itself more towards exploration (though there are a few firefights to keep you busy). Finding locations isn't particularly tough, but the area's landscape doesn't make for an easy trip. If you've spent any time exploring the southwestern part of the Wastes, you'll have a good idea of what Point Lookout throws at you. Quests are relatively straightforward, though there isn't much in the way of moral choice. You'll have to make decisions about which course of action to take, though there's nothing as daunting as Broken Steel's big climatic decision. However, quests feature more variety than past expansions. In one, you'll need to complete a long-dead Chinese spy's mission (which has a bit of a Bond-meets-National Treasure Point Lookout is light on new loot. There's a double-barreled shotgun and lever-action rifle and you get a nice toy for completing the main questline, but all three are a bit disappointing compared to what you'll likely enter the area with.
Difficulty: Fallout 3: Point Lookout is geared more towards higher-level characters (around level 25 or so). Enemies are tougher than most enemies you'll encounter in the Capital Wastes, even with high-end weapons (well, except for the Alien Blaster - but you'll need the ammo). Your main adversaries are roaming bands of hillbillies who, according to the game's "flavor texts" have become hardened, violent mutants thanks to years of radiation exposure and "breeding." Enemies are incredibly aggressive and usually travel in packs. You'll also encounter new variations of ghouls and mirelurks, two of the original game's tougher foes. Before jumping on the ferry to Point Lookout, make sure you stock up on Stims and ammo. Point Lookout isn't scavenger friendly, so you'll likely lose some of your equipment if you're not careful. Character builds play a large role in just how big an impact the lack of items has on difficulty. Melee and characters adept with rifles will have few problems, but more high-tech focused (like my energy weapons-based character), might need to snag a double-barreled shotgun off a dead hick for backup. On a positive note, the area's lone store is well-stocked, but pricey.
Value: What Fallout 3: Point Lookout lacks in new items, it makes up for with content. There's a lot of area to explore and loads of new quests to complete. The main quests (the ones that give Achievements) alone will take about four to six hours to complete, while the rest will tack on at least another four hours or more depending on how deep you go into them. If you've spent time away from the Wastes, Point Lookout is a great reason to return.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
X3: Terran Conflict 2.0 - The Aldrin Missions Fallout 3: Point Lookout