Point Lookout, the fourth piece of DLC for Fallout 3, is sure to be under much scrutiny; Broken Steel’s “gamechanging” content provides a hard act to follow. Point Lookout is set in the state of Maryland and is one of the few places that were not totally ravaged by the nuclear war with China instead leaving a far more natural looking environment than what you’re used to in Fallout. As usual, you are forced to leave behind any companions you may have in order to take the trip to Point Lookout from a rather suspect boat owner.

This time around, the main quest follows the story of you and a foul mouthed, Die Hard era Alan Rickman lookalike named Desmond. Beginning with a shootout in which you assist Desmond in fending off an assault of tribal assailants, the story explores the rivalry between two “men” and their desire for power. The plot is surprisingly engaging throughout with a particular highlight being a trippy journey through a swamp whilst intoxicated on the post-apocalyptic version of crystal meth (Punga).

The open world of Point Lookout is delightfully creepy and seemingly intentionally clichéd in parts. Mutated slack jawed hillbillies roam the area complete with axes, double barrelled shotguns and a plethora of non-sensical ramblings. An impressive fog effect adds to the atmosphere and creates an appropriately claustrophobic feeling when exploring the woodland in the later hours of the day.

The main quest itself can be rattled off in around three hours and culminates in the now obligatory faux moral choice. However, unlike The Pitt, Point Lookout offers up a much larger area to explore after you’re done with the mandatory plotline. With 25+ locations to discover, yet more new perks and weaponry to discover, this DLC arguably offers even more new content than Broken Steel did.

One small addition that Bethesda have made to Point Lookout that neither Operation Anchorage or The Pitt had is the ability to travel back and forth between DC and Maryland if you wish to level up or simply take a break from the new content. This is especially convenient considering that there is a selection of new side-quests within Point Lookout that you may wish to attend to after levelling up back on the mainland.

Whereas Broken Steel served as a coda to Fallout 3 whilst extending the lifespan by raising the level cap, Point Lookout provides an experience more reminiscent of The Shivering Isles. A brand new overworld that is roughly 1/5 the size of the DC area and a variety of quests ensure that it is well worth the 800 points and should keep you busy until next month with the arrival of the next expansion, Mothership Zeta.