You can't be any geek off the street, you gotta be handy with the steel.
Six months and two severely disappointing DLC missions later, Bethesda finally made good on their promise to expand the Fallout 3 universe with Broken Steel. Based two weeks after the finale of the original, Broken Steel brings out a bit more difficulty and a few tweaks to the world in what amounts to a satisfying continuation of the tale of the wasteland.
As a point of reference, I did not like the prior two DLC titles served up - Operation Anchorage and The Pitt both wound up far too short and far too easy. Although they explored different regions of the world in reference to Fallout, they pale in comparison to running side by side with the Brotherhood of Steel in the post-game world in a mission to eradicate the Enclave. Not only that, but the game gets rough--so much that you'll find yourself exhausting medical supplies at an alarming rate. Newer weapons, a higher level cap, and better perks help alleviate that somewhat—but expect a taut, tense firefight to erupt at any time during Broken Steel's tour of duty.
While Operation Anchorage introduced stealth suits and The Pitt brought to light the Auto-Axe, Broken Steel is best characterized in the Tesla Cannon. It's a cruel weapon marked by immense damage, a healthy amount of splash range, and a leeching capability that makes it deadly past the first hit. The Tesla Cannon is as over the top as weaponry currently gets in Fallout, quickly becoming a necessity to finish the fight.
The expansion also notes the aftermath of water purification: factions take control of the water, caravans get ambushed, traps are set with the promise of water. Even good acts come with their consequences, and the way the situation is handled makes sense to the storyline.
All in all, Broken Steel winds up being a great diversion and a good excuse to re-visit the Capitol Wastelands. Between the continuation of the storyline, the tougher enemies, and the great amount of action given, it's well worth the $10 to take a ride with the Brotherhood of Steel one more time. A-
