Fallout 3 Operation: Anchorage

By Tom Bramwell Published 8 January, 2009

Bethesda's Jeff Gardiner talks us through the DLC.

By now you've probably all conquered the all-conquering Fallout 3, Eurogamer readers' number one game of 2008 and one of our favourite RPGs set in a post-apocalyptic American city where Qui-Gon Jinn's your dad. But that's no reason to stop playing it - or at least Bethesda Softworks hopes so, because the developer is busy crafting three discrete bundles of downloadable content for Xbox Live and PC users as part of a Microsoft exclusivity arrangement.

The first of these, Operation: Anchorage, is due for release this month, with two others (The Pitt and Broken Steel) to follow in February and March respectively. Anchorage pops players in a "military simulation" within the world of Fallout 3 that replicates the Battle of Anchorage scenario from the game's back-story, with players heading a stealthy squad across a wintry Alaskan environment seeking to oust Chinese Communist invaders. It's got new toys, gamerpoints and all sorts, and is set to cost 800 Microsoft Points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.60).

Although the official release date has yet to be set, Bethesda's clearly in the final stages, so when we were offered the chance to speak to Jeff Gardiner, lead producer on the DLC, to dig out some more details, we jumped as high as our irradiated legs would allow. Here's the result, along with three new screenshots of Operation: Anchorage.

Eurogamer: Jeff! Can you describe what we're seeing in our sexy new screenshots?

Jeff Gardiner: All three of these shots are taken inside the 'simulation.' One is a shot of the approach to a Chinese base. Another is a shot of a player, donning a winterised version of combat armor looking out over a lake. The third, and most sexy shot, is a "Chinese Stealth Suit". If worn, it will greatly increase the stealth rating of a PC while crouching. It makes for a quite interesting fight when equipped by enemies as well...

Eurogamer: Operation: Anchorage takes place in a simulation. Was that because you wanted to tell the story of Anchorage, or because it gave you the chance to experiment?

Jeff Gardiner: A bit of both, but mostly we were always intrigued by the Battle of Anchorage. It's a very compelling bit of Fallout lore, and we figured we could really do it justice.

Eurogamer: Given the military sim setting, would you say the balance in Anchorage swings more towards gameplay than storytelling? Or have you tried to remain consistent with the way the two are interwoven in the main game?

Jeff Gardiner: There definitely is a story here - the Brotherhood Outcasts are trying to acquire advanced military technology, and the only way to open the vault containing these relics is by completing a tactical simulation only the player can enter. The bulk of the gameplay in this DLC is gunplay and stealth, along with some 'team building exercises.'

'Fallout 3 Operation: Anchorage' Screenshot 1

The approach to the Chinese base, says Gardiner.

Eurogamer: Having stripped out resources for Anchorage, how do you tackle the potential for players to feel weak again having become so empowered in the latter stages of the main game?

Jeff Gardiner: Since Operation: Anchorage can be entered at anytime, we've made sure that the player will feel challenge no matter what their level is in the main game. And, since it's a simulation, we've taken liberty to add some traditional game elements to it since it's justified in this context - health and ammo replenishing stations, for instance.

Eurogamer: Can you tell us anything more about the way the Strike Teams under the player's command work, or elaborate on any of the "exotic gadgets" mentioned last week?

Jeff Gardiner: The player will be able to choose, from a limited resource pool, what type of team members will accompany him or her on several missions within the simulations. These choices include different troop types like snipers or heavy weapons troops. They'll also be able to make tactical decisions on how to deploy these troops in certain situations. The Chinese Stealth Suit was what I was hinting at last week - it works similar to stealth boy every time you crouch!

Eurogamer: Did you have a sense of what you'd do with the DLC during development of Fallout 3? Or did you sit down at the end and go, "Right, what the hell are we doing?"

Jeff Gardiner: "What the hell are we doing?" is much closer to the mark. We opened up to ideas from the whole development team, and Operation: Anchorage is just one of several that rose to the top.

Eurogamer: Consumer reaction to premium DLC varies enormously, as you know. What sort of lessons learned with Oblivion were you able to apply here?

Jeff Gardiner: Well, we're not making more Horse Armour! In seriousness, we found that games want to enhance their existing experience without feeling ripped off. We're hoping to strike that balance with our new DLC.

Eurogamer: The 800 Microsoft Points price point is often challenged by gamers - look at the Gears 2 Combustible Map Pack, for instance - and you have some experience with pricing issues. How's the reaction been so far? Are you still comfortable with it?

Jeff Gardiner: We're offering several hours of unique gameplay - along with a bevy of armor and weaponry the player can use throughout the entire main game of Fallout 3. Reaction has been very positive.

Eurogamer: With G.E.C.K. (good name, by the way!) now out and about, will PC gamers be able to take advantage of the Op Anchorage and other DLC assets when they come out?

Jeff Gardiner: Yes, you can use content in the DLC to create new plugins and mods, but anyone who wants to use those plugins/mods will have to have bought the DLC and have it installed.

Eurogamer: You've said you'll raise the level cap with Broken Steel, the third pack. When Pete Hines spoke to us just after the launch, he said there were "no plans" to do that and you felt level 20 left you "plenty tough enough". What's changed? Also, how far will you be raising it?

