I love Fallout 3. I think it was another crowning achievement for Bethesda after The Elder Scrolls IV. Knowing that this is the last time I’ll ever have a new reason to jump into the Wasteland is sad. It’s also a little disappointing that this is the way it ends. Mothership Zeta isn't a bad expansion, but it feels a little less-than-spectacular for such a grand game. I always envisioned F3 concluding in epic fashion. I actually think Bethesda would have been better off ceasing the DLC after Point Lookout, but hey, that’s just me.             Identical to the game's previous packs, Mothership Zeta begins with a strange radio message informing players of something amiss in the Wasteland. By traveling to the location marked on your Pipboy, you encounter a bizarre alien spacecraft. Now before you readers start to think “wtf,” understand that this fits the world Bethesda created. The ship is decayed and shows signs of radiation damage. It appears to have been there for a long time. But before you can snag a closer look, something mysterious happens. A white light surrounds your avatar, eventually beaming it onboard the alien Mothership. After coming to, you're face-to-face with extraterrestrials, probes, and all sorts of chaos. Thus begins the final Fallout 3 DLC.             This pack closely relates to Operation: Anchorage, which is to say it’s all about shooting, not exactly one of Fallout 3’s strong points. In fact it’s probably the weakest link. Sure the VATS system never tires, but it's the exploration, unique perks and bizarre world that makes the original so much fun. Those aspects do show up in Mothership Zeta, but the main focus is destroying the green creatures. The expansion will set you back 800 Microsoft Points and lasts an estimated four hours depending on your skill level.             Fans will at least appreciate the new weapons. While some media outlets ramble about how wicked they are COE likes to maintain the element of surprise. Every new toy is very enjoyable. There are one or two secret weapons to really keep an eye out for, however. They’re worth your exploration time. Speaking of exploration, some of the ship’s interior provides great new scenery for long-time fans of the game. While the outside looks decrepit, the Mothership has long, stainless steel hallways, bright colors and looks appropriately futuristic. You even briefly head to outer space, which is an experience in and of itself.             The whole package isn't for everyone. The story is wacky, the weapons are futuristic and the scenery is a complete stray from the norm. But that’s why this expansion exists; it’s meant to be that way. My complaint is that there’s too little to grab onto and enjoy. The fighting is fun in short bursts, but the exploration is lacking and storyline doesn't feel anywhere near as epic as the other expansions have offered. I commend Bethesda for the attempt, but Fallout 3 deserved something truly spectacular to end its life on, and this comes up a bit short.

Fallout 3: Mothership Zeta M 1 RPG Bethesda Bethesda 08/03/09 Price: 800 Microsoft Points August 15th, 2009: Review Published. August 15th, 2009: Screenshots Published. Screenshots August 15th