I actually pre-ordered this book, which I have never done with a game guide before. The deal was ‘get 20% the guide if you present your reciept’. I wasn’t disappointed. The Fallout 3 Collector’s Edition comes in hard cover format, rather than just soft paper copy like the standard version. Smack bang on the front is our favourite cartoon man the Pip Boy.

Noob moment: Initially I thought I had received a dodgy version because the book looked all beaten up. On closer inspection I just discovered that it was the design of the book and marks where just shades in the graphics.

What you will find inside this book

The Map

An A2 print out of the World Map with smaller, detailed maps of points of interest like towns. Includes markers of towns and load points.

Chapter 1: Training

A quick out line of the leveling system for those new to the Fallout games (a method originally base on the pen and pad game GURPS). It also includes updates for Fallout veterans like the new shooting mode.

Chapter 2: Factions and Bestiary

Get the low down on the different groups in Fallout 3 like the Slaver’s Guild, The Brotherhood of Steal and The Enclave.

Chapter 3: Main Quest

Step-by-step walkthrough of the main quest including tips and hints for things that you may have missed (weapons, objects, mini quests).

Chapter 4: Miscellaneous Quests

A complete list of all the mini-quests as well as step-by-step walkthroughs and tips.

Chapter 5: Tour of the Capital Wasteland

This is the biggest chapter, nearly taking up one half of the book. It includes EVERY SINGLE location, hidden or obvious as well as what special items you can find there. This is what give the book it’s value and is the only way to really see just how much content and love was poured into this game.

Chapter 6: Ending It All

Detailed information on how to customize the ending cinematic of the game by what actions you take while playing. A great read as it saves you playing through the game a dozen times to find all the options.

Chapter 7: Appendices

Everything else such as the location of all Bobbleheads, Skill Books, Unique Weapons, Custom Weapons and other fun stuff.

What I think and rating explanation

I was pretty damn happy with this book. I still enjoy opening it up and reading about some obscure point in the wasteland that I never got around to visiting. The book is also well written and well laid out. It does offer more than what can be found on the internet and has the advantage of being compiled in one spot. If you are a Fallout 3 fan I recommend buying the Fallout 3 Game Guide. If you are undecided, check out this FREE 13 page preview of the book.

I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars so that game guide makers will keep working hard to make their game guides better and better.

Credits:

Written by: David Hodgson

Published by: Prima Games

Game by: Bethesda Game Studios

Buy the Official Game Guide on Amazon for around $20 for the standard edition:

Fallout 3 GOTY Collector’s Edition

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