WARNING:Downloading Fallout New Vegas’ DLC packs will overload the game causing tremendous lag. A possible workaround is to download them one or two at a time then uninstalling them. Any unique items procured will be lost and the level cap will be restored to it’s previous setting making it impossible to reach level 50 (each add-on raises the cap by 5). After receiving the message that some content may not be usable from this save file, save again to confirm the loss of data due to uninstalling a particular pack. Re-install it to raise the level cap again. A time consuming process, but it will allow you to reach a much higher level while maximizing performance.
DLC #1: DEAD MONEY
The first of New Vegas’ DLC is Dead Money, a surprisingly challenging side-story taking place at the fabled Sierra Madre Casino. Dead Money introduces three new companions, a new and resilient enemy type that will revive if a body part is not destroyed, and some unique items and gear such as the Sierra Madre security armor. The environment is the biggest danger in Dead Money with toxic clouds that quickly drain health and a slave collar fastened to you from the outset which will cause your head to explode when in proximity to certain devices. All gear is also removed from you making this even more difficult. Like all DLC packs, Dead Money raises the level cap by five levels as long as it is installed.
DLC #2: HONEST HEARTS
Honest Hearts is the second of New Vegas’ add-on packs and is much more expansive than Dead Money with it’s own moderately-sized map with plenty of locations to explore freely. You are also free to return to Zion (an area somewhere in what used to be Utah) anytime unlike Dead Money’s Sierra Madre. Zion is home to various Native American tribes. Some friendlier than others. It is also the only place that exhibits dynamic weather conditions in Fallout New Vegas. Honest Hearts allows you to bring 100 WGT of your own gear into Zion and is therefore a bit more forgiving than Dead Money (and easier overall.)
DLC #3: OLD WORLD BLUES
You might ask yourself, where was area 51 in New Vegas’ Mojave Wastland? That’s where Old World Blues comes in. Located inside of a gigantic crater, The Big MT (Big Empty) is an old world technological research station inhabited by robo-scorpions, crazed lobotomized (and sometimes reanimated) test subjects, and a group of eccentric mechanized brains called The Think Tank. Old World Blues is much less serious and more comical with some hilarious dialogue. Some of the characters even exhibit self-aware dialogue such as stating there is an invisible wall preventing you from leaving the confines of the map, not to mention there’s an evil talking toaster bent on destruction. Speaking of the map, it’s the largest of any DLC and you may enter it fully equipped. The new unique gear found in The Big MT is hysterical as well with a talking experimental suit and a gun containing a dog’s brain that makes woofing/whimpering noises. With freedom to return to The Big MT anytime, great unique gear/perks, and a healthy dose of humor, Old World Blues is arguably the best of all the New Vegas dlc packs.
DLC #4: LONESOME ROAD
The last and most difficult add-on pack is Lonesome Road. Lonesome Road takes place in The Divide, an area seemingly hit hardest by war and nuclear fallout. The Divide is cloudy, desolate, and depressing. Powerfully damaging satchel charges and plasma mines are deviously placed, deathclaws are in abundance (even a unique and deadly deathclaw master), and particularly difficult enemies which have adapted to the surrounding radiation and quickly regenerate lost health. Some new items include a powerful rocket launcher called “red glare” and a laser detonator used in disposing of dormant nuclear warheads scattered throughout The Divide as a sort of easter egg hunt. Lonesome Road is by far the most challenging add-on and is only recommended for the experienced player with optimal gear and a very high level.
All four add-on packs are available from the PlayStation Store for $9.99 each and are included in the Fallout New Vegas Ultimate Edition.
Discuss This Review: Click Here