The combat takes some getting used to, but once you understand how it works, and learn to compliment your fighting (melee or ranged) with mutations and abilities, it can get really deep and enjoyable. While the game is played in a 3rd person perspective by default, you can play the entire thing in first person mode, or choose a combination of the two. The game even has a setting to switch to FPS mode whenever you go into aim mode (the mode through which all combat is done).

The developers are quick to fix problems that come up with the game and seem to put out a steady stream of enhancements and updates – recently they hosted a “Days of the Dead” event that put new content into the game with new missions and prizes for participating players. They also gave out thousands of 15-day trial keys.

Lastly, the tutorial has been expanded so that when you finish with the initial scripted one in Hoover Dam you can participate in a secondary tutorial in whichever town you land in. This one expands on what you learned in the first tutorial and introduces new components of the game that are not very easy to pick up for first-time players. It’s especially helpful for those like myself who’ve never played an mmo before.

Some people compare this game to so-called “AAA” games and call into question whether it is worth the price being asked for it – I approach this topic from the viewpoint that if it gives me plenty of enjoyable gameplay then it’s worth it. If you like role-playing games or mmos but would like a dash of first-person perspective thrown in, and really dig the post-apocalyptic theme/genre, then you should do yourself a favor and check this one out. If some or all of that doesn’t fit for you, then perhaps give the free trial a spin.