Title: “Point Lookout” DLC for Fallout 3
Platform: 360
Publisher: Bethesda
Developer: Bethesda
Review by: Bill Jones
“Point Lookout” returns to the off-site method of Fallout 3 DLC. Players are called to the outer edge of the map and offered the chance to buy a ticket on a ferry to travel to Point Lookout State Park in Maryland.
Unlike the linear action of “Operation: Anchorage,” or the town-confined story of “The Pitt,” “Point Lookout” provides a brand new “wasteland” for the former vault dweller to explore. Point Lookout is much smaller than the original wasteland, but provides a completely new feel with its swampland aesthetics and backwoods characters.
Point Lookout wasn’t directly struck by the bombs that hit the wasteland, but as gamers will soon find, it isn’t in much better condition. Ghouls still roam the land, compounded by the threat of mutated “Swampfolk,” and an abandoned boardwalk speaks of better times. The fog creates an eerie atmosphere, and Bethesda tosses in more weapons, attire and miscellaneous items than before, plus a few new perks.
Shortly after arriving on the main quest, the player stumbles upon a situation at Calvert Mansion. The events lead to four other quests in the main story. The core events are a bit lackluster, overshadowed by some incredible side missions. “The Velvet Curtain” sees the player following the footsteps of a Chinese agent, while “Plik’s Safari” presents a morally questionable arena battle.
The side missions do so much to entertain that the lackluster story is excusable. The environment is also so wealthy with new ideas that the players will want to continue exploring it long after the quests are completed. So it is a good thing Bethesda allowed for repeat travel to the park, providing the character has a big wallet, as tickets don’t come cheap.
“Point Lookout” is by all accounts the most entertaining piece of DLC for Fallout 3 yet. It is incredibly polished and goes further in offering gamers a new experience, visually removed from the familiar wasteland, than any of the previous additions.
For more info, http://fallout.bethsoft.com
