Fallout 3 Broken Steel DLC Reviews

Ready for another massive landslide of reviews for Fallout 3's Broken Steel add-on? We thought so.

The first is at WorthPlaying with a score of 8.0/10:
Even without a dedicated cinematic at the end, Fallout 3: Broken Steel leaves the bunker blast door open for players to continue their travels for as long as they want to. With solid quests adding flavor to the endgame and with new ways in which to scratch your itchy trigger finger while Perking out your Monty Haul avatar, fans who haven't gotten their fill of Rad Away, Nuka-Cola, and Fancy Lads Snack Cakes may find that this add-on might be as good a reason as any to head back into the wastes.

The second is at Thunderbolt with a score of 8/10:
It's just a shame that everyone will have to pay for this level cap, especially since PlayStation 3 owners won't even see this DLC unless Bethesda change their minds. However, those with the ability to shell out will find a long and difficult new batch of quests - including a few side quests - as well as a way to get a hold of some cool new perks, weapons, armour and of course, achievements. Put simply, Broken Steel is the most complete piece of DLC for Fallout 3 so far, and the one most worth purchasing. Even after you've finished the extended campaign there's plenty to go back to with the new level cap, including a way for all you dog lovers to bring Dogmeat back from the dead - Awww.

The third is at GDN with a score of 7.0/10:
The only real problem is just how poorly laid out of the new quests are. You'll hit problems almost immediately; your companion may disappear after the ending (and if it was Star Paladin Cross, she glitches up; you need to fire her, then re-hire her to get her to properly follow you again). Worse, it's often very confusing as to where you need to go to reach a quest's location... and there are a few occasions where there can seem to be no solution to the challenges presented to you, if you didn't build your character right. I admit it: I had to ask some fellow players for help on occasion, and when they provided the solution I didn't say (Oh! Okay!), I said (...What kind of sense does that even make!?) Combined with some confusing stage design, it's easy to get sidetracked. The estimate of things taking five hours is accurate if you don't get lost and confused; I did, and ended up needing about eight hours to finish Broken Steel's quests as a result.

The fourth is at Talking About Games with a score of "A-":
The two previous content packs were a debatable purchase, each offering something unique to the game atmosphere while playing out in a physically remote location. Broken Steel plays as much more of a traditional add-on and consequently benefits from all the strengths of the original game. Sure, there are some problems with bugs for now, but most of that damage was contained at release day. What's left is one of the very few absolutely-must-own DLC packs available for any game. If you don't pick this up for the story and how perfectly it fits into the world, then pick it up for the added weapons, levels and perks. This pack is something all Fallout 3 players should buy.

The fifth is at Xbox 360 Achievements with a score of 10/10:
Providing players the broadest DLC quest line yet, new weapons, new enemies, and ten more levels to gain, Broken Steel is worth every penny you'll pay to download it, and is recommend for both newcomers to Fallout 3 and veterans alike. Broken Steel's additions to the game will continue to be felt and enjoyed long after the 4-5 hour storyline is complete. Wastelanders, get out there and crush the Enclave!

The sixth is at Blast Magazine with a score of 9/10:
That said, Broken Steel was probably my favorite of the three released DLCs for Fallout 3. None of the other releases even came close to the depth and intensity of Broken Steel's quests. Also, Broken Steel had many more interesting weapons and armor than its sister DLCs. Along with the extended level-cap and bug-free functionality, Broken Steel is far and beyond the best $10 investment a Fallout 3 player can make.

The seventh is at VG Chartz with a score of 8.1/10:
Overall, Broken Steel is a quality experience that demonstrates how DLC can be done right. Some will argue that some of the extras that Broken Steel brings should've been in the main game all along, or released as a free patch, but the fact remains that an increased level cap and a new ending that allows you to freely roam after you've completed it adds value to this package, while detracting from the value of the main game. On top of the extras, Broken Steel has a strong balance of depth of content and enjoyable gameplay that easily surpasses that found in previous Fallout 3 DLC experiences, though a weak narrative and further technical issues continue to hold it back. Given these facts, Broken Steel is not a clear must-buy for everyone, but it is the first Fallout 3 DLC that I can safely recommend as being worth your $10.

The eighth is at GamePro with no score:
Despite not being as creative or purpose driven as previous offerings, Broken Steel is a must buy. Its natural transition from Fallout 3's original conclusion and its open-ended nature are just what fans wanted.

The ninth is at Pixel Verdict with no score:
At this point, with all the new quests finished, all that's left to do is roam the furthest reaches of the Wasteland killing Deathclaws and Super Mutant Overlords with my trusty sidekicks Fawkes and Dogmeat until I reach level 30. After that, hopefully the first two add-ons will come down in price (I bypassed those while waiting for the level cap to lift). Or, maybe I'll play through the game again as an evil woman taking her daddy-abandonment issues out on what's left of humanity. that's the beauty Fallout - it never plays the same way twice.

The tenth is at The Escapist with a score of "Buy It":
Broken Steel is for anyone who liked the original game content, and who was more then a little annoyed with the ending, its well worth the money they're asking for and it's a hell of a lot better then The Pitt.

And the eleventh is at Game Focus with a score of 9.5/10:
Bottom Line is that there is much to explore, must to experience and much to disintegrate in the game and this is why the final score is so high for the expansion. It's the best DLC we have seen in a long time for any content on any platform for any game.