Wasteland is a legendary role-playing series which dates all the way back to 1988. It served as an inspiration to the original Fallout games and both series share the same developers. A remastered version of the original Wasteland released earlier this year and, while it has aged poorly, Wasteland Remastered still delivers a fun experience. After an unfortunate delay, the third instalment in the series — Wasteland 3 — is available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.
Wasteland 3 is a turn-based RPG which takes cues from the early Fallout title and establishes itself as the go-to RPG at the same time. From the sweltering Mojave desert of its predecessor, Wasteland 3 takes you to the frozen expanses of post-apocalyptic Colorado. It’s the cold, harsh world of nuclear winter: ice-laden vegetation, crumbling buildings, abandoned facilities and machinery. And yet, customary to human nature, multiple factions still vie for power.
As the last surviving member of a Ranger Squad, you’re in the thick of it. Much like Fallout, Wasteland 3 allows you to customize your character’s appearance and stats, such as Awareness and Strength. Skills like Explosives and Lockpicking determine which fields your character specializes in. And Perks — I mean Quirks — provide your character with unique abilities and resistances. All of these aspects combine to help you withstand the harsh environments of Colorado.
Wasteland 3 is a game in which careful planning and decision-making are key to survival. Every decision and piece of equipment makes a difference. Siding with a certain faction leads to consequences, positive or otherwise. New members join your party as you progress and each of them provides skills integral to success. Combat instances require finesse and tactical thinking as mindlessly going up against opposition can lead to an untimely demise. Thankfully, Wasteland 3 provides a welcome option to play through the whole campaign with a co-op buddy by your side.
Last, but in no way least, jump into Wasteland 3’s new vehicle, the Kodiak, to help you traverse the frozen landscape in relative comfort. This armed tank is upgradeable to make traversal of the rough terrain even easier.
If you’re not intimidated by challenging combat instances and below zero temperatures, Wasteland 3 is already available for purchase on the Xbox Store at £54.99. To find out more about the series, make sure to read our review of Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut and try it out for yourself via Game Pass. Our prompt review of Wasteland 3 will let you know if the new entry is worth a purchase. Meanwhile, enjoy the Wasteland 3 “Factions of Colorado” trailer down below.
Game Description:
In Wasteland 3 the fate of Arizona depends on the fate of Colorado. You’re a Desert Ranger, fighting a losing battle to keep your beloved Arizona alive, when the self-proclaimed Patriarch of Colorado radios, promising aid if you’ll do a job he can only entrust to an outsider—rescue his land from the ambitions of his three bloodthirsty children. Wasteland 3 is a post-apocalyptic RPG from inXile entertainment, featuring challenging tactical combat, hours of exploration, and a deep, reactive story full of twists, turns, and brutal ethical decisions. Play in single-player or co-op as you customize your squad with perks and abilities geared to your playstyle, and customize your vehicle—the Kodiak—turning it into a hardened war beast. Saving Colorado isn’t going to be easy, but Arizona is counting on you, so… don’t screw it up.
