Game will not get past the doc/initial charcter creation unless I am connected with internet.Error of Visual Runtime c++. Seems pretty DRM to me. All runtimes are installed and up to date.

I literally pulled the plug out of my modem and the game played fine. Problem is on your end.

I have encountered the same problem today. Turns out you need an internet connection only if gog galaxy is installed on your system prior to installing the game.

This is how I fixed it:
1. Delete Fallout New Vegas.
2. Delete gog galaxy.
3. Re-Install New Vegas.

So, it seems like New Vegas is drm-free after all.