Joystiq review: Fallout 3's Operation: Anchorage (DLC)
by Randy Nelson 
{ Jan 29th 2009 at 6:00PM } 
For the uninitiated, Operation: Anchorage sees players on a VR mission to infiltrate an Alaskan military installation, with a heavier emphasis on being stealthy than the main game. Yes, what we've just described could very well be the premise of the original Metal Gear Solid, but this is Fallout 3, right? Well, not exactly as you know it.
Operation: Anchorage is a 4-5 hour campaign (we got through it a bit quicker) that calls the game's FPS element into play more than we'd anticipated. In fact, the scenario is a linear one in the vein of Call of Duty and is very focused on action. Sure, the trademark V.A.T.S. targeting system is still present, but, most of the time, we found ourselves playing in a purely run-and-gun mindset. Still, there's a depth of story and uncanny attention to detail that very much manages to keep this DLC rooted in the Fallout universe.
Operation: Anchorage is a 4-5 hour campaign (we got through it a bit quicker) that calls the game's FPS element into play more than we'd anticipated. In fact, the scenario is a linear one in the vein of Call of Duty and is very focused on action. Sure, the trademark V.A.T.S. targeting system is still present, but, most of the time, we found ourselves playing in a purely run-and-gun mindset. Still, there's a depth of story and uncanny attention to detail that very much manages to keep this DLC rooted in the Fallout universe.
Gallery: Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage
Be prepared for a far more constrained experience than the (literal) sandbox of the Capitol Wasteland. |
The most immediately obvious change: you start out with your "real world" stats, but only a silenced 10mm pistol and Stealth Boy to your name. (Thus you're prodded to play it quiet and cool from the get-go.) The second major change is obvious once you've taken down your first enemy: you can't loot their corpses because they vanish in a flurry of VR "de-rezzing." This leads to the third substantial difference from Wasteland combat: you find weapons -- such as the glorious new Gauss rifle -- at set intervals in the "levels," along with health and ammo recharge stations. Think Left 4 Dead. There are also holotapes and intel cases to find for completests (and those who wish to delve deeper into the scenario's story).
The change in rules and level structure -- even the reliance on reaching health/ammo drops -- creates an experience that is more tense than almost anything in Fallout 3's main game. Although it's probably going to feel a lot less so for those who already have high-level characters. That's because all of your perks, skills, and stats carry over. If you're a dead-aim in the Wasteland, the VR enemies will be much easier to head shot. On the other hand, if you play the campaign early on in your Fallout 3 experience, it's going to prove very tough.
Considering that those most likely to buy the DLC are players who've already completed, well, everything in the main game, Operation: Anchorage could certainly offer a bigger challenge. Still, it's a very exciting -- and surprising -- addition to one of 2008's best games, doing a great job of extending its life and keeping things fresh. If you love Fallout 3, you'll really enjoy this addition to the 'verse and the gameplay mods it brings. Just be prepared for a far more constrained experience than the (literal) sandbox of the Capitol Wasteland.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
natsfan7 @ Jan 29th 2009 6:05PM
I'm an hour or so into Operation Anchorage, and so far I'm really liking it.
Good job Bethesda!
Phil @ Jan 30th 2009 2:42AM
Joystiq got it spot on, it was definitely a 'fresh' and challenging experience... It derived from the feeling of the (literal) sandbox world of Fallout 3 but...
It felt pretty damn awesome. It continued to keep the 'immersion' I've respected this game so much for high in quality.
J-Link @ Jan 29th 2009 6:07PM
Sounds good, but I still need to buy Fallout 3 =[.
Haon @ Jan 29th 2009 6:27PM
Well what do ya know. I have fallout 3 (steam) but need a better PC :(.
Will @ Jan 30th 2009 12:47AM
Who voted this man down for wanting Fallout 3? Sure he should already have it, but wanting something as wonderful as this game is something I can definitely admire.
szimm @ Jan 29th 2009 6:08PM
i may be wrong about this, but playing the pc version, it hid my old saves upon installing the xpac and i was forced to create a new character and play through the vault sequence again.
MaroX @ Jan 29th 2009 6:30PM
that probably happened because you played the whole game without turning on Live. After you log in, it doesn't associate the saves that already exist to your account.
so you gotta kinda get around that, start up a save, and then log into Live.
szimm @ Jan 29th 2009 6:10PM
i do also think that they put too high of an emphasis on combat. there are some great vistas and some cool new enemy types, but for a roleplayer, this expansion is of no interest.
ice~ @ Jan 29th 2009 6:11PM
I bought it, it feels really different than Fallout 3, but it gives a good insight into what happened in Alaska and pre-nuclear bombs...
justshovejayohbe @ Jan 29th 2009 7:42PM
No it doesn't -- read the Outcast computer in the base before going into the simulation, the programmer reports that the simulation is completely inaccurate and complains about General Chase's design decisions.
ice~ @ Jan 30th 2009 12:44AM
That.....blew my mind. Not gonna lie im pretty pissed now lol
Ryan Hamilton @ Jan 29th 2009 6:15PM
Here's my quick review. Fallout 3 DLC = FPS
AwesomeTown @ Jan 29th 2009 7:58PM
Even though I am really enjoying it, I pretty much agree with you. I'm using my sniper and energy weapons character (thank you amazing Gauss rifle), and I am so much better without using VATS.
