Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage could be termed an expansion pack for Fallout 3, though in the loosest sense of the meaning. The DLC, which costs 800 MSP, adds an extra set of missions to the game that take place in a less radioactive version of the Fallout 3 Universe - or, rather, a simulation of it.

Provided your last Save file isn't in the final area (requiring you to start with an older save) and you aren't Woody (see Woody's review of Operation: Anchorage for the PC to hear his tale of woe and how Bethesda helped him through it, so you don't make the same mistake), your character should receive a transmission from a group of Outcasts shortly after downloading the content. This eventually leads you into a simulation of the historic Battle of Anchorage. From here, your virtual self takes the role of a soldier during three key missions during the battle.

All three missions are straightforward shooters, which is a bit of a disappointment. Although Fallout 3's combat elements were great, when taken as just an FPS, it doesn't hold up to some of the bigger names in the genre. The only choices you need to make are whether to take the left or right fork in a road or which weapon/ troop load out to take on a mission. None of the moral choices, or really any choices, that made Fallout 3 a unique experience are present. Even elements, like corpse looting and talking your way out of fights (with one exception), are missing.

Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage will probably benefit players still trudging their way through the Wasteland more than players who have completed their adventure. The big payoff for playing through the added content is the new gear it brings. There are two new sets of armor that manage to top anything I was able to find. You'll also unlock the Gauss Rifle, which will quickly become your main weapon - especially if you're spec'ed with Energy Weapons.

The biggest challenge you'll find comes from the Chinese Dragoons, a group of ninja-like stealth commandos you'll encounter throughout each mission. These guys are always invisible (at least until you shoot them) and have a thing for sniper rifles, resulting in a few cheap hits. Mind you, even with invisible snipers, dying isn't an issue. Health isn't hard to come by, neither is ammo, so if you run out, you're probably just that bad of a shot.

Although you're not allowed to bring any of your gear into the simulation, you'll keep all of your skills. The content does a good job at catering to common character builds. I was able to take both my characters (one combat-focused, one stealth) through it with no issues. Of the two, I had a slightly easier time with my stealth character. She's an ace with headshots, especially in VATS. It also helps that enemy A.I. drifts towards the clueless side.

While it can be argued that Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage isn't supposed to feel like a full game, it also moves away from the elements that make the core game fun in the first place. Even with the "historical simulation" aspect, some choice would have been nice. At the very least, missions like the "Tranquility Lane" mission showed the kind of fun that could be had with the simulation setting.

While it lasted, I enjoyed the content, but, after three hours, I only felt 100 GamerScore Points richer. It isn't that Operation Anchorage isn't enjoyable, but when you strip out the exploration and role-playing elements - the two things that set Fallout 3 apart - it's just an average shooter and not much else.