Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage Review for Xbox 360

System: X360 (XBLA), PC	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Bethesda Softworks	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Bethesda Softworks	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Jan. 27, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

For the most part, the visual differences found in Alaska's chilly setting are like night and day in comparison to the locales in the scorched wastes. Instead of being viewed through a dismal filter of browns and tans, the softer blues and grays in Anchorage's mountains and plains are a little softer on the eyes.

Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage screenshot

The same immaculate level of detail carries over, and many additional little touches of sound and visual effects round out the experience nicely. The screen shakes and the controller rumbles with every blast of the massive artillery cannons you're seeking to take out, and the far-reaching fiery explosions accompanying their destruction is impressive. As previously mentioned, the latter portion of the game evokes a World War II-like vibe with whizzing artillery shells exploding close by and the sounds of battle not far off from the trenches.

Bethesda didn't need to mess with the good thing it has going with Fallout 3's core gameplay. Thankfully, the more action-oriented changes in Operation Anchorage are temporary. They do indeed provide a different style of pacing and a refreshing change of scenery to complement the solid gameplay in Fallout 3. While the more linear, FPS-style gameplay isn't an improvement over the slower, exploratory pace in the main game, it shakes things up a bit.

Operation Anchorage clocks in at about three hours. Players who've held off from brushing up against the level 20 cap or are only a short-way into the main campaign will find the goodies earned in this first expansion particularly bountiful. Succeeding in your virtual mission and cracking open the sealed stash translates directly into a big payoff of extra firepower, cool armor, and helpful gizmos to use in the rest of the game. Electrified ninja swords, stealth armor, and a new gauss rifle are only a few of the goodies awaiting players. The vignette is an entertaining diversion, but the rewards for completing it are what make it truly worthwhile.

By Nathan Meunier
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
The visuals have a few nice extra touches and the settings are a good change of pace.

3.7

Control
Without V.A.T.S., this FPS-style expansion would suffer substantially.

3.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Lots of explosions and some entertaining "kill the commies" dialogue.

3.5

Play Value
It's a tad on the short side with no replay value, but the goodies obtained from blasting things for a few hours help boost this expansion's value.

3.7

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Several hours of action-heavy gameplay in a completely new winter environment.

Hand-pick your squad of support troops and select your personal weapons loadout later in the game.

Unlock a new perk and pick up awesome high-powered weaponry for completing the adventure.