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Wasteland 3, released in 2020, drops players into a frozen Colorado wasteland, a stark contrast to the desert landscapes of its predecessors. This chilling setting, reminiscent of Metro Exodus, serves as the backdrop for a complex narrative of political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and brutal survival. While the game boasts a compelling story and engaging turn-based combat, it also suffers from some noticeable shortcomings.

A Colorado Chiller

The narrative centers around the Desert Rangers’ mission to secure aid for their Arizona headquarters. This leads them to Patriarch Saul Buchanan, the self-proclaimed ruler of Colorado. Buchanan’s iron-fisted rule divides the populace, with some hailing him as a savior and others condemning him as a tyrant. Your mission: apprehend his rebellious children, each vying for control of this frozen wasteland.

This family drama unfolds within a world riddled with moral complexities. Cannibalistic raiders, corrupt officials, and fanatical cults all vie for power, forcing the Rangers to navigate treacherous alliances and make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences. The game’s nuanced portrayal of morally gray characters and factions creates a captivating experience, challenging players to question their own sense of justice in this brutal world.

Colorado Springs in Wasteland 3

The bleakness of Colorado is further emphasized by the game’s dark humor and cynical tone. Moments of levity, like encountering a leader obsessed with cosplaying Vlad the Impaler, serve as brief respites from the grim reality of the setting, highlighting the desperation and resilience of those who inhabit this frozen hell. Wasteland 3’s writing shines in its depiction of a world ravaged by societal collapse, where hope is a rare commodity and survival often demands compromise.

Rangers in Wasteland 3

Tactical Nuances in a Frozen Battlefield

Wasteland 3 streamlines character progression compared to its predecessor, grouping perks and skills based on weapon types and attributes. This simplifies build creation and allows for more versatile characters, avoiding the perk bloat of Wasteland 2. While not as deep as Pathfinder: Kingmaker, the system is effective for the game’s 25-30 hour campaign.

Turn-based combat is a highlight, with each weapon type offering unique tactical advantages. Shotguns excel at close range and breaching cover, SMGs provide high DPS, LMGs can target multiple enemies, and melee weapons inflict status effects like bleeding or stun. The diverse arsenal encourages experimentation and strategic thinking.

Combat in Wasteland 3

Beyond traditional weaponry, players can exploit environmental hazards, hack enemy robots, or even employ animal companions to gain an edge. The game also allows for pre-combat positioning and ambushes, offering greater tactical flexibility. The varied enemy types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, further enhance the strategic depth.

Cracks in the Ice: Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, Wasteland 3 suffers from several shortcomings. The game world, while engaging, feels somewhat limited in scope. The three main hubs – Colorado Springs, Bizarre, and Denver – lack the expansive feel promised by the narrative. Denver, in particular, feels underwhelming given its importance to the story. The final act also feels rushed, leaving little time to explore the endgame content and utilize powerful late-game weapons.

Wasteland 3 environment

The simplified perk system, while generally a positive, also leads to an overabundance of perk points, making skill checks trivial in the later stages. The ease with which players can max out key skills diminishes the impact of choices and reduces the need for careful character planning. The recruitment system, which allows for free hires, further exacerbates this issue, enabling players to circumvent skill limitations by swapping in specialized recruits as needed.

Wasteland 3 conversation

Combat, while engaging, also has its flaws. The “Alpha Strike” mechanic, which often allows players to initiate combat, undermines the initiative system. The prevalence of sniper rifles and energy weapons, coupled with the simplistic armor system, further limits tactical variety. The ease of healing and recovery also reduces the tension and consequences of combat encounters.

Wasteland 3 snowy landscape

Finally, the user experience is hampered by several questionable design choices. The inventory management is clunky, lacking basic features like sorting. The weapon comparison tool is inadequate, and the game fails to display equipped mods in item tooltips. Navigating the world map and interacting with dialogue also feels unnecessarily cumbersome.

Conclusion

Wasteland 3 offers a compelling narrative, engaging turn-based combat, and a richly detailed world. However, its shortcomings in world design, character progression, combat balance, and user experience prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite these flaws, the game remains a worthwhile experience for fans of post-apocalyptic RPGs. The frozen wasteland of Colorado, with its complex characters and moral dilemmas, offers a chilling and unforgettable journey.