Jeff Gardiner: Pete was talking about the level cap in the game as it was released. Level 20 is plenty tough. But we felt there's no harm in letting the player enjoy the game as long as they'd like, and so along with removing the game's "ending" with Broken Steel, we figure raising the level cap would allow them to do that. We plan on raising it to level 30 - but it will be a long, hard climb to get there!

Eurogamer: Will there be any differences between the DLC packs on Xbox 360 and PC?

Jeff Gardiner: No, the content is identical.

'Fallout 3 Operation: Anchorage' Screenshot 2

The "Chinese Stealth Suit". Sam Fisher would be proud.

Eurogamer: Is the exclusive relationship with Microsoft timed? Will we see these bundles on PlayStation 3 eventually? And if not, will there be any other content for PS3?

Jeff Gardiner: We are doing this DLC exclusively for Xbox 360 and GFW.

Eurogamer: Can you give us any details on the new Achievements? Will it be another 250 gamerpoints' worth? (Is that still the DLC limit for extra gamerpoints?) Will it be split across the three packs?

Jeff Gardiner: We plan on including around 50 gamerpoints per pack.

Eurogamer: You released a patch before Christmas to deal with certain issues in the PS3 version, with PC and 360 updates to follow. What's left to fix, in your eyes, and how soon can we expect further news?

Jeff Gardiner: We are in the final stages of getting updates completed and released. We just want to be sure that they're available across all platforms and languages, as much as possible, and so there are a lot of them to get finalised and released. Won't be long now though.

'Fallout 3 Operation: Anchorage' Screenshot 3

That's a winter version of the combat armour. And a lake. We could probably have captioned these without Gardiner's help now we think about it.

Eurogamer: Finally, can you tell us anything else about The Pitt and Broken Steel?

Jeff Gardiner: The Pitt is a more 'Traditional' Fallout 3 quest - it's full of morally grey choices, shady NPCs, and features another city ravaged by time, neglect, nuclear waste and moral degradation.

Broken Steel not only extends the game to level 30, it alters the core ending. It allows the player to continue exploring the ashen Wasteland and see the fruits that are born, or that die, from their decisions. It will reprise several main characters, and conclude some of the story threads left dangling.

Eurogamer: And finally finally - our readers have named Fallout 3 their game of the year. Congrats! Anything you'd like to say to our excellent and intelligent readers to mark the occasion?

Jeff Gardiner: It's an honour and privilege to be able to work on a game such as Fallout 3. And it's an even greater honour to be admired by gamers who really know their stuff as being the best game of the year, so thank you.

Fallout 3 Operation: Anchorage - the first of three DLC instalments - is due out this month.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (97) 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • DanWhitehead #1 3 years ago

    Is there any word on what you can do if you finished the main game by killing yourself? Do you need to start a new game to access the DLC?

  • makeamazing #2 3 years ago

    Why the hell cant these people just say the truth about the PS3 DLC version rather than just ignore the question.

    If you have an exclusive deal with MS or Not, just bloody say it.... its rediculous to leave PS3 users in the dark.

  • Dizzy #3 3 years ago

    Looks awesomely good once again. I loved what they did with Shivering Isles for Oblivion. Hopefully the same for F3. I just got the game last week ;)

  • YobRenoops #4 3 years ago

    Wow, sounds good. Engorged.

  • Widge #5 3 years ago

    Eh? I thought he clarified the PS3 DLC situation right there!

  • GitSomE_UK #6 3 years ago

    Woohoo!

    So glad I stopped short of completing the primary quest, can't wait for the DLC.

    @makeamazing
    Didn't he answer the question?
    Jeff Gardiner: We are doing this DLC exclusively for Xbox 360 and GFW.

  • Evolution #7 3 years ago

    Yeah he pretty clearly says for Xbox and Games For Windows.

  • Widge #8 3 years ago

    Maybe if it was in font size 72?

  • bestforever7 #9 3 years ago

    @ makeamazing

    Did you actually read the interview?

  • makeamazing #10 3 years ago

    Yeah sorry he did, I kinda read it and was in rage...lol . Sorry :(

    Still makes me angry that they are ignoring the PS3 users who have gone out and purchased the product, who would also want the DLC. To me this is the crappy side of gaming, why make it for the PS3 if they intend to shaft those users.

    Dont get me wrong i also have it on the PC, so will be able to get the content, but i hate this two tier "gamer" situation.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 12:24

  • Widge #11 3 years ago

    To be fair, you can get pissed off at the lack of DLC, or you can just go out and play someone elses game instead. I'm going to rinse Fallout 3 for the platinum because I feel like it and am enjoying it, after that I can actually spend some time finishing off everything else I have.

  • andywilkie35 #12 3 years ago

    interesting stuff, sounds like maybe I should hold off completing it until the third pack comes out maybe...? Either way, good shit

  • Widge #13 3 years ago

    I watched a documentary on Half-Life, didn't realise that they all came from working at Microsoft. cue either foaming conspiracy or disinterest as applicable.

  • Monkey #14 3 years ago

    This kind of exclusivity kind of craps on the whole pre-owned games argument rumbling around... DLC may work across the board on all platforms, or if the title is single platform then the DLC keeps the community happy.
    With no PS3 DLC then it would present an option to trade-in that version for the 360 or PC version (new or used) to get the DLC.

    Hopefully that's not the case and some other kind of DLC appears post-Microsoft-exclusive...
    :)
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 12:29

  • Dizzy #15 3 years ago

    "Dont get me wrong i also have it on the PC, so will be able to get the content, but i hate this two tier "gamer" situation. "

    You got into the wrong tier probably.

