After a long, hard week at work, there's nary a better way to unwind than with a good video game. Paired with a refreshing beverage, some snacks, and maybe even some friends, video games make the perfect form of escapism that we all need from these trying times. When the economy, unjust propositions, and generally tumultuous political climates get you down, why not remind yourself that things really aren't that bad yet? After a bit of intensive research, I can qualitatively say that the best game to keep morale going would have to be Fallout 3.
As a series that has only become more plausible over the years, Fallout 3 is a game that couldn't come out at a better time. Set some 200 years into the future, the Fallout series has been giving us a taste of nuclear ramifications since its PC debut back in 1997. Fallout 3 carries in its predecessors epic footsteps by giving you a massive (and apocalyptic) open world to roam around in and experience firsthand. As a young inhabitant of a fallout shelter, you must set off on a grand adventure to find your father, whose disappearance looks to have something to do with the Enclave; the elitist and genocidal remnant of what used to be the United States Government. Regardless of its somewhat ironic premise, Fallout 3 has garnered rave reviews from publications worldwide thanks to its customizable, open-ended, and deep gameplay experience; all elements are very reminiscent of publisher Bethesda's prior game, Oblivion.
Even though new PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 games rarely deviate from their $60 price point, Newegg.com has Fallout 3 on sale for $56.99 ($46.99 for PC) with free shipping and 2% cash back through Ebates. With the weekend in full swing, why not treat yourself to a little apocalyptic R&R? Who knows, it could be helpful research into the near future someday.
