anjohl: I think I am beginning to understand the problems many of you said you had wiht New Vegas, in terms of the game being largely a central hub as opposed to a large world, lacking the post apocalyptic feel, and having bad writing.

- Light/Mild Spoilers Ahead -

I just finished my first expansion, Dead Money, which had a lot to like (LOVED DOG/GOD, Christine, and Dean!) and decided to do some main quest. I had intended to visit Caesar peacefully, but for some reason, everytime I went into the inside camp, I was attacked. Being significantly stronger than I was before, I went in and slaughtered the whole bunch, Caesar included. It wasn't easy, but I got it done. I got the chip, killed Benny, and then I hit my first problem.

I have no idea how to proceed. Siding with Mr. House seems to destroy my good reputation with the NCR (and I have read perhaps the Brotherhood), siding with Yes Man seems suspicious, as he uploads himself into the mainframe. Can you side with the NCR? What does that entail, killing House? It seems like Side Bets and House Always Wins are diametrically opposed, but how do you proceed with the NCR? I am a mainly good character, and have somewhat cooperated with House, done a lot with the NCR, Boomers, and Brotherhood.

In FO3, I always could roleplay my way forward, but the writing in this game doesn't make things as clear. That might be by design, but damn is it frustrating!

I have saved just before critical choices and tried out some of the options, but I really want to proceed down the story path now. Any advice?

Gazoinks: Just went on my own Legionary murder spree to take out Caesar. Here's me on his throne wearing Benny's Suit and a Hat (it's not my combat outfit, but I thought it was fitting for symbolizing the Indie faction).
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198024472825/screenshot/1155424134044250180

cw8: Nice, what did you kill him with?

hedwards: I personally think everybody should play through dead money in hardcore at least once. The puzzles are fiendish at times, but playing through was one of the most satisfying gaming experiences I've ever had. The speakers, fog and traps were fiendish, but ultimately I managed it.

DodoGeo: Most people complain that Dead Money wasn't that good, but having played it on the hardest difficulty+hardcore really added to the experience.

Gazoinks: The tricky part is getting used to it, imo. Dead Money forces you to play cautiously and conservatively, and it can be frustrating getting used to that if you've previously been playing more run-and-gun.

hedwards: I personally think everybody should play through dead money in hardcore at least once. The puzzles are fiendish at times, but playing through was one of the most satisfying gaming experiences I've ever had. The speakers, fog and traps were fiendish, but ultimately I managed it.

SimonG: The whole game should be played on hardcore. Especially the ammo weight really enhances the gameplay, as you can no longer just pick up everything and need to think about your layout.

Wraith: I played Hardcore mode through once for the achievement and I said never again. I felt way too restricted by the end of the game due to being forced to have multiple weapons for various enemies. After encountering deathclaws for the first time, I realized all my weapons and ammo were useless and had to buy the .50 cal to deal with them. The final boss fight was insanely difficult as well, with my running out of ammo for most of my weapons or being 2-shotted by the Legate. I don't know if this was normal, as this was pre-DLC. It also may have been on a difficulty setting higher than normal.

As for choices, I was never happy with any of the factions. Sure, there were things I agreed with, but other things conflicted with my beliefs. Examples:

NCR - Offers order and authority similar to our time but screws over the people at the same time. Look at Primm if you have them protect it. Or Goodsprings in the ending.

Caesar's Legion - I really respect and admire that they have zero tolerance for drugs and kill dealers on sight. But that's about it. Their brutality and slave dealing is terrible, and most of their members seem to be psychotic.

House - I never thought his vision of a free Vegas was a good thing, since it basically allowed for lawlessness in the surrounding areas.

Self - I don't want to rule New Vegas -_- But it was the ending I went for in the first playthrough, so meh.

Wraith: I played Hardcore mode through once for the achievement and I said never again. I felt way too restricted by the end of the game due to being forced to have multiple weapons for various enemies. After encountering deathclaws for the first time, I realized all my weapons and ammo were useless and had to buy the .50 cal to deal with them. The final boss fight was insanely difficult as well, with my running out of ammo for most of my weapons or being 2-shotted by the Legate. I don't know if this was normal, as this was pre-DLC. It also may have been on a difficulty setting higher than normal.

MrWilli: The only thing I hate about hardcore is that companions can die. The main reason I don't use companions in FO3 and Skyim* is because they can die.

*Exception being Mjoll.

DodoGeo: Most people complain that Dead Money wasn't that good, but having played it on the hardest difficulty+hardcore really added to the experience.