Fresh Details Appear for Fallout: New Vegas

Bethesda has kept a pretty tight lid on details regarding Fallout: New Vegas, but some new info has emerged thanks to a perusal of the company's official forums. Here's what we've managed to learn so far regarding the next entry in the franchise:

• There is an optional hardcore mode, the character needs to drink water, ammo has weight, healing isn't instant etc. Normal mode is more similar to Fallout 3 gameplay.

• The storyline is focused on the New California Republic vs. Caesar's Legion vs. New Vegas residents.

• Set in the Mojave wastelands. Vegas didn't get many nukes. More intact buildings, as well as desert vegetation. Vegas itself is mostly intact.

• You don't play a Vault Dweller (or descendant of one) but a courier, left for dead and saved by a friendly robot.

• There is a screenshot of a vault suit as well.

• There is an assault rifle looking like the M4, as well as a new big gun with a backpack, held like a minigun.

• There are special moves for melee weapons in VATS - specifically a move for a golf club called "Fore" which seems to be a groin shot.

• Bartering is not just lower prices but negotiating for better rewards.

• Followers can be managed through a context-sensitive menu, with orders like "follow", "stay" or "attack".

• The Hoover Dam is in the game and is supplying electricity to the city.

• There is a quest to rescue a ghoul from some super mutants. The ghoul can then become your companion.

• The Geckos are back.

• There are both dumb and intelligent super mutants, including the elite Nightkin.

• Some super mutants look similar to the ones in Fallout 3, while others are new. There is e.g. a female super mutant with a 1950s hairstyle who apparently is one of their leaders.

• Screenshots include a guy with a beard and straw hat, a ghoul an NCR Ranger

• The only picture of New Vegas itself is concept art and not a screenshot

• Some location screenshots include a huge model dinosaur advertising a hotel, some satellite dishes, an array of solar panels

• A character generation shot showing a "vigour machine" instead of the skill book

• NCR base is the McCarran Airport, Caesar's Legion is based in the Vegas Strip, while super mutants are based in a place called Black Mountain. There is also a town called Fremont and another called Primm. A topless revue is mentioned as being in the latter.

• NCR Ranger armor is similar to a brown combat armor with sleeves, there are concept arts of a Ranger

• Skils have a bigger effect on conversation choices; e.g. someone with a high Explosives skill may be able to have a coversation about explosives where appropriate.

• There is a Reputation system in adition to Karma.

Sounds like the game is going to be very similar in mechanics to Fallout 3, but the inclusion of a Hardcore mode as well as basic commands for followers should give players an experience that still feels fresh. And remember, if you're planning a trip to Vegas in the coming weeks the Super Mutants are smarter out there, pack accordingly.

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