A DIfferent Flavor of Fallout
Fallout: New Vegas is the spiked alternative to FO3's punch. Although the games share the same flavor and each deliver a romping good time, NV serves it a little... harsher. For one, you don't get a perk every level, which really makes you have to plan where you want to distribute your points, as well as how you need to allot the certain skills required for certain perks. While this is fresh and rethinks the idea of survival, I find myself not as much as a Wasteland badass as before.Also, there is a new Hardcore mode which focuses on the mere basics of survival: food, water, and sleep. You can't fast travel further than you can without killing yourself in those ares. While I, personally, haven't checked this function out yet, it sounds pretty interesting and a nice little addition.
The other side of the spectrum is in terms of story. The story in NV doesn't really involve you, as far as I'm concerned, as the third installment did. This is my third time going through the game again, but I only remember bits and snipets of it... But, maybe that's because I've barely scratched the surface.
If you haven't played a Fallout game, I'd recommend the Fallout 3 over this installment. However, as soon as that excursion was over, I'd urge them to play this. It's worth the time it takes, and the bugs, while they are noticeable, don't really damage the game. This is the perfect time to purchase it, as well, seeing as how it has a plethora of DLC coming out.