Fallout 3: Broken Steel

As an unabashed fan of the first two episodes of Fallout 3 downloadable content, I have to admit I was almost salivating when the release date for Broken Steel was announced. Bethesda could crank out new DLC every month and I'd be happy to fork over my ten clams each time, and after my first two experiences why wouldn't I?

Operation: Anchorage was short and sweet, but also a nice, creative diversion from the harshness of the Capital Wastelands. In The Pitt I could be the hero (or dark overlord) of another society. A city and an infant's fate lay in my hands, powerful stuff.

So imagine my disappointment as I'm playing through Broken Steel, having been transformed from being the most badass smoothskin ever into an errand boy for the Brotherhood of Steel, quite a step down. Eventually I remembered why I was playing this third batch of DLC — its not about the missions, its for the cap increase and to have a chance to keep on playing more Fallout 3.

Broken Steel picks up right where the original ending of Fallout 3 left off, but instead of dying or riding off into the sunset, you wake up 2 weeks later in the Citadel. Elder Lyons is there to greet you, hoping that you will take up the cause of the Brotherhood and help him eradicate the Enclave once and for all.

Your new quest consists of three main missions and a number of short side missions. Initially gamers will find these to be derivative and dull. Retrieving data from a satellite relay and picking up coils will not be a challenge. Things don't get interesting until you reach Adams Air Force Base, where enemies are tougher (Enclave Hellfire Troopers are nasty), more numerous, and you're finally given a purpose for your actions, along with some interesting choices to make.

Only when its missions are over will you truly appreciate Broken Steel. When buying this third batch of downloadable content you're not paying for the honour of being a knight of the Brotherhood of Steel, you're paying to stay in the Capital Wasteland for as long as you please. That's not to say gamers won't get some well-deserved swag for their trouble. The cap limit has finally been lifted, new weapons are powerful (particularly the Tesla Cannon and Slo-Burn Flamer) and a great addition to your arsenal, the new perks offer something for everyone, and the side missions will keep you occupied while you level up to 30. Best of all, you can now do whatever you want, the game can go on forever if you so choose.