  • makeamazing #16 3 years ago

    I just prefer a fair fight, Im assuming this is because MS is throwing its money around and that leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and Ive been a big supporter of MS for years against the Unix/Linux crowd in the places I've worked.

    Hey I dont even have a problem with MS making their own exclusives and making DLC for it, what I cannot stand is a game being released on multiplatform and them (the game makers) exluding a group of users who have supported the company and purchased it, and then they stomp all over them. Not only do i think its poor of them (even though its difficult to turn down a wad of money - I agree), but to me this seems alittle monopolising/anti competative.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 12:40

  • Petulant_Radish #17 3 years ago

    He did say ‘this’ DLC, that doesn’t eliminate the possibility of them working on something separate for the PS3 now does it…

  • Dizzy #18 3 years ago

    "I just prefer a fair fight, Im assuming this is because MS is throwing its money around and that leaves a bad taste in my mouth"

    Or Bethesda makes more money on their 360 software and decides that supporting that platform is better business sense?

    We have no idea what the deal is. Probably the fact that the Live platform is easier to do this stuff is probably the main reason.
    Edited by 2 at 08/01/09 @ 12:49

  • makeamazing #19 3 years ago

    yes that is correct, it doesnt mean it wont exclude it from the future. But still the communication of such things isnt too good.

    Doesnt mean I dont love this game any more :) Its still my No1 from 2008.

  • Eraysor #20 3 years ago

    Fallout 3: Constructed from solid win mined from the depths of Awesomegard.

  • Dizzy #21 3 years ago

    "Now tell me, do you think they created all this new content in a matter of a month or two? "

    2 months would sound about right yes.

  • MasterNameless #22 3 years ago

    @Interfector

    It's not like they only finished work on the main game a few weeks before it was released... They no doubt finished it a good while before the game finally went gold, so I'm sure they've had plenty of time to work on the DLC.

  • Farzlepot #23 3 years ago

    I'm looking forward to this. The only problem is... I've pretty much done everything in my game. I've done all of the missions (the XP-giving ones at least), I've collected all the bobbleheads, I've bought everything for my house, killed all the Behemoths, I've explored all but a handful of the points of interest on the map (thank god for that Exploration perk). I even finished the main campaign, but I saved my game at the point of no return so that I could continue playing.

    I'm not trying to show off, as I suspect most people (at least those as enamoured with the game as I am) have done these things too. I'm just curious as to how I'm going to level up beyond twenty when the cap is removed in the final content download, especially as he said it will be increasingly difficult to level up the closer you get to thirty. Am I going to have to wait until the cap is removed before playing around with Operation: Anchorage and The Pitt, are there going to be a heck of a lot of extra missions in Broken Steel to help gain experience faster, or is my journey to thirty going to consisting of creature genocide? I really hope that it's the second one, because I want to play the DLC as soon as it comes out, but I don't want to have to go on a pointless rampage just to level up. And I sure don't want to have to start a new main character, as collecting all those bobbleheads took me frickin' ages.

    Oh, and if the Brotherhood Outcasts are involved in O:A, is it going to hurt my chances of getting into the simulation if, in my game, Protector Casdin has mysteriously died during one of my lengthy absences from Fort Independence? As with that chap in Megaton who has a tendency to fall off platforms to his own doom, I returned to Independence quite late in my game to find that the Protector failed to protect himself and was lying in a heap on the floor. Which was handy, as I managed to reclaim all of the equipment I'd sold him in perfect condition and it meant I had no reason not to turn against the Outcasts and pillage their base. Not quite so handy when you find out that you might need them to play the DLC though...

    Still, it's not that important. I'm sure I'll be wandering around Alaska pretty much the moment I get home on release day, not even thinking about it.

    Edited for possible spoilers.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 16:05

  • Calgon #24 3 years ago

    makeamazing Oh come on get a grip, DLC is something MS pioneered on consoles right back on the first Xbox and they arent stealing it... theres just more incentive to go with Xbox Live; because it's simply better and MS know what they are doing. If it's exclusive maybe MS did fund the development of it... big wow! thats pretty normal, heaven forbid MS fund development of exclusive games and content eh? Because only MS do that dont they?... I know when this bullshit started too, Kaz Hirai sulking in his office to gametrailers about how Sony never pay for anything; it was bullshit, he simply knew Sony wouldnt beable to afford much this gen.

    I probably wouldnt have bothered if you'd have just said you are a little dissapointed but Im sick of every PS3 fan claiming monopoly/buyout/moneyhats just because they cant bring themselves to accept the 360 is a bloody good console and MS have actually done alot of cool things in the console market. Its that kind of ignorrance that makes Sony so easy to hate when there's so many double standards and bullshit tactics from them and their fanbase of loonies.
    Edited by 3 at 08/01/09 @ 13:22

  • makeamazing #25 3 years ago

    At least everyone elses comments were fair. Yawn an Xbot, thanks for your input.

  • espy #26 3 years ago

    Wait.

    I need to install GFW and buy Microsoft points on the PC to get the DLC?

    I love Fallout 3 to bits, but there's no way I'll be doing any of that.

