This is long overdue, so let’s get to it:
The GOOD:
The Alaskan landscape looks simply incredible in this DLC. It’s a nice change of pace to go from barren wasteland to beautiful Alaskan mountains and terrain, and Bethesda pull this off well. The combat that takes place on this terrain is very fun. Bethesda have succeeded in capturing a World War I-like experience, complete with trenches and all. There is a ton of new weapons/equipment in this installment, which is probably one of my favorite things about the DLC. We are introduced to the Winterized Power Armor, Chinese Stealth Armor, and Gauss Rifle, among many others all available after completing your objectives.
The BAD:
One question you really need to ask yourself is if 800 Microsoft Points is an appropriate price. The DLC does not take very long at all to complete, I clocked in at about 3-4 hours. Maybe it would take a bit longer if the game weren’t so easy. There is no more need to hunt for ammo and medical aid, both of these have been replaced with machines that automatic refill one of the two for you an unlimited amount of times. These machines are all over the place, and having everything just layed out for you dulls down the gameplay a bit. Also, for those of you who loved the roleplaying aspect of Fallout 3 (which I’m assuming is a great percentage of people), you will be dissapointed. The content relies heavily on combat and stealth, leaving very little roleplaying at all. Overall the game just doesn’t feel like the Fallout we all know and love, the looting and RPG elements just aren’t there. It isn’t a bad game at all, but it just feels like something is missing.
Grade: C
The Gamers Den 