Fallout: New Vegas is back with another bit of DLC goodness that gives players another reason to get back into the already impressively large world of the latest Fallout. New Vegas’ predecessor, Fallout 3, kept things going with five different downloadable content packs and the release of Old World Blues already gives New Vegas its third. And based on my time with this latest DLC release, it’s the best of the bunch so far.
Fallout: New Vegas was already a very deep and engaging game, but this new DLC adds the distinction of hilarity. Anytime a character is questioning you and the topic of “penises on your feet” come up, you know you’re in for some amusing sophomoric humor. The jokes aren’t in bad taste by any means, but more of the self-aware variety which helps makes everything work. Fallout has always had a certain dark humor to it that many games attempt to achieve and fail.
Just like the first two DLC packs, things kick off when you get a message via the radio that sends you to a specific location (no spoilers here). Note that you won’t be able to return to the Mojave Wasteland until you complete the mission and also that you should attempt to tackle this piece of downloadable content if you haven’t reached level 15 or higher already. You’ll be able to take all the equipment with you that you can strap to your back, but that’s it. You’re entire goal is to get your brain back and the reason you can’t return to the Mojave until you do so is that there are several devices (both plot and in-game mechanics) that prevent you from go back until your brain is intact.
If you could picture a mixed up mish-mash of Portal storylines and humor crammed into New Vegas, you’ll get the level of humor and story that Obsidian Entertainment has put into the Old World Blues DLC. Anytime you’re dealing with a team of scientific robots that extract chunks of brain, you know at least a little time was spent on concocting the story.
The DLC’s environments are huge with plenty to explore and learn about. There are plenty of references to previous plot points in the game including the first downloadable pack. While exploring the large areas of the aptly named Big Empty, you’ll come across new weapons and plenty of extras to make the ten dollar purchase worth it. One of the more interesting weapons is a Gatling gun powered by a dog’s brain. Not exactly your typical armament to say the least. The in-game mechanics are, for the most part, unchanged and feel familiar even if you haven’t picked up New Vegas in some time. The individual locations, 35 total, will give players so much to look at that you might still be trudging through the Big Empty once the inevitable fourth piece of downloadable content arrives. It’s not just that there’s more to do in Old World Blues. It’s more enjoyable to do and see it.
In all, you’ll get about seven to eleven hours of gameplay out of this cheaply priced content. Considering how you’ll spend you’ll time, it’s more than worth it. Things aren’t perfect. The glitches that are present in New Vegas do occasionally make annoying appearances here and there, but the experience isn’t ruined for it. If you like a good laugh and prefer your humor on the dark side, you’ll be able to overlook the minor flaws and take Old World Blues for what it is; an engaging and deep addition to an already solid game. The quirkiness of the characters you encounter along the way is awkwardly funny and filled with the best writing seen in Fallout in a very long time. I honestly can’t remember the last time I laughed at a toaster and that’s one of the lesser strange moments. If you’re looking for the best DLC available for New Vegas, you’ll find it in Old World Blues.
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Graphics |
8.5 |
No real graphical improvements from the standalone New Vegas game. |
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Audio |
9.5 |
Some of the funniest dialog you'll hear in a video game is present here. |
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Single Player |
8.5 |
Packed with potentially over 10 hours of gameplay and new weapons. |
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Multiplayer |
N/A |
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Replay |
7.5 |
You'll spend plenty of time exploring 35 different locations. |
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Overall |
8.5 |
The best DLC to hit any Fallout in a while and easily the best New Vegas. |
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