Typically when something is given a name like “The Pitt”, it’s a place to be avoided. If the words don’t instantly make you think of underarm deodorant, it might conjure up images of a hostile basketball arena or a hidden torture chamber only accessible by finding a secret knot on a tree.
But when it comes to Fallout 3’s “The Pitt”, the two-word phrase carries a different meaning. It means more time in the addictive, kooky world created by Bethesda.
Fallout 3’s latest DLC starts out just like the first. After your new content has been loaded, gamers will hear a distress signal directing them to a radio tower located at the northern most point of the Capital Wasteland. There you’ll meet Wernher, a slave from the city formerly known as Pittsburgh. Wernher and other slaves are living under the thumb of a well-organized group of raiders, led by a man named Ashur. Your new friend is looking for a strong ally to infiltrate the leadership group in “The Pitt”, he needs you to steal the cure for the mutations that are plaguing the city and turning people into dangerous, Gollum-on-steroids looking creatures called Trogs. Wernher believes Ashur is keeping the cure for his own selfish purposes, but if he could get his hands on it, his people would be free.
Gamers are in for a much richer experience with The Pitt than they had with the first batch of Fallout 3 DLC. While Operation:Anchorage was strictly linear, The Pitt’s world is considerable larger, with more characters, side quests and areas to explore. Since The Pitt is set in the same period as Fallout 3’s main story, it also feels more familiar than Operation: Anchorage. Its different, yet similar (think of the Capital Wasteland sprinkled with heavy amounts of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome minus the pig manure and you’ll get what I mean).
The Pitt’s best feature is its choose-your-own-adventure style ending. I’m not going to ruin it for you, but your mission isn’t exactly what it appears to be. You’ll be given a chance to choose how your time in mutation filled Pittsburgh concludes. The type of person you are will decide which side, slaves or raiders, you believe in more and what you’re willing to do, or not do, for that belief.
While The Pitt is a great place to visit, this second batch of Fallout 3 DLC does have some weak spots. There is still no level progression past 20, the two new weapons (the chainsaw-esque Auto-Axe and Infiltrator sniper rifle) aren’t anything special, and the much talked about Trogs aren’t intimidating at all. And for gamers unsatisfied with Operation: Anchorage’s brevity, you’ll get no reprieve with The Pitt. It can be completed in about 4-5 hours.
Flaws aside, The Pitt is still an enjoyable experience. This more story driven DLC is an enjoyable diversion from the main Fallout 3 plot. And unlike Operation: Anchorage, when you’ve completed your mission your time in The Pitt isn’t over. You can visit your new friends any time you want and make trades for ammo and caps, extending the life (and value) of this latest downloadable content.
Pros: Great storyline, interesting new characters, you can revisit The Pitt any time you like
Cons: A bit on the short side, still no level progression past 20
Fun Factor: 4.5
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