GAME GUIDE: Playing Fallout New Vegas on very hard difficulty in Hardcore mode

Read Fallout New Vegas Game Guide part 1 here

Fallout New Vegas Game Guide: weapons

There is a great arsenal of weaponry available in Fallout New Vegas. However, it isn’t wise to carry more than just a few weapons at a time. I generally prefer handguns and rifles over heavy artillery and generally keep one handgun, one shotgun, a rifle and an assault rifle or machine gun at my disposal.

It is important to learn what ammo you need for each weapon and to carry enough of it. If you have collected other ammo that doesn’t fit your guns, break these down at a reloading bench and try and create more of the ammo you need for your favourite gun. If you’ve chosen lead over energy weapons, microfusion cells are still useful for collecting and selling later.

Fallout New Vegas Game Guide: Crafting items and weapons

This is one of the best aspects of Fallout New Vegas. There is a plethora of items that you can make from wasteland junk – some of which are essential for survival.

Once your medicine level reaches 40 you can start making healing items; when your explosives skill reaches 50 you can start making time bombs; and when you science and survival skills pass the 50 mark you can start creating all sorts of chems and goodies at a campfire.

Learn what ingredients you need to craft each item you think might be useful and store these until your skills are at the right levels. Stash them in a safe or footlocker or get a trusty companion to carry them for you.

Making money in Fallout New Vegas

Fallout New Vegas gives you the chance to make it big and spend it all on guns, armour, enhancements and more gambling. What’s great is that there is always something to blow your caps on, unlike Fallout 3 where you often ended up sitting on a pile of bottle caps.

The casinos are where you can strike it big playing blackjack and roulette, but there is a game that can be played fairly early on to make some extra dough. The game’s called Caravan, which does take a little getting used to but can be a lot of fun. You will need a minimum of 30 cards before you can play and you will need to seek out merchants who know how to fold em.

Fallout New Vegas Game Guide: Combat tips

Everyone will have their own combat style, but if you’re playing as a gun nut with a high explosives skill, I would recommend the following.

Keep an eye on your compass for red markers as you explore the wasteland. Once spotted, sneak up as close as you can to assess the situation and see what you’re up against. Determine which direction the enemy will come charging when spotted and place a mine or two in this spot. Take some drugs (preferably jet and psycho), crouch down and go for a critical hit.

Let’s assume that the creature is the fiercest of them all – namely a Deathclaw. Funnel the creature to where your explosives are placed and throw a grenade or stick of dynamite just before said Deathclaw steps on your explosives. Boom! You want to try and cripple the enemy before they can get close.

If still alive continue to pump the creature with lead. Use you VATS to assess which areas are in critical condition and take it out! Be warned that playing Fallout New Vegas on very hard difficulty and in hardcore mode can be really tough early on. But give it a bash by playing strategically and the the rewards and good times will follow.

• Fallout New Vegas Game Guide part 1: S.P.E.C.I.A.L: General stats and perks, skill points, leveling up and finding a home

25 best Fallout New Vegas game mods

Please feel free to add any game tips or suggestions you may have!

PC GAMES: A quick look at some good game titles this Christmas

IT is the most exciting time of year for retailers and children alike as we are bombarded by adverts from all directions and the kiddy winkles are putting their finishing touches to their Christmas wish lists.

If your children are as demanding as most they’ll probably be nagging for the latest and greatest gadgetry goods this year. I imagine it must be tough having to explain what a recession is to a young child and argue that Apple iPads and Xboxes just aren’t in Santa’s budget this year.

But, if you already have a workable PC installed at home, games as gifts are the perfect solution to making everyone happy this Christmas. PC games are not frightfully expensive these days and I can assure you from experience that there is nothing more exciting than being given a new game to play for Christmas.

I have compiled a list of a few great PC games that cover several genres and are suitable for a variety of ages. It is also useful to know that most PC games today are not gender-specific. What may have once been considered as boys’ games are now being played considerably by the growing number of girl gamers.

Civilization V (ages 16+): R360 (PC)

Sid Meier’s award-winning Civilization series is a treat to the mind that will appeal to strategy gamers who enjoy turn-based games. Civilization takes one back to the beginnings of time where you can play as one of the great leaders from history. Discover new technologies and lands, build great wonders, forge alliances and sign treaties as you lead your people through time.

Civilization is a challenging game that promises hours of unique gaming. The previous release (Civilization IV) is now available for only R66 and includes three expansion packs.

Fallout New Vegas (R18): R350 (PC)

In a post-apocalyptic world set in the not too distant future, you are one of several survivors who were preserved in underground vaults. After humanity emerges from living underground for generations, they have already begun to form tribes and allegiances. Conflict is inevitable as different tribes compete for clean water and survival, but one city has mysteriously been preserved from complete destruction. That city is New Vegas.