  • Calgon #27 3 years ago

    makeamazing hahaha whos a fanboy? You are the bullshitter claiming monopoly, I simply called you on it and explained how stupid you are for saying it... grow up, you douche.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 13:18

  • makeamazing #28 3 years ago

    @Calgon ... your well known on these forums for being a muppet ... Ok to clear up your crap... lets look at your well formed points...


    DLC is something MS pioneered on consoles right back on the first Xbox and they arent stealing it

    Errm didnt say MS stole the idea. Just saying MS is throwing lots of money about.

    theres just more incentive to go with Xbox Live; because it's simply better and MS know what they are doing.

    where did I even say anything about live... errm no. Pure Fanboy land. I said I dont think its fair on people who have purchased one version NOT to get DLC.. is that not a fair comment, regardless of your loyalties?

    I probably wouldnt have bothered if you'd have just said you are a little dissapointed but Im sick of every PS3 fan claiming monopoly/buyout/moneyhats just because they cant bring themselves to accept the 360 is a bloody good console and MS have actually done alot of cool things in the console market.

    Yet again, where did I diss the Xbox as a machine? Or say it wasnt cool? Sorry but perhaps once youve put down your rose tinted glasses you will probably understand I am saying I am not happy about them NOT supporting DLC for the PS3, didnt diss the machine at all.

    So once you grow up alittle and try not to make this a PS3 Vs Xbox perhaps you might have alittle more repsect in this forum and less likely be called a fanboy.





  • glaeken #29 3 years ago

    They really did need to answer the question of how you will play this content if you have finished the game. If my character is dead do I need to start a new one to play the content? Will they take the end game cap off so you can just load your last character up and continue playing?
    Edited by 3 at 08/01/09 @ 14:05

  • Dizzy #30 3 years ago

    >I need to install GFW

    Errr.. that is installed anyway.

  • Farzlepot #31 3 years ago

    "They really did need to answer the question of how you will play this content if you have finished the game. If my character is dead do I need to start a new one to play the content? Will they take the end game cap off so you can just load your last character up and continue playing?"

    When you press 'continue game' it loads up the most recent save file - as I don't believe Fallout 3 autosaves any time after your character's demise (if it does, shout at me until my ears bleed by all means) then when Broken Steel comes out I imagine that you'll just load up a save right before your character dies, and then be presented with the new choices.

    I'd recommend you dig out a save file from before the 'point of no return' to play Operation: Anchorage and The Pitt though, if you have one. That's what myself and others did to continue playing the game after they were finished.

    If you don't have one, it might be that you have to start over...

    Edited for possible spoilers.
    Edited by 2 at 08/01/09 @ 16:06

  • makeamazing #32 3 years ago

    Ive not got anywhere near to the end, but it does seem strange from the comments people are making that there is this "point of no return" and they didnt consider this a possible issue when making/creating the DLC.

  • Farzlepot #33 3 years ago

    "Ive not got anywhere near to the end, but it does seem strange from the comments people are making that there is this "point of no return" and they didnt consider this a possible issue when making/creating the DLC. "

    Yeah. Had the new ending been in the first DLC it would have made more sense, but leaving it until last makes no sense to me either. Unless you have been told about the point of no return beforehand it's very easy to see how people end up being left with the prospect of having to start a new game to continue playing - I've always thought it's one of the worst decisions they made with Fallout 3.

    I don't want to spoil the game for you, so all I'll say is this - save your game before you go inside. You'll probably know when you're on the last mission, so just remember to save your game before you activate that door...

    Edited for possible spoilers.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 16:07

  • Calgon #34 3 years ago

    @Calgon ... your well known on these forums for being a muppet

    No anyone who reads your posts will see YOU are the muppet; pretending not to be a bitter fanboy when you obviously are.. Ive just read another anti MS post in another thread and I bet I wont have to look far to find more, yet here in this thread you state how "oooh Im not some MS hater this is just wrong"; this sort of behaviour is the deffinition of a douche. Lets have a look at your poor attempt to paint yourself as an innocent victim from a nasty fanboy.


    Where the hell did I say you said anything about live?

    Idiot! Its a relevant point since this is DLC, what kind of arguement is that "I never mentioned live so you cant bring it up" My god thats weak.

    Yet again, where did I diss the Xbox as a machine?

    I never said you did but why did you ignore the first two lines of that quote because that is what you did("its teh monopolollies!! anti competitive moneymen did it";)... the reason for it is probably because you dont want to conceed that youd have been better off with the 360 version(wasnt it already known before release that MS would have exclusive DLC live like it was with GTA IV? Yet people still complain and pretend they were fooled).
    Edited by 4 at 08/01/09 @ 13:47

  • Moonprince #35 3 years ago

    I'd have to agree, Calgon is a muppet :'(

  • Calgon #36 3 years ago

    Only because I dont like PS3 fanboys though Moonshit.

  • Doctor_What #37 3 years ago

    @ glaeken and Farklepot: Could you please not post spoilers? Thanks a bunch for giving away that. I'm actually really pissed off with you both now.

    *deep breath*

    I decided to go with the PS3 version of Fallout 3, the apparently lower framerate hasn't bothered me at all and the detailed graphics are nice (although mostly it was because the system fan noise annoys me when I'm inevitably playing it quietly after my gf has gone to bed), but I'm very disappointed about the DLC not coming out on it. It was a surprise for me to love it so much, not having played previous Fallout games or wanting to sacrifice my life to Oblivion, so hearing that I won't get the DLC is bed news indeed. I don't want to play through it again on the 360, and I'm not going to buy it twice anyway, so I guess they lose out on what would have been an instant DLC sale to me.

