Fallout: New Vegas - Honest Hearts

 Xbox 360
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Gamer Limit
    May 17, 2011
    85
    There isn't anything mind blowing about Honest Hearts, but it's a much more solid effort than Dead Money, and a step in the right direction for New Vegas' DLC.
  2. IGN
    May 18, 2011
    75
    The narrative could be stronger and there's a lack of variety in terms of creatures occupying the park, but these are minor complaints about an otherwise enjoyable time.
  3. GameTrailers
    May 19, 2011
    71
    Honest Hearts is most exciting at the start and then gradually ebbs, as Zion ends up being much smaller than it first seems.
  5. Extreme Gamer
    Aug 12, 2011
    70
    While the journey into the rocky wild of Utah lacks the cleverness of 'Dead Money' or the excitement of 'New Vegas,' it will still please fans because it simply more Fallout.
  6. Video Game Talk
    Jun 5, 2011
    70
    Even though this DLC pack as slightly shorter than Dead Money, it definitely felt more satisfying to complete. It also feels more polished than Dead Money and I definitely ran into less bugs during gameplay.
  7. Gamereactor Denmark
    May 30, 2011
    70
    A good, concentrated experience with plenty of bonuses such as new guns and achievements. It doesn't exactly break the mold, and the story could have been told better, but it's an intriguing glimpse into a different part of the Fallout universe that is sure to please fans.
  8. GameSpot
    May 26, 2011
    70
    Fallout: New Vegas - Honest Hearts is a conventional but enjoyable addition to the series.
  9. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    May 26, 2011
    70
    If flipping through digital pages of text doesn't float your boat though, then look elsewhere. Shallow plot aside, you're looking at four hours of getting jumped by giant animals in a dusty canyon.
  10. Gamestyle
    May 24, 2011
    70
    Whilst Dead Money felt like a riskier shot, this piece of DLC is an altogether safer bet on an established norm.
  11. Level7.nu
    May 19, 2011
    70
    The story could be a lot stronger but Honest Hearts is a welcome addition to those mainly looking for a nice new area, new weapons, monsters and perks.
  12. Gamereactor Sweden
    May 30, 2011
    60
    Even though Honest Hearts is a nice and well priced expansion, it has way to much bugs and glitches. If you liked Fallout: New Vegas, it's worth checking out, but let's prey for some patches.
  13. GamePro
    May 23, 2011
    60
    It's a fair package -- more expansive than Dead Money but not quite as rich as Point Lookout, which is the current gold standard for Fallout DLC. And, of course, it's a long way from the expansion packs of yore, where $30 could occasionally yield what amounted to an entirely new game. Ten dollars is a fair price for what Honest Hearts brings to the table, but its ultimate appeal is down to whether or not you're still in the middle of a campaign. As it is, this four hour romp through Zion National Park isn't quite worth dusting off your seven-month old copy of New Vegas.
  14. Eurogamer
    May 18, 2011
    60
    As a side story to the main event, Honest Hearts is forgettable and predictable. Where it justifies its asking price is in the takeaway benefits it supplies to the long-term wasteland wanderer. More levels, more perks, new weapons and new enemies - this is what really benefits the game, and Honest Hearts delivers more than enough to make it a worthwhile diversion for players of all levels.
  15. SpazioGames
    May 30, 2011
    58
    There are good ideas in this DLC. A real shame for the bugs and the overall lack of content.
  16. Games Master UK
    Jul 8, 2011
    57
    Unspectacular add-on for the rapidly ageing action-RPG. For hardcore fans only. [Aug 2011, p.95]
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  17. GameWatcher
    Jun 28, 2011
    55
    The majority of the DLC is utterly devoid of surprises, treats or interesting characters and places, and you'll soon start getting bored.
  18. GameCritics
    Jan 4, 2012
    50
    With more time and attention given to the writing, characters, and quests, it could have been a very special experience. As it stands, it's a forgettable detour through