Stunning visuals and complete immersiveness make this game a personal favourite of mine. Outcomes differ depending on how you play the game and engage with its moral choice system. Just a warning: Fallout does have a gambling component and suggestions of prostitution — hence the age restriction.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (ages 16+):

The Elder Scrolls places the player in the fantasy realm of Cyrodil — set in the Middle Ages. Made by the same company as Fallout 3, this game is equally stunning and immersive. Players are given endless quests which may see you fighting in the arena or battling mythical creatures with both magic and steel.

The Elder Scrolls is a great example of a sandbox game, whereby the player can literally venture where he or she pleases until the edge of the map. Like Fallout 3, it also features a weather system­, whereby players will experience rain, snow or shine and changes between day and night.

The game is not excessively violent or naughty, but perhaps a little complex for younger players.

Zoo Tycoon 2 (ages 3+): R309 (PC)

From Railroad Tycoon to Zoo Tycoon — these games are great educational simulators. Players will learn the fundamentals of zoo upkeep and design in a fun and visually stimulating way. Zoo Tycoon is available with four expansion packs, namely the Zookeeper collection, the Marine Mania collection, Endangered Species and the Extinct Animals expansion pack.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (ages 12+): R303 (PC)

If your offspring are into fast cars and adrenaline rushes (i.e. racing games) you need look no further than the Need for Speed series. Hot Pursuit is one of the more popular releases that will make car fans drool at the well-rendered graphics and sporty cars they get to drive.

Fifa 2011 (ages 3+): R308 (PC)

The ever successful Fifa series is back with Fifa 2011 released this year. Football games are a lot of fun with a lot of effort put into their design. Players look like the real deal, stadia are modelled­ accurately and the roar and buzz of the fans creates a high-energy atmosphere.

Fifa 2010 is a good choice considering that the World Cup was hosted by our country this year. Unfortunately this release is currently out of stock; but if it becomes available again before Christmas it is selling for just R129.

GAMES BARGAIN BIN:

(these are games I haven’t personally played, but have certainly heard of. Suitable for all ages):

• Ultimate Monster Trucks         R14
• Football Manager 2007           R14
• Winter Games                            R14
• Puzzle Quest                             R90
• Zoo Tycoon (stand alone)        R66

NOTE: All PC games mentioned here are available at www.take2.co.za which is also offering free shipping this festive season on all orders over R350. Games may be available in stores or on other shopping websites, yet prices may differ.

Happy gaming and Merry Christmas!

** More Online Shopping ideas and Articles **

TED TALK: Tom Chatfield chats about the benefits of gaming

I'VE always believed that games can be highly beneficial in many ways. I remember always trying to justify why I played games so much to my folks at a tender, young age. Apart from improving basic hand-eye co-ordination, I argued that I was learning a great deal about history.

Sid Meier’s Civilization was my main ammunition for this argument, but even World War games with real historic footage and snippets of factual information made learning an incredibly engaging and fun process. There is even the chance that gaming could make you a braver person in the real world.

Tom Chatfield gave a TED Talk this year about the benefits that games can have on the way the brain learns new information and responds to stimuli in both the virtual and real worlds. He suggests how universities and business can learn from gaming by applying some simple techniques.

The video takes a few minutes to get into the juicy bits, but it really is interesting stuff and well worth a watch. Enjoy!

Tom Chatfield: 7 ways games reward the brain

About this talk
We're bringing gameplay into more aspects of our lives, spending countless hours -- and real money -- exploring virtual worlds for imaginary treasures. Why? As Tom Chatfield shows, games are perfectly tuned to dole out rewards that engage the brain and keep us questing for more.

About Tom Chatfield
Tom Chatfield thinks about games -- what we want from them, what we get from them, and how we might use our hard-wired desire for a gamer's reward to change the way we learn.

About TED
TED is a small nonprofit devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading". It started out in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds of Technology, Entertainment and Design.

That's www.ted.com

** More Gaming Articles **

FABLE 3: Featuring the vocal delights of Stephen Fry, John Cleese, Simon Pegg and Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley

IT takes a village, so goes the popular adage, and never has this been truer than in Fable 3. As you embark on your own revolution to seize the throne from an evil tyrant you’ll be flanked by a supporting cast that features some of the most renowned talent from Hollywood, with film accomplishments that include Monty Python, Star Trek, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Alice in Wonderland, and the upcoming X-Men: First Class.

