Fallout 3’s highly anticipated Broken Steel DLC came out last week, giving me the best reason yet to make a triumphant return to the Capital Wasteland. It’s the third downloadable add-on for Fallout 3, after Operation: Anchorage and The Pitt. The main differences with this content, and it’s biggest selling points, are the removal of Fallout 3’s finite ending (which has been judged harshly in the court of public opinion) and the extension of the level cap from 20 to 30. Other additions include new weapons and gear, tougher enemies and new quest-related locales to explore.
Obviously, the increased level cap is huge incentive to buy the add-on, but one new weapon in particular is worth the 800 points (10 bucks) on it’s own: the Tesla Cannon. Not to be confused with Tesla’s canon, which includes such notable hits as “Signs,” “Love Song” and “What You Give,” it’s an energy-based heavy weapon that works best against mechanical enemies. Obliterating a low-flying, previously untouchable Enclave Vertibird with a blast from the Tesla Cannon makes for an extremely satisfying fireworks display. Maybe a little too easy to pull off, but still loads of fun.