  • ManicDrunkMonk #38 3 years ago

    He clarifies the situation for PS3 related DLC, but says it will only be available for 360 and GFW. Does this mean it will/won't be available for Steam customers?

  • Calgon #39 3 years ago

    @Doctor_What: Ah thankyou! You see, youve just demonstrated how its done to Makeamazing without coming accross as bitter and hatefull to another console/platform holder.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 13:51

  • mrmonkey1980 #40 3 years ago

    Ah, can't wait to get a 360 again and buy all the fallout DLC at the same time. It will be epic! I really don't understand why people buy a PS3 when the only good games that ever come out on it are ones which have DLC exclusive to 360. May as well get a 360!

  • MasterNameless #41 3 years ago

    @Doctor_What

    +1... That is really annoying. glaeken + Farzlepot, please edit your comments with /spoiler tags before you ruin the end of the game for others too!!!

    Thankfully I stopped reading pretty sharpish, but I do know one pretty damn pivotal thing that happens at the end now, thanks for that.
    Edited by 3 at 08/01/09 @ 13:56

  • makeamazing #42 3 years ago

    @Calgon Im actually getting an Xbox very soon so i can get Fable and Dead Rising, so that kinda blows your arguments out of the water... and NO i will not be getting Fallout for a third time.

    Didnt think I had to explain the word monopoly, unfair advantage or anti competative to anyone. Its pretty well known about MS and its practices.

    Seriously though anyone who uses the term Douche on a Euro website really is in the wrong place or the wrong age... now move along
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 13:53

  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #43 3 years ago

    the only good games that ever come out on it are ones which have DLC exclusive to 360

    Yeah, just like Bioshock.

    But on the other hand, the curt reiteration of the party line on DLC, without specifically saying that it will never be available on PS3 or PC outside of GFW, implies to me that if you're a PS3 player, I wouldn't give up hope.

  • Dizzy #44 3 years ago

    "Didnt think I had to explain the word monopoly, unfair advantage or anti competative to anyone. Its pretty well known about MS and its practices. "

    TBH Sony did plenty of that with PS2. Exclusivity is not monopoly, Bethesda have a choice but they probably decided that their time/effort is better spend on 360.
    Edited by 2 at 08/01/09 @ 13:57

  • Daikon #45 3 years ago

    I just hope there will be some more houses to buy in the upcoming DLC.

  • Calgon #46 3 years ago

    Makeamazing nice try but you are a tit, now pick your dummy up and jog on. ;) Like I said, others here have expressed their dissapointment without being a bitter fanboy crybaby about it... and its nothing to do with monopolies, you are a complete dunce.

    Also your closing comment highlights the desperation you have to save face. "You used a none Euro word its american" Really YOU need to grow up... douche is a good word to substitute for bullshitter.

    Im done with you anyway, what I said in my first post stands(you've failed to dig yourself out of it) it happens all too often here.
    Edited by 3 at 08/01/09 @ 14:01

  • mrmonkey1980 #47 3 years ago

    Good games are a matter of opinion. And I see no reason why a company would make only some DLC for PS3 or separate DLC for the same game on different systems (which I can see as the only advantage of any possible DLC for the PS3 version). It doesn't make much sense. Apart from people who can afford more than one console and can put up with playing through the same game twice for different versions, but i don't think games designers see that as a common occurence in house holds currently.

  • makeamazing #48 3 years ago

    @Calgon... jog on... haha what a Chav to use these terms... ignore!

  • Calgon #49 3 years ago

    Ok can someone clear this up for me.

    Was it known before the game was released that LIVE would have exclusive DLC content for this game?

    If it did then those owning both consoles who are interested in addons/DLC but still opted for the PS3 version cant really complain too much but naturally if you realise you made the wrong decision since you are interested now then you will be a bit dissapointed.

    Those with PS3 only while they might feel a bit dissapointed knew before they'd even played the game which on its own was worth the purchase from the impressions Ive got from reviews... so again you werent ripped off by the devs, you got plenty of value for money and DLC is going to cost extra anyway for those that want it.
    Edited by 2 at 08/01/09 @ 14:20

  • Frandroid #50 3 years ago

    I'm sure PS3 players are disappointed that they won't be getting the DLC, but there's nothing 'unfair', 'anti-competitive' or 'monopolistic' about it.
    Bethesda are a third party developer and it's entirely up to them what, when and where they make DLC available. Sure, Microsoft may be able to influence them by offering payment for exclusive DLC but there's nothing inherently wrong with that. Presumably any payment made will have been used to help fund the development. Equally, I assume Sony either couldn't or wouldn't negotiate a deal for PS3 DLC.
    Is it also 'unfair' that PS3 gamers can't have Gears of War and Halo or that 360 gamers can't have LBP and MGS4? Just because the exclusive DLC is linked to a non-exclusive product doesn't change the principle. Especially when it was announced beforehand that the DLC was exclusive.

  • Razorus #51 3 years ago

    Can someone please clarify for me (without spoilers if you can) when this "point of no return" occurs? Someone said save before you go inside. Inside what?
    I don't think I'm near the end. In the main quest, I have to go to Vault 112 (which I stumbled across accidently a while ago and almost skipped some other quests, but luckily I read about it beforehand and got the hell out of there before I found daddy).

