Perhaps the most anticipated of the Fallout 3 downloadable content packages, Broken Steel allows players to continue playing after the credits. With hours of new content, an extended level cap, and powerful new equipment, Broken Steel is a fantastic download and a must-have for all Fallout 3 players.
Broken Steel continues the main quest from Fallout 3 when the hero (or villain) wakes up in the medical bay of the Brotherhood of Steel’s headquarters. The fight against the Enclave has not yet been won, as the ruins of their ranks attempt to gather strength after their defeat at Project Purity. The story follows the final efforts to thwart their plans and eradicate every last Enclave soldier in the wasteland.
Depending upon the player’s final decision in Fallout 3, the wasteland inhabitants may view his character as saintly or demonic. Regardless, he is tasked with assisting the Brotherhood in all they do to counteract the Enclave’s final push to conquer the wasteland. While the actual plot of Broken Steel is limited, it offers plenty of action and thrill, including more time with Liberty Prime. There may not be many exciting plot twists, but the events that scarred the Capital Wasteland are put to rest. The repercussions of that which occurred at Project Purity are the most interesting additions to the game, and they serve to further enhance the believability of Fallout‘s world.
One of the major draws of Broken Steel is the increased level cap, moved from 20 to 30. New perks have been introduced to accompany these levels as well, although they are less than spectacular. Most of the new perks are interesting, but not useful at such high levels, such as the ability to transform several regular Nuka-Colas into one Nuka-Cola Quantum. There are exceptions, such as the level 30 perk that causes the character to release a burst of energy once reduced to less than 20 hit points. Getting to that point will most likely take some grinding, however.
Broken Steel also introduces a few exceptionally powerful weapons, such as the Tesla Cannon, which produces a massive blast and plenty of leaky chunks of meat. New enemies also make an appearance, including more powerful Enclave soldiers and an upgraded mutie. The new areas mostly resemble old ones, but the air force base toward the end of the main quest offers a unique cityscape.
Broken Steel would have probably been worth purchasing even if it had only included an increased level cap and the new perks. Thankfully, there’s much more than that included in the expansion. Broken Steel could easily add ten hours of questing and another five for grinding to any player’s Fallout 3 game. With so much for players to accomplish, this downloadable package is about as sweet as some Mississippi Quantum Pie.
