By Shuvojit Dasgupta

Fallout 1 and 2, great RPGs in their own right, ruled the PC-s of gamers worldwide when these were developed by Troika and released by Sierra Entertainment. Now, with the latest installment of the series from Bethesda Softworks, the Fallout universe has taken a huge leap forward.

Fallout 3 has retained the S.P.E.C.I.A.L system that was at the center of character development in the previous two titles. This system forces you to focus on any one game play style while remaining considerably weak in other styles. For instance, if you are a muscle-bound mutant basher, you will almost certainly be lacking in sneaking or healing skills. However, each build is viable as long as finishing the game is concerned.

In Fallout 3, combat mechanics have taken a different stride. Taking advantage of the VATS system, you can aim certain body parts of an enemy in a turn-based mode to maximize damage on those parts. Some problems do exist though; I’ve seen limbs of an enemy blown apart when I aimed for the cranium. But these minor oddities don’t mar the otherwise stylish combat mechanics.

Fallout 3 takes place in a post-apocalyptic Washington DC. The ramshackle buildings, the piles of debris on the roads and the maze-like network of alleyways create tactical challenges to the holocaust-surviving hero. In the sniper-ridden war-fields of DC, the VATS system is a real lifesaver. The way you can blow off an enemy’s head with a shotgun or perforate his legs with an assault rifle is a visual treat.

The story is very open ended, a trait that seems to be the essence of RPG games these days. The hero’s father has wandered out of the Vault 101, a home for the refugees of the post apocalyptic world. It is up the hero to find him. But once he leaves the vault, the hero quickly finds himself trapped in a religious and political warfare between two groups, one of mutants and the other of humans. It is up to him now to rescue his father and stay alive as bloodthirsty mutants are after him, trying to finish him off.

Fallout 3 provides an immersive atmosphere, along with brilliant graphics, a well-made character development process and awesome game play. This title should be present in any fan of the series or the genre of action RPG.

Shuvojit Dasgupta is a contributed writer for Batchmates.com the largest Alumni portal in India. With his research work and articles he has added an additional edge to the entertainment e-magazine BM Times. His articles reach to millions of readers every day which are varied in subjects.

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By Chris Campbell

Do you know what you’re missing?

Some of the best computer games ever made are likely games you’ve never heard of. Created by individuals and small companies working in relative obscurity. They don’t have million dollar budgets, some don’t even have hundred dollar budgets. They don’t have dedicated marketing departments, research analysts, sales teams, fancy offices, and cutting edge tools. They scrape together whatever tools they can, often discarded by the ultra rich game designers of big shiny game studios.

Making Miracles.

In spite of these deplorable working conditions, they create some of the most amazing games around. How do these game gems get created, and who are the miracle workers creating them. They’re independent game designers. Sometimes called Indies for short. Working out of their bedrooms, garages, spare offices, and basements. They have a passion for what they do. They love games, they love the act of creation, and are relentlessly committed to their vision of what a game should be. They often build games they themselves would love to play. Simply because no one else will. These kind of games you won’t find at the big box electronics store casting it’s shadow over your end of town. These passionate Indies could care less what the marketing boys up on the 26th floor have to say about the latest game trends. Probably because their garages don’t have 26 floors. They just know their love of games, and how much they enjoy playing.

Where do Indies come from?

Indie game developers come from all different areas. They’re often former artists, programmers, or designers of some big name software companies. Maybe that quiet little programmer in that tiny corner cubicle dreams of being an Indie one day. Tired of the corporate rat race, and looking to express themselves creatively they become Indies. Some of been lucky enough to avoid the corporate avenue altogether and make a living doing what they love from the beginning. Regardless of their origins, they all have the passion and desire to create. To be able to put their name on something really great. They want to be recognized for their abilities and worth. But more than that, they want you to play their games, and have fun doing so.

Why are Indie games so good?

Indie games are good first and foremost, because they’re fun. It’s a game after all, and if it’s not fun from the get go, then what’s the point. They’re also highly original, sometimes mainstream funny, sometimes just weird funny, sometimes morbid, sometimes creepy, and sometimes just downright gross. But, thats OK. Games should be a departure from the everyday. They should make you think in different, fantastic ways. So many big name games are just rehashed ideas done a thousand times before. Another sequel of the same old games from last year. Indie games are adventurous and risky. Indies take chances and devote their time to making something unique. So, take a look around, and try a few, till you discover the one that matches your own bizarre and fantastic interests.

About the author

Chris Campbell, is that quiet little programmer in the tiny corner cubicle harbouring dreams of an Indie life. He likes to surround himself with his gaming masterpiece and those of other Indies at his website http://www.SunAndGames.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Great-Games-Youve-Never-Played&id=12488

By David Deprice

1. Platypus

Platypus is one of the most unique looking games ever created. All of its visuals were created using photographed clay. Help the peaceful land of Mungola defend itself against the attacking hordes of Collosatropolis. All that stands between you and complete destruction is an antique aircraft called Platypus!

2. Alien Shooter

The endless darkness and the somber, long passages of a military complex have become the abode of evil, as thousands of blood-thirsty creatures fill its offices, storehouses and mysterious laboratories.

3. Luxor

As addictive as it is exciting, Luxor is an action-puzzle game that takes you on a thrilling adventure across the lands of Ancient Egypt. The mysterious goddess, Isis, has enlisted you to battle Set and his evil minions. With 88 mind-blowing levels, the challenge will not be an easy one. You must use your mystical winged scarab to shoot magical spheres and destroy the approaching colored spheres by making matches of three or more. Stop them all before they can reach the pyramids at the ends of the paths… or all of Egypt is doomed!

4. HyperBalliod

Hyperballoid Deluxe is an extremely addictive game based on the classic Arkanoid, but completely overhauled to make it more modern. The game has three brick types and features real impact physics. Plus, there are three entirely different campaigns, each with 50 unique levels and there is a level-packs support.

5. BVS Solitair Collection

Award-winning collection of 385 solitaire games. You’ll be able to learn solitaires not found elsewhere. BVS Solitaire Collection gives you the plethora of statistical and scoring screens. You can track your performance and progress in playing solitaire about as completely as many people use a computer to track their finances. And you can publish your personal statistics on the BVS Solitaire Collection web site to appear in the top scores list.

David D. Deprice has been reviewing downloadable games since 1996.
The full game reviews archive is available at http://www.deprice.com/games.htm

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