Fallout 3 mixes real-time action with turn-based tactics for a unique combat system. Exploring the world from either the first- or third-person perspectives, you're able to engage enemies in real-time using a variety of weapons--both melee and projectile. The V.A.T.S. mechanic, however, pauses the action to let you spend action points targeting specific parts of an enemy's body. Hit a button and the game pauses to show you hit percentages for each part, even letting you target multiple enemies. The range at which you can target, as well as the number of actions you can take depends on how many action points you have. Over time they replenish, but without any you're unable to take any actions within V.A.T.S. It's a brilliant system, largely because it's entirely optional. You're never forced into using it, even though it's highly advantageous in tough battles for targeting specific enemies and executing multiple attacks in quicker succession than possible in real-time. You could conceivably work through the entire game without every using it.

Whatever way you end up playing, you're going to find yourself immersed in an incredibly vivid, dynamic world. We still haven’t had ample time to really sink our teeth into it and put it through its paces so we’re still uncertain about the inner workings and if all of the gameplay screws will be tight – it’s the details that will make or break this game – and the (sometimes frighteningly) rabid fan base is watching. But based on what we saw at E3 combined with this latest showing there is no question that Fallout 3 is one of the most anticipated titles of the year.

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