    So when do I know when the dreaded point of no return is? Apparently you have a choice to convince some guy to die instead of you, so with that in mind, can't I just continue from there?

  • Dizzy #52 3 years ago

    >Especially when it was announced beforehand that the DLC was exclusive.

    Indeed. If you wanted a DLC packed version of F3, you should have gotten the 360/PC version. Case closed.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 14:21

  • mazzl #53 3 years ago

    the whole pupose of the exclusive dlc is, that people buy the xbox360 version of a multi format game. makes perfect business sence.
    ps3 owners who want to play the dlc should just go out and buy a 360. that's not being meen or anything, but that's the whole idea of this exclusive DLC anyway.


  • makeamazing #54 3 years ago

    Actually i consider GOW or LBP to be totally different to be fair. They are exclusives, meaning if you want them you will get the console. DLC for a game that is available on all major platforms, this to me is not fair. But yes I agree, If I was Beth and someone offered me lots of money I would be seriously considering it. But that wasnt my general point, but anyway. We had already moved on from that but washing powder man decided to bring it back up and make it a console war.

  • Calgon #55 3 years ago

    Sure you had moved on. :/

    Its fair because it was known before you even bought it and yet here you are calling monopolies and unfair treatment to PS3 fanboys.

    edit: Right that really is all I have to say, I KNEW he would try and spin it around into him being attacked by a fanboy for no reason.
    Edited by 4 at 08/01/09 @ 14:31

  • AngelAngelus #56 3 years ago

    For all the people saying about the ending and how to continue, you do know you can just load it before the end as it Autosaves unless of course you switched this function off? So if they have patched it not to include the ending I am sure they would have thought of this.

    Also for the others saying why is it not being made as DLC for the PS3 at the same I would suspect as it has been mentioned that the PS3 is not the easiest console to develope and test DLC on. This would either be the PC or 360 so I wouldn't say it was favouritism as such but rather that they want to make sure it is working as well as possible for the PS3.

  • AngelAngelus #57 3 years ago

    Razorus you will know when this is. There area is near Rivit City but with out spoiling it I would suggust saving it when you head to the Brotherhood of Steel building. This would be the best time to go searching the other areas of Fallout I'd say but you'll know when your near the end by the choices left for you.

    I hope this helps....

  • Beek4257 #58 3 years ago

    If all you own is a Wii, you don't get to play Fallout AT ALL.
    Then again if that's all you own, you probably don't want to.
    ...

    Ehr. There was a point in there somewhere.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 14:40

  • Garulon #59 3 years ago

    "Was it known before the game was released that LIVE would have exclusive DLC content for this game?"

    Yeah, they announced it at E3. Every next-gen console's getting some exclusive DLC, for the 360 it's AAA stuff like F3 or GTAIV, for PS3 it's dissapointing cack like Mirror's Edge or shoddy year-old 360 ports like BioShock. I liked it more when PS3 owners dismissed DLC as "horse armour" before they realised what they were missing.

    I'm thinking it's a combination of moneyhat and PS3 owners like to pirate downloaded stuff - what do they call it, account sharing or something? It's causing a serious problem in terms of realised revenue for downloaded stuff that's for sure.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 14:45

  • Dizzy #60 3 years ago

    " PS3 owners like to pirate downloaded stuff - what do they call it, account sharing or something?"

    What?????

  • mungolikebeans #61 3 years ago

    Did you know that washing machines live longer with Calgon?

  • MasterNameless #62 3 years ago

    @mungolikebeans

    Not if the aforementioned washing machine has an issue with DLC on the PS3 it doesn't!

  • makeamazing #63 3 years ago

    LOL

  • JahB #64 3 years ago

    what's with all the bitching? you knew damn well BEFORE you got the PS3 version that the DLC was gonna be 360 exclusive, so you only have yourselve to blame.

  • Machiavellian #65 3 years ago

    The whole unfair angle is off base with DLC even if the content comes from a multiformat game. There is a decision between companies if they will finance DLC or hope the developer will finance DLC for their particular console. MS has decided that with AAA multiformat games that they are willing to pay money to get Quality (hopefully) exclusive DLC content for the people that purchase the game on their system. Sony on the other hand has decided not to go this route.

    Each company is trying to get an edge over the other, why would buying exclusive content for your hardware be unfair is silly. MS is taking a risk and paying upfront for content that may or may not be good. Its a risk for MS that they recoup the cost of the DLC either by extra sells of the original game or through the DLC content.

    DLC content is no different then a company paying for a exclusive game on their system. Yes, another console also have the game but so what, if the people that purchased the game on the other console want the exclusive content on another system, then they will get that system, which is the purpose of the exclusive content in the first place.

    MS doesn't have a lot of internal development for games like Sony, so instead MS is willing to pay for extra exclusive content or pay for IP and finance a game from a top developer. This is probably why MS is getting rid of ensemble. It's best to pay for IP and a game then actually own the developer as we all know, IP is king.

  • MasterNameless #66 3 years ago

    @Machiavellian

    +1

    As ever, very well put and solid reasoning.

  • Garulon #67 3 years ago

    "" PS3 owners like to pirate downloaded stuff - what do they call it, account sharing or something?"

    What?????"

    You haven't seen this a hell of a lot? PS3 owners swapping their PSN account info so they can download each other's stuff for free?