Gonzo @ Jan 30th 2009 12:01PM
I'm with you there.
Me & a couple of friends played through it in a few hours and came to the same conclusion: I knew the second I saw the Health & Ammo refilling stations.
Fuze9 @ Jan 29th 2009 6:15PM
To be honest, I think I almost like the gameplay of the DLC more than the main game. I really appreciate the simplicity as well as the real sense of urgency. Squad mechanics were great, even without direct control of your team, and the story was quite compelling. Gave me shivers to see the prototype power armor, and I was soon as spiteful of the Reds as my virtual comrades.
Doug @ Jan 29th 2009 7:37PM
You just made me twice as excited to get this lol.
justshovejayohbe @ Jan 29th 2009 7:44PM
The reason there's no urgency in the main game is because the game doesn't have a time limit like the original
l.s.waldock @ Jan 29th 2009 6:19PM
Good extension. The best thing that comes out of it, however, is the stash you get at the end of it. Why on earth did they not put the Gauss Rifle in the original game? It was my second favourite weapon in Fallout 2 (after the godlike Bozar, which I'm still hoping will make a comeback).
I had some real problems with my VATS during the scenario, though; when I went into VATS, I'd select my target and number of shots, then as soon as I accepted it, my character would turn 45 degrees to the right, fire the rounds off into the nearest wall and that would be the end of it. I managed to get through the whole thing with just scoping the Gauss and Sniper rifle, though.
Buckshot @ Jan 29th 2009 6:20PM
It took a bit to get used to, does have a MGS vibe to it. Was great though, the rewards are sweet upon completing the simulation, and I had a great time using 100% speech in 2 situations in the DLC. Worth 800 points easily.
Duke @ Jan 29th 2009 6:20PM
I still haven't had the time to finish Fallout yet due to all the other games as of late. So, will I mess everything up by DL this now or will I have all my weapons and such again when its over?
l.s.waldock @ Jan 29th 2009 6:24PM
Go for it now, the central quest in the main game is way too short anyway and this breaks it up quite nicely.
Halwende @ Jan 29th 2009 7:00PM
It doesn't mess with your character no, in fact you'll actually gain a perk if you find 10 intel items within the DLC "missions"
Duke @ Jan 29th 2009 7:57PM
Thanks for the advice. I will DL it.
Adam Rogers @ Jan 29th 2009 6:23PM
Makes me wish I hadnt already sold Fallout 3. Will need to re-buy the game at some point, will probably wait for either all three DLC, or for a "game of the year edition" which Im sure will eventually come out in a year or so.
Chin-Poh (I wuv you Yu Yu Hakusho Abridged!) @ Jan 29th 2009 6:30PM
Did you sell it before realizing the DLC coming out for it???
Adam Rogers @ Jan 29th 2009 6:40PM
No, I had heard it was coming out, but I was still able to get a good price on it, and still have a backlog of games. Figured sell it then, and then come back to fallout 3 sometime down the road when it goes on sale. But the DLC coming out for it is making wish I hadnt done that now. Oh well.
Chin-Poh (I wuv you Yu Yu Hakusho Abridged!) @ Jan 29th 2009 6:47PM
Like you stated, maybe you could wait for the "Super Duper Pooper Ultimate Game of the Decade Edition" with all the DLC bundled into it, don't worry, right now just enjoy all the other games out and coming out. : )
Adam Rogers @ Jan 29th 2009 6:50PM
I waited for the game of the year on Oblivion, and eventually re-baught Morrowind on the Xbox when the game of the year edition came out; I figure Ill do the same this time around.
Gonzo @ Jan 30th 2009 12:18PM
After playing it I'd have to recommend waiting for the GOTY ed. Especially if you already sold your copy.
I'd have to do that regardless as I have the ps3 version, though if I start seeing some really must have mods/GECK-levels I may get the PC version used. Either way, IMO, $10 is a bit much for this DLC but I'm betting Pitt & hoping BS will live up to Fallout 3.
