It places a lot of emphasis on slow dialogue and other time-consuming activities. Overall, the early game has a painfully slow pace. The VATS system, on the other hand, requires Action Points, so combat is necessarily fast-paced and hectic most of the time. It’s an odd mix.

I’m a shooter fan, so I wouldn’t mind the pace of combat at all if not for the very limited ammo. I ran out of ammo for my hunting rifle and assault rifle quickly, forcing me to rely on 10mm pistol and melee. The Rock-It Launcher would be fun if encumbrance didn’t prevent me from carrying much ammo. Strength seems to be a necessity for all characters, just to delay encumbrance.

It’s a cool game, and I expect it will get better. But so far, it seems slower and more hardcore than Oblivion.

Honestly I missed most of the console games this year due to Warhammer Online. I did play Fable 2, and while it was a great game, I can’t say that it blew my mind or anything, especially since the coplay didn’t pan out. The others to top my list this year were Blue Dragon and Infinite Undiscovery. Honestly, they were both great RPGs, but nothing earth shattering there either. I have Fallout 3 but I haven’t even put it into the 360 yet, so I hope it lives up to your GotY award!

Now, time to write that Warhammer Wrapup I’ve been dilly dallying around with for too long.
-cfalzone

My favorite part so far has to be using the Victory Rifle on a Super Mutant, while he was running across a catwalk. I got a Critical Hit, knocked him over and watched him fall about 3 stories in V.A.T.S.