  • Petulant_Radish #68 3 years ago

    Damn you spoiler people, DAMN YOU!

  • Petulant_Radish #69 3 years ago

    DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!!

  • andromeda #70 3 years ago

    how the hell do any of you find the time to finish these games? esp if you live with your other half!?

  • Widge #71 3 years ago

    Well I paid £18 for my copy, which I think is fair even without support! Not too fussed about the lack of DLC, and as I said, big stack o stuff to get through after Fallout.

  • Widge #72 3 years ago

    Finishing Fallout = hammering it every day while being off for christmas and getting in a couple of hours whenever I can... ideally while something is cooking/burning.

  • Farzlepot #73 3 years ago

    @Doctor_What

    "@ glaeken and Farklepot: Could you please not post spoilers? Thanks a bunch for giving away that. I'm actually really pissed off with you both now."

    Very sorry dude, I was desperately trying not to post any spoilers because I know how irritating they can be, but I guess my ranting must have got the better of me. My Brotherhood Outcast stuff I didn't think would spoil the game too much as you can find them while exploring, and they don't really relate to the main campaign at all. But again, sorry if I said anything that might have spoiled it for you.

    @Razorus

    "Can someone please clarify for me (without spoilers if you can) when this "point of no return" occurs? Someone said save before you go inside. Inside what?
    I don't think I'm near the end. In the main quest,     I have to go to Vault 112 (which I stumbled across accidently a while ago and almost skipped some other quests, but luckily I read about it beforehand and got the hell out of there before I found daddy).

    So when do I know when the dreaded point of no return is? Apparently you have a choice to convince some guy to die instead of you, so with that in mind, can't I just continue from there?"

    It's difficult to tell you when that 'point of no return' is without posting significant spoilers. Unless somebody has told bits of the story beforehand you might not even realise where it is until you've gone past it. So I'll use spoiler tags and leave it up to you as to whether you risk reading them or not, lest I get another person shouting at me (DISCLAIMER: DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING TWO SPOILERS, LEST YE HAVE A REASON TO SHOUT AT ME! ESPECIALLY THE FIRST ONE!):

    There will be an epic battle of 'enormous' proportions. That 'enormous' doesn't necessarily relate to the size of the battle *hint hint*. You will then be told to clear a building. Save before you enter this building and you should be fine. After that, you will enter a room where the doors will lock behind you, and you will have passed the dreaded point of no return. If you have saved before that point, you will be able to re-load your save after finishing the game and continue exploring. If not, you'll have to dig out an older save and hope for the best.

    But somebody else gave the best less-spoiler(y?) warning, which I'm still going to put into spoiler tags for safety reasons: during the course of the game you will be required to go to the Citadel for a second time. Save your game then, or at least immediately afterwards.


    @andromeda

    "how the hell do any of you find the time to finish these games? esp if you live with your other half!?"

    Christmas holidays. I was nowhere near finishing everything in the game until I suddenly found myself with 7.5 hours of spare time per day with nothing better to do.
    Edited by 1 at 08/01/09 @ 16:08

  • AbyssUK #74 3 years ago

    So anyway I have a PC, I play fallout without a GfW account (I HATES IT!).... does this stupid exclusivity mean I will have to have a GfW account to get the DLC or can I download it legally from somewhere else ?

  • Farzlepot #75 3 years ago

    "So anyway I have a PC, I play fallout without a GfW account (I HATES IT!).... does this stupid exclusivity mean I will have to have a GfW account to get the DLC or can I download it legally from somewhere else ?"

    I don't work there, so I couldn't give an official answer, but I'm guessing that if you need Microsoft points to buy them, you need a GfW account to buy them. They didn't mention any kind of separate DVD expansion so Microsoft points are probably the only way to buy the things.

  • FlipC #76 3 years ago

    Ah come on given Bethesda's track record with Oblivion in Europe there's a chance we'll get the DLC at some point in time it'll just be minus the DL part and come on a shiny shiny disc with the rest of the game; ka-ching!

  • Farzlepot #77 3 years ago

    "Ah come on given Bethesda's track record with Oblivion in Europe there's a chance we'll get the DLC at some point in time it'll just be minus the DL part and come on a shiny shiny disc with the rest of the game; ka-ching!"

    Seeing as Microsoft have paid for the privilege of getting exclusive DLC, I doubt that will be the case. And as you could get Oblivion DLC through Bethesda's website for the PC version I'm not sure what you're getting at with that either...

  • FlipC #78 3 years ago

    "I'm not sure what you're getting at with that either"

    Shivering Isles for the PS3. Couldn't buy it separately, couldn't download it, only available as a GOTY - buy the entire game again and hope to get some trade in off the old one.

  • alpha-0ne #79 3 years ago

    80% of rock band downloads are on 360, 15% on ps3 its no surprise devs dont care about realising the DLC for ps3

  • modo_komodo #80 3 years ago

    I have a PS3 and didn't know that the DLC was exclusive to Microsoft.

    I have to admit that I feel pretty upset that I wont get to level my player beyond 20 but totally understand why it's occurred. You can't blame people for being upset about it though. Especially since the consensus is that Fallout 3 is one of this generation's defining games.

  • GamesConnoisseur #81 3 years ago

    Could certainly be seen as a real pity that the DLC are to be limited to X360 and PC and not to be made available for PS3. Still that is looking at the glass half empty could have been that the game was made only for X360 and PC? Be grateful to be able to have access to the game when the like of Hard Rain would never be available for X360?

