As someone who greatly enjoyed Fallout: New Vegas, I was excited to dive back into the world of the Mojave Desert with the “Honest Hearts” DLC. I preferred New Vegas over Fallout 3 or Oblivion due to its compelling story, interesting characters, and the intense conflict between NCR and Caesar’s Legion. So, I was eager to explore the Zion National Park in this latest DLC offering. But, was it a return to form, or should I have left this trip to the Zion wilderness behind?
A New Journey Starts
Like most Fallout DLCs, Honest Hearts begins with a message on the radio. This time, the Happy Trail Caravan Company asks you to help reopen trade routes with the religious town of New Canaan. Your task is simple—escort the caravan through the treacherous terrain. But, as with most Fallout quests, things don’t go as planned. The group is ambushed, and you’re left as the sole survivor.
As you venture deeper into Zion National Park, you uncover the fate of Caesar’s lieutenant, the infamous Burned Man, Joshua Graham. You’ll also find yourself fighting for the survival of the various tribes against the violent White Legs, a hostile tribe that seeks to destroy the peaceful inhabitants of the region.
While the story holds promise, it’s not as gripping as the main campaign in Fallout: New Vegas. The plot feels more like a side quest rather than something worth investing hours of your time into.
Exploring Zion: Not All That It Seems
One of the most important aspects of open-world RPGs is the thrill of discovery, but unfortunately, Zion National Park doesn’t provide the same sense of awe. While the park’s beauty is undeniable, it lacks the depth and intrigue that make Fallout games so compelling.
The DLC’s setting is visually stunning, but beyond that, there’s very little to find. The landmarks in Zion are often just piles of rocks with little meaning. This may hold significance for players familiar with the real Zion National Park, but it left me feeling underwhelmed. Even after exploring caves and hunting for loot, I found nothing that made me feel rewarded for my efforts.
For players who have already completed the main game, there’s no real incentive to revisit New Vegas wielding a new set of powerful weapons. If anything, Honest Hearts feels better suited for newcomers who are playing Fallout: New Vegas for the first time.
Characters and Combat: A Mixed Bag
As is typical with Fallout games, combat in Honest Hearts remains familiar. The introduction of iron sights allows for more control in battle, and combat remains enjoyable, especially when facing off against terrifying creatures like Yao Guai, the giant bears of Zion. However, the combat alone can’t carry the DLC, especially when the story and exploration fail to deliver.
The main antagonist of the DLC, Joshua Graham (the Burned Man), is easily the most interesting character. Once a ruthless warrior in Caesar’s Legion, Graham has turned his life around, seeking redemption and righteousness. His character arc is engaging, and seeing his journey come to a close is perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of the DLC. Sadly, the rest of the characters fail to match his complexity, making the narrative feel somewhat hollow.
Side Quests: A Missed Opportunity
While there are some side quests in Honest Hearts, most of them feel like basic fetch quests with little reward. The search for the mythical Yao Guai, “The Ghost of She,” is one of the few highlights. However, quests like this are few and far between, and the lack of engaging stories left me wishing for more meaningful content.
Ultimately, Honest Hearts suffers from a lack of surprises and depth. The open-world exploration, a cornerstone of the Fallout series, falls flat, leaving players with a sense of disappointment. There are few exciting discoveries to be made, and the park itself, though beautiful, feels more like a backdrop than a living, breathing world.
Final Verdict: A Beautiful But Boring DLC
While Honest Hearts offers a stunning visual setting and a handful of enjoyable moments, it ultimately fails to live up to the standards set by Fallout: New Vegas. The lack of meaningful exploration, interesting side stories, and compelling characters make this DLC feel like a missed opportunity. For those who have already explored the Mojave and experienced the main game, Honest Hearts is a disappointment. It doesn’t have the depth, surprise, or excitement that made Fallout: New Vegas so engaging. Stick to the Mojave Desert—Zion may look beautiful, but it offers little more than rocks and broken dreams.