The latest installment to the popular “Inside Lionhead” video documentary series features the talented Hollywood cast, including Sir Ben Kingsley, Michael Fassbender, Simon Pegg and more, as they reflect back on their experiences working on Fable 3. From topics such as Kingsley's picking up a Welsh accent to how Michael Fassbender prepared to take on a villain’s role in his first video game voiceover project, watch what happens when the Hollywood cast applies their craft to Fable 3 - thought to be this October’s most anticipated title.

"The Fable franchise has always been recognised for its unique take on drama, morality, and of course, humor,” said Yvette van Rooyen, Xbox Product and Marketing Manager in South Africa. “We’re taking this to the limits in Fable 3 by bringing on a Hollywood cast that includes Sir Ben Kingsley, John Cleese and Simon Pegg, who truly understand what it takes to bring characters to life in complex ways and add new dimensions of blockbuster entertainment."

“This is my first experience voicing a video game, so what drew me to it was the team, how committed they are, how well organised everything is and how beautiful the game is,” said Sr Ben Kingsley in the video documentary. “One of the things that’s missing from a lot of video games is good writing and good voice work. I think this one has a wonderful mythology and it’s witty and it’s engrossing,” added Simon Pegg in the video documentary.

Interact with these critically acclaimed Hollywood actors in Fable 3 like never before. Talk politics with Sir Ben Kingsley, dish over the latest fashions with John Cleese or stir up trouble with Simon Pegg, all while plotting to bring the tyrannical King Logan – voiced by Michael Fassbender – to his knees. The Fable 3 voice-cast brings together some of the world’s most talented actors from all genres of the big screen, Hollywood, silver screen and theater, including:

Fable 3's Hollywood cast:

• Bernard Hill as Sir Walter Beck, your faithful mentor
• John Cleese as your trusty butler and confidant, Jasper
• Nicholas Hoult as the potential male love interest, Elliot
• Sir Ben Kingsley as the leader of the mountain dwellers, Sabine
• Naomie Harris as Page, the leader of the rebels who reside in Bowerstone
• Simon Pegg as attention-seeking soldier Benn Finn who is looking for action
• Stephen Fry as Reaver - a narcissistic marksman blessed with eternal youth
• Michael Fassbender as the evil King Logan whom your Fable 3 hero will lead a revolution against
• Zoë Wannamaker returns as Theresa. She was last seen taking over the Spire in Fable 2, but who knows what her real motivation is?

Fable 3 sets the stage for an unparalleled action-adventure experience, in which you will be called upon to lead a rebellion against your brother, the tyrant king Logan, and rise up as the new ruler of Albion. Take part in all the action, drama and humor as you’re propelled into a rich and engaging story, featuring a unique cast of characters around you.

• Fable 3 will be available in a Standard Edition R699 and Limited Collector’s Edition R799 for Xbox 360, and is available now for pre-order at participating retailers. Fable 3 launches in South Africa on 29th October 2010.

** More Gaming Articles **

PC GAMING: A look back at some of the best games of 2009

2009 was a great year in gaming. Titles such as Assassin’s Creed, Wolfenstein and Fallout 3 are quite simply some of the best games ever developed. Period.

So if you’re still struggling to keep up with the new 2010 game releases, then why not catch up by playing the following, highly recommended 2009 releases (which are also a lot cheaper now than when they were first released):

• Fallout 3 - R271 (for Xbox 360)
• Wolfenstein - R182
• Call of Duty 5 - R182
• Resident Evil 5 - R276
• Assassin’s Creed - R86 !
• Note: Prices subject to change

Best Games: Fallout 3

Based on the idea of a post-apocalyptic world in the near future, Fallout 3 is without a doubt the best game I have ever played to date. The game not only has a riveting storyline and an amazing graphics engine, but also has the most sublime explosions you will see in any game. Being able to create custom-made weapons from Wasteland junk and choose from a library of unique perks whenever your character levels up, are just a few pleasures that make this game a must-have.

Best Games: Wolfenstein

You are super-spy BJ Blaskowitz and your job is to single-handedly put a stop to those naughty Nazis and end WWII. The earlier versions of Wolfenstein still fill me with nostalgia and give me a tingly feeling in my fingertips. The latest Wolfenstein is a treat to the eyes and is one of the most intense war games in my collection. The game has a real solid feel and explosive effects, and being able to move in and out of the veil is certainly a unique gaming element. There is a great selection of upgradable weapons and is awesome if you're a fan of the rifle. Capping Nazis has never been this fun!

Best Games: Call of Duty 5 - World at War

Granted that this game was released at the end of 2008, it is certainly in the same league as 2009 war games. It is fast-paced and intense, and in my opinion the best Call of Duty title released. This is one of those titles that gamers can play time and time again whenever the urge to kill kicks in. My only gripe is that Captain Price is off the scene (I understand that he was busy auditioning for a place in Modern Warfare 2). Nonetheless, the American and Russian campaigns are a blast.