I think I'm going to be busy with Dawn of War 2 for a while anyway.
ryan @ Jan 29th 2009 6:30PM
I'm probably gonna put Fallout 3 aside for now, finish the other games of last year, some Street Fighter 4 then play all 3 Fallout DLC in March.
Rabidkeebler @ Jan 29th 2009 9:24PM
That is my goal as well. That way, when I pick up Fallout 3 again, there will be 10+ hours of extra content to explore when I purchase all the extra content.
Lennoko @ Jan 29th 2009 6:30PM
i LOVED this DLC. Was hella worth the 800 MS points. Unlike another RPG's DLC......
ryan @ Jan 29th 2009 6:36PM
koff, Fable 2 DLC, /koff right?
Lennoko @ Jan 29th 2009 6:40PM
Holy shmokes, how'd yah guess.
DJcube @ Jan 29th 2009 6:31PM
I played it as both a level 20 and a level 2 (progressing to level 7) character. The difficulty was virtually the same for both (although I did find a Sniper Rifle early on in the second playthrough, which helped a lot).
I loved it - it was a great distraction from the main game. I also love how to use the rewards no matter what your level is. The Chinese suit and new rifle make an extremely deadly combination.
Residentevil72501 @ Jan 29th 2009 6:32PM
I wish this was coming out on PS3, but its not so oh well.
ryan @ Jan 29th 2009 6:39PM
I'm pretty sure it will eventually. These things usually have a way of coming to pass. Exclusive DLC is pretty stupid though. I still laugh at MS's exclusive deal with TR:Underworld DLC...the 360 being the least selling version of the 2.
Baby J Penn (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Jan 29th 2009 10:37PM
I know ... Makes me want to reconsider buying Rogue Warrior when that drops for the PS3. Maybe we eventually get a GOTY edition or something.
capt_carl @ Jan 29th 2009 6:34PM
I'd love to play it if the latest Fallout PC patch didn't break my game.
xeleion @ Jan 29th 2009 6:34PM
... You just get grayed out everywhere you comment, don't you? Even if you don't say anything that merits it?
Jacksons @ Jan 29th 2009 6:35PM
Ever notice that nobody ever agrees with you?
forestofdeath @ Jan 29th 2009 6:37PM
are my eyes deceiving me, or did a perfectly fair comment get downvoted to one heart? o_O
Chin-Poh (I wuv you Yu Yu Hakusho Abridged!) @ Jan 29th 2009 6:38PM
Oh please, he'll only buy the DLC to "spite" the "holier-than-thou" Sony fanboys without even owning the original, I doubt he has the intellect to get through the entire game. : D
Chin-Poh (I wuv you Yu Yu Hakusho Abridged!) @ Jan 29th 2009 6:40PM
I just wish it was sold stand-alone so I wouldn't have to buy two digital copies to play on both my and my brothers computer, or is there a way to use one digital copy?
obo @ Jan 31st 2009 9:33PM
It's packaged just like a mod. Check the Data folder inside the Fallout 3 folder for the files with Anchorage in the name.
Rhamsey @ Jan 29th 2009 6:43PM
oh, sexy
Chin-Poh (I wuv you Yu Yu Hakusho Abridged!) @ Jan 29th 2009 6:57PM
Dude, PC FANBOY, not SONY FANBOY okay my friend? I'm a fanboy of that platform you say is slowly but surely dying. ; )
I remember when I made that "racist" remark to you months back, Markez was also extremely pissed off at me but I apologized several times to you and he's cool with it, he forgave me. But if you can't, I can't do anything about it, your just stubborn as a brain-dead mule and I just can't do anything about it.
Ever notice that nobody else calls me a racist or I haven't been banned from this site after being here since late 2007? If your the only one calling me a racist, I don't have a problem with that since you mostly do spout garbage.
But I did like that comment about homosexuality where you got the three stars you deserved. Now if only you made more comments like that, then we would like you. We don't hate you, just the same comments you make over and over again that serve no purpose at all. Keep up the work with that homosexuality comment you made about it not being a choice and how people are persecuted, beaten and killed for it.
BigD145 @ Jan 29th 2009 7:03PM
It's not half bad, buuuuuuuuut at the very end in the Chinese HQ I died and came back at my auto save only to be stuck in limbo. I can't do anything and I can't be killed. Yay?
forestofdeath @ Jan 29th 2009 7:13PM
"For the struggle, of fanboy dominance, is a war without end. And war...
...war never changes."
Chin-Poh (I wuv you Yu Yu Hakusho Abridged!) @ Jan 29th 2009 7:13PM
So, do you just call people who disagree with you "Sony fanboys"? I think I have to show you the PC I'm building and going to hook up to my HDTV as well as all the PC games I have to show you I'm actually a fanboy of the greatest gaming system evar! Screw this console war, I'm jumping right outta it! Yeehah!!!