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So I have never played any of the Black Isle Fallout games, and I am currently playing the original. Here is my concern:
Without any preparation or past experience (no guides, and so on), is it possible to clear the game on normal difficulty without undergoing too much frustration?
I'm doing alright so far (at Junk Town), but open-ended games tend to scare me such that I worry about missing quests or important items. Hopefully, this game isn't too punishing with regards to not playing it in a way that the developers may have intended.
This question / problem has been solved by Kalasimage
It is most definitely possible.
This game is more open-ended than you seem to realize; it is possible to win with almost any playing style. (some will be more difficult than others, however)
For example, people have beaten the game in less than an hour by going straight to the final area, it's also possible to complete the game without killing anything. (not even rats)
How are you playing it?
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Kalas: It is most definitely possible.
This game is more open-ended than you seem to realize; it is possible to win with almost any playing style. (some will be more difficult than others, however)
For example, people have beaten the game in less than an hour by going straight to the final area, it's also possible to complete the game without killing anything. (not even rats)
How are you playing it?

I'm playing as a well-rounded, combat-focused character. I am focusing on small guns and exploring the world. My concern at this point is time. I don't want that 150 day timer to end on me.
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Kalas: It is most definitely possible.
This game is more open-ended than you seem to realize; it is possible to win with almost any playing style. (some will be more difficult than others, however)
For example, people have beaten the game in less than an hour by going straight to the final area, it's also possible to complete the game without killing anything. (not even rats)
How are you playing it?
avatar
melchiz: I'm playing as a well-rounded, combat-focused character. I am focusing on small guns and exploring the world. My concern at this point is time. I don't want that 150 day timer to end on me.

You shouldn't have much of a problem. The game doesn't end when you find the water chip, but, if you start to run out of time, there's no shame in asking where the chip is. After all, by then, you've put a lot of time into it.
In that case, I will dive in! Thanks!
Oh, I do have a question:
Is it possible to revive AI companions in this game? I worry that if I let a companion die, I will lose an ally that may be useful later in the game.
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Kalas: It is most definitely possible.
This game is more open-ended than you seem to realize; it is possible to win with almost any playing style. (some will be more difficult than others, however)
For example, people have beaten the game in less than an hour by going straight to the final area, it's also possible to complete the game without killing anything. (not even rats)
How are you playing it?
avatar
melchiz: I'm playing as a well-rounded, combat-focused character. I am focusing on small guns and exploring the world. My concern at this point is time. I don't want that 150 day timer to end on me.

You can extend the 150 day limit by getting some water merchants to go to Vault 13. It will extend the limit by 70 days IIRC. The water merchants are in the Hub. I believe they are known as the Fargo Traders.
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melchiz: In that case, I will dive in! Thanks!
Oh, I do have a question:
Is it possible to revive AI companions in this game? I worry that if I let a companion die, I will lose an ally that may be useful later in the game.

No. Once they die, they are dead.
Post edited September 08, 2009 by JudasIscariot
Mmmm, I'm bad at this game, but getting a hang of it. Combat can be tough.
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melchiz: In that case, I will dive in! Thanks!
Oh, I do have a question:
Is it possible to revive AI companions in this game? I worry that if I let a companion die, I will lose an ally that may be useful later in the game.

Don't worry too much about keeping your companions alive. They are not useful at all. The best part about them is the challenge of keeping them alive through the tougher battles. They won't wear real armor, so as soon as the bigger guns come out, they get 1 shotted by almost everything.
My beef with this game is that it really screws you if you don't create a good character. The inability to add to stats at level-up, and the significance of the "Traits" selected at the start of the game result in a very punishing experience for new users. There does not appear to be the traditional grind solution (too weak? level up in an easier area), so it can be frustrating.
While I'm enjoying the game, I can't play it for too long in a single sitting because I get tired of the constant save/load cycle that is required to compensate for bad decisions in dialogue and bad luck in battle. Blah.
I want to love this game, but right now, my feelings for it are lukewarm.
(Note: I am in Necropolis and level 6)
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melchiz: My beef with this game is that it really screws you if you don't create a good character. The inability to add to stats at level-up, and the significance of the "Traits" selected at the start of the game result in a very punishing experience for new users. There does not appear to be the traditional grind solution (too weak? level up in an easier area), so it can be frustrating.
While I'm enjoying the game, I can't play it for too long in a single sitting because I get tired of the constant save/load cycle that is required to compensate for bad decisions in dialogue and bad luck in battle. Blah.
I want to love this game, but right now, my feelings for it are lukewarm.
(Note: I am in Necropolis and level 6)

um... yea.. the necropolis can chew you alive at level 6, at least certain people there can. I'd suggest steering clear of the super mutants and NOT getting captured (if it happens you'll know what I mean). The game is very open, but enemies don't level to your level, so certain places will kick your ass if you're not ready...
You can get very powerful with small guns though once you start getting into combat shotguns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles (my faves). Taking out enemies at long range with a single shot with half of their chest blowing off is kinda fun.
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ilves: You can get very powerful with small guns though once you start getting into combat shotguns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles (my faves). Taking out enemies at long range with a single shot with half of their chest blowing off is kinda fun.

Yes, this is what I'm hoping for at some point. ;)
EDIT: Any tips on a good place for a level 6 combat-focused character with high small guns? I did most of the quests in the Hub and Junk Town, and I have a bit under 100 days left to find the chip. I've looked at a few guides but I'm still uncertain.
Post edited September 10, 2009 by melchiz
Any ideas on the right place to be? I'm worried about exploring too much and the timer hitting 0.
Anyone? I feel a bit, well, trapped in terms of progress.
Caravan trips out of The Hub can be a good way to quickly pick up some experience and caps. The Far Go Traders trips should be at a difficulty you can handle without much trouble (the other trading company can be a bit rough). Also make a point to upgrade your equipment with the money you make; Combat Armor will increase your survivability significantly, and a Combat Shotgun in burst mode can be absolutely devastating at close range (with a Sniper Rifle if you prefer to strike first at long range). With decent equipment for you and NPCs you've recruited (you should have Ian, Tycho, and Dogmeat) the Necropolis is quite doable around lvl 7-8.
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DarrkPhoenix: Caravan trips out of The Hub can be a good way to quickly pick up some experience and caps. The Far Go Traders trips should be at a difficulty you can handle without much trouble (the other trading company can be a bit rough). Also make a point to upgrade your equipment with the money you make; Combat Armor will increase your survivability significantly, and a Combat Shotgun in burst mode can be absolutely devastating at close range (with a Sniper Rifle if you prefer to strike first at long range). With decent equipment for you and NPCs you've recruited (you should have Ian, Tycho, and Dogmeat) the Necropolis is quite doable around lvl 7-8.

Hm, sounds like I need to get Dogmeat, Ian, and some experience. I have the Combat Armor and Combat Shotgun already, fortunately. With 98 days to go, I hope that I will have enough time to recruit party members and do a few caravan runs.
Just to clarify, party members use amo and weapons they have via the barter menu, but they will never wear armor, yes?