Best Games: Resident Evil 5

I was never a fan of the third-person Resident Evil games until I played this one. The Direct X 10 version of the game is both spectacular and intense. Even on normal difficulty, Resident Evil 5 is a desperate challenge to find ammo and cap zombies. Having a hot sidekick follow you around is a very welcomed element and she is far more than just a well-rendered face. Resident Evil 5 is also by far one of the longest games I’ve ever played (perhaps too long), but no doubt it will keep you entertained for months. Keep clean underwear nearby.

Best Games: Assassin’s Creed

Being a huge fan of Assassin’s Creed, I bought the second installment this year and was rather disappointed. Although ’Screed 2 is far better looking than its predecessor and offers a few more gaming elements, it still does not match up to the story and immersiveness of the first game in my opinion. Nonetheless the Renaissance environment in which you play is rather appealing. The controls for 'Screed are by far the easiest to learn and nothing beats leaping off a clock tower into a bundle of hay. Bundles of fun!

All of the games above are available at Take 2 for reasonable prices. If the prices have not yet come down, it may be a good idea to simply add them to your wish list. Take 2 will then notify you when the prices drop.

Happy gaming!

Related Post: Fallout 3 Tweaks & Tips

Links:

• Metacritic's Best Games of 2009
• Gamespot's Best Games of 2009
  

** More Gadget & Tech Reviews **

GAMING: Tweaks and mod ideas for making Fallout 3 even better

FALLOUT 3 is quite possibly the best game ever made. It won Game Of The Year in 2009 and five riveting mods or add-on packs have been released to date. I confidently believe that Fallout 3 is an ever-evolving game genre and I wanted to propose a few additional tweaks or mod ideas to make the game even better.

Fallout 3 tweaks: Pilot lights

You know those pilot lights you pick up, usually from stoves? Well why not be able to attach these to your weapons using tape or wonderglue? That pip-boy light just doesn’t cut it. Attachable pilot-gun lights could break and dim-out after a while too. Imagine being able to shine a light on ghouls hiding in dark corners - it would be light a scene from I Am Legend.

Fallout 3 tweaks: Instant VATS

VATS is a great feature of Fallout 3 but it becomes tedious having to target a creature and then select which body parts you wish to load with lead every time. I’m sure most gamers use VATS the same way I do – i.e. aim for the parts with the best chance to hit.

What would be great is to have an “instant VATS” hotkey that automatically fuels all your Agility Points (AP) towards to most vulnerable body part. One could customise this by being able to select a body part that you would want your instant VATS to target each time (e.g. right leg).

Fallout 3 tweaks: Jamming Guns

I know that this is something specific to games like Far Cry 2, but the whole gun jamming thing is really effective for first person shooters, especially when there’s dodgy equipment at your disposal. Fallout 3 would be perfect for incorporating something similar considering that your guns get damaged after extensive use. Having your shotgun jam while trying to take out a Yao Guai would really add to the intensity of the game.

Fallout 3 tweaks: Melee throwing weapons

After starting the game over for the third time I played on the most difficult setting and thought my best strategy would be to play as a melee hero (as ammo on this setting is in short supply). I thought there were plenty of melee weapons to wield but I kept finding myself wanting to throw them at my enemies.

Being able to throw melee weapons (and even rocks) at a raider’s face would add to whole idea of survival of the fittest in a barren wasteland.

Fallout 3 tweaks: Ability to delete notes

The notes system is a great way to make quests really rich and involved. However, once quests are completed, one doesn’t really care anymore what happened to the Keller family. Notes just continue to pile up and it’s easy to lose track of which ones are still important or relevant. An option to delete (drop) completed quests/notes would be really useful and would make the Wasteland a better place.

Fallout 3 tweaks: More for your caps

It is easy to become the wealthiest survivor in the wasteland, but with only on shack available to pimp out in Megaton (which you get for free anyway) there really isn’t much else to blow your caps on. More housing options would be a good start, but it would also be great to be able to either invest caps in things (besides merchants) or even be able to pays techies to upgrade your equipment and armour.

Well that my six cents worth of ideas. If anyone has any connections at Bethesda Studios please do pass these on. Or, if you are a mod-maker, perhaps you could use these ideas to make much sought-after Fallout 3 mods. Or you could just provide your own ideas below, and if there are enough of them, who knows? They could make Fallout 3 even better yet!

If you are a fan of Oblivion, Fallout 3 takes things beyond the next level. It is certainly one great game to own if you don’t already.

Related posts:

• Fallout New Vegas Game Guide
• Fallout New Vegas Game Guide II
• Fallout New Vegas Bobblehead Locations