    Exclusive games are not as common as it was then in the last gen, but interesting that more multi platform games have DLC only available for certain titles as if publishers want it both ways, they want to gain as much £ from as many gamers BUT also get the extra £ from the exclusive deals to tie the DLC to a certain console.

    Real question is how much influence will the fact bears on the mind of people buying either console? Minimial to get the eggs on the face of MS as wasting their wad of cash or not that great but still harmful to Sony's assertations that the PS3 is the only real choice for gamers?

    Market and the mass consumers will tell us the answer eventually, whatever we say here are just what we like to think as a little peals of wisdom!

  • patchbox360 #82 3 years ago

    i've just been walking around in this game for hours observing the great scenery - should have been game of the year no doubt

  • chrisola #83 3 years ago

    Apparently washing machines live longer with Calgon.

    Could explain the fanboy smell his posts reek of!

  • consignia #84 3 years ago

    Could explain the fanboy smell his posts reek of!

    Limescale?

  • Gaol #85 3 years ago

    I wouldn't hold out for PS3 DLC ever being available. Bethesda have been lukewarm with PSN, taking a long time to release Shivering Isles; and never releasing the other Oblivion content packs for it. A shame, as they did a decent job of the conversion of the main game to that format.

    I'm not sure if it's a deal with Microsoft, or if they just don't like the release process, but they have been fairly upfront about this since release; and they did at least put out a trophy and performance patch. That'll be the lot on PS3 I'm afraid.

  • onyxbox #86 3 years ago

    Seeing as Microsoft have paid for the privilege of getting exclusive DLC, I doubt that will be the case.

    I disagree the clue is in 'exclusive download', same as the Oblivion expansion.

  • kingofbergamo #87 3 years ago

    I luv Fallout 3 and I m absolutely gutted that it is not comin to the PS3!!!
    Lame!!


  • hiruu #88 3 years ago

    No ps3 dlc...roflol...if M$ PAID for them to develop it for 360/pc, why should they not? I'll put it this way, can I go to some ps3 owners house and get crap out of fridge, and sleep in your bed, and eat your food...wtf...if sony REALLY wanted to deliver for their owners, let sony pay!

  • Slipstream #89 3 years ago

    That Ninja-esque suit of armour or whatever is constantly drawing my attention! I MUST have it!

  • earobus #90 3 years ago

    Great this is what i wanted, open ended with hopefully great missions before, for the ps3 crew the solution is simple, SELL IT or run an xbox along side and make sure you know whats what with dlc before you buy a game, forget the tech

  • Garulon #91 3 years ago

    "forget the tech"

    Consdering Fallout 3 has a better frame rate on the 360 than the PS3 version, I can only assume this is the remnant of the "more power" meme that PS3 owners were suckered into. Again.

  • X #92 3 years ago

    I've got a few games to complete before I start on this one (been sat there staring at me since release day) and I'm just wondering whether it's worth starting this yet. Obviously there is the patch coming then from what I can gather, once you complete it that's it, or does it drop you back in the world and allow you to do other missions? If not why would anyone play it until all the DLC is released?

  • gorf #93 3 years ago

    Fantastic news guess thats another chunk of my life gone. Does that mean we will see new game content such as new armour, guns and soundtracks? Hopefully I get a chance to down a few more behomeths, loved toppling those meat crates.
    For PS3 owners I think its a shame they cant get there hands on the extra content. The game requires a huge investment in gamer time to complete and by that time your completly addicted to the fallout 3 universe. Hopefully Bethedesa may see the light and and devlop DLC for our PS3 cousins. In the past not all exclusivity deals last...

  • earobus #94 3 years ago

    @Garulon

    With all respect to tech i did not mean that. I think this is all about the xbox getting exclusive content, the problem is these deals are done with certain games a few years into a consoles life when people have made there choice, but thats why microsoft does this sort of thing, sony did it for years with full games, this is why microsft went aggressive with pricing the cheaper it is the bigger market you have as i am sure you know the marketing "tech" runs just as deep if not deeper and soon everyone will be able to afford an xbox and this is another reason why.

  • Michformer #95 3 years ago

    Don't worry. Maybe they'll release DLC for PS3 just like they did for Oblivion.

  • Spekingur #96 3 years ago

    For those saying it is unfair (weither these be PS3 owners or not) and complaining about MS monopolising exclusive DLCs or suchlike, throwing about money like there is no tomorrow - I have a few points to make.

    Point One. Sony has in-house game developement studios. MS doesn't, anymore.

    Point Two. I would guess that Sony has thrown alot more money around than MS, although not into DLCs. Their money went into getting movie studios to gather around Blu-Ray. Sony had too much to lose had the movie studios gone HD DVD (PS3 might have gotten buried).
    Point Two b. MS/X360 has lost (almost) nothing on HD DVD not becoming mainstream.

    Point Three. MS is mainly a software company. They know their stuff. An undeniable fact. This is why developement for games is easier for X360 than for PS3 (and ports are easier). Sony on the other hand is mainly a hardware company. PS3 does in fact have the upper hand on tech specs but even so, what matters most is how easily available you make it for game developers to squeese the most juice out of the machine. This is where PS3 falls flat on its back (note that the same problem was around in PS2).

  • ASHBERY76 #97 3 years ago

    Raising the cap=sale.