Fallout 3: Mothership Zeta descends Aug. 3

Bethesda had been tight-lipped on the details of its alien-abduction-themed add-on, divulging only its name, Mothership Zeta, and a few scant details. However, the developer has finally beamed down some vital information surrounding this fifth and final update pack, announcing the title will go downloadable on August 3 for the Xbox 360 and PC for 800 Microsoft points ($10).

In an update to the official Fallout 3 Web site today, Bethesda revealed that Mothership Zeta would allow players to recruit an "unexpected array of characters" to help overtake an insidious alien vessel that abducts the protagonist. With the help of new equipment--like the Alien Atomizer, Drone Cannon, Gemini-Era Spacesuit, and Samurai Armor--the hero can commandeer the UFO before it wreaks havoc on earth and its irradiated inhabitants. The developer's announcement also comes with several new screenshots of Mothership Zeta.

The most recent update Fallout 3 update, Point Lookout, was released without a major hitch on June 23. That can't be said for some of the previous add-on releases, like Broken Steel and The Pitt, which were hampered by crippling technical problems at launch. Mothership Zeta will be the final add-on to be included in the Fallout 3: Game of the Year edition, which will package all five expansions with the original game. The edition will cost $50 for the PC and $60 on the Xbox 360 when it ships in October--one month after the PlayStation 3 begins receiving the expansion packs.