Is it just me or is this game incredibly frustrating? I've been playing for around 6hrs. and every time I have to fight more than 2 enemies at once I die. Makes it really tough to travel and get anywhere. And forget actually going into a building you might come across. All I have as far as ranged weapons are 2 crappy pistols. Am I missing something? Maybe not understanding the combat? Any advice would be appreciated.

one thing you need to remember is that fallout is not like oblivion (ie all enemies scale with you) so at the beginning there are some places you should avoid till you level up some more. are you using manual aim or the V.A.T.S system? if you are doing manual i suggest using the VATS system so you can get the best shot possible.

i'm about 10 hours into it and i haven't had much problems, i think i'm at level 5 or 6 right now

 Using VATS mostly.  I actually completed a side mission that nets you a couple of rifles, a shotty, various explosives, and a decent amount of ammo. So hopefully that will help. I really like the game its just been very frustrating. I'm a level 4 almost 5. Is there anyway to tell which areas you should avoid in the beginning?

i don't think there's an easy way to tell which areas you you need to avoid at the beginning. i just know from watching some interviews that you do need to stay away from where the white house is. i do wish it would tell you what level the enemy is when you put the cross hairs on them. 

 Yeah, that would be a big help.

I had this awesome bit where I took out three vicious dogs at once using VATS armed with a lead pipe.  BAM BAM BAM!  Then I immediately apologized to Bob Barker.

Only 5 posts in the Fallout 3 thread so far?!  I thought this was gonna be a smash hit with AGE(I say while not yet owning the game).  People must be too busy playing.

This game can be a little disturbing when it comes to dismemberment and mines. It may not be shown well since the picture is being cropped (not sure why) but she's missing both of her legs.

Toothcake:

It may not be shown well since the picture is being cropped (not sure why)

 I do find it disturbingly hysterical that the game is asking if you want to search her crotch.

Downsideup:

Only 5 posts in the Fallout 3 thread so far?!  I thought this was gonna be a smash hit with AGE(I say while not yet owning the game).  People must be too busy playing.

Still waiting for mine to show up from Gamefly...  and I need to finish Fable 2 before I start playing.  No way I'll have time for both.

Moby14995:

Still waiting for mine to show up from Gamefly...  and I need to finish Fable 2 before I start playing.  No way I'll have time for both.

I picked it up yesterday and took the day off to try it out.  I find it rather difficult too with the poor weapons you get early.  However, it really is Oblivion in another setting.  I will be playing this one for awhile. 

However, I must complete Fable before I really wrap my head around Fallout.

 Mine is on it's way from Gamefry, but I ordered it before I knew it was an RPG ().  Talk of it being frustrating doesn't help.  I'm not the type of gamer that is willing to play a game that's not fun.  I have enough challenges and frustrations at work on any given day to negate the need for any at home during game time.  I guess I just like to blow shit up and call it a night, but I'll still give it a try.

As far as which areas to avoid early on, a couple of NPCs hinted at staying away from DC proper.  In fact, after exploring quite a bit last night, your best bet is to stay on the Vault 101 side of the Potomac until you level up.  I sort of wandered through the subway system (which is a whole world in itself), armed with only my bb gun, knife, baseball bat and crowbar, and lived to tell about it!  Luckily, I saw the hint for fast travel and didn't have to cover all the same ground to get back to the beginning.

When I first started playing, my thoughts went from 1) wow, what a great start, and an ingenious way to develop your initial character, to 2) this is too freaking hard and frustrating (of course, I did get lost) to finally 3) this game not only lived up to its hype, but exceeded it IMHO!

Bourbon - this is not your average RPG, but does have enough elements to classify it as such.

Also, this game replaces Bioshock for atmospheric eeriness ...... it makes Bioshock feel like a Disney flick!  There were a couple of times last night that I literally jumped out of my seat, lol.

Grambo Bastille:

Bourbon - this is not your average RPG, but does have enough elements to classify it as such.

Also, this game replaces Bioshock for atmospheric eeriness ...... it makes Bioshock feel like a Disney flick!  There were a couple of times last night that I literally jumped out of my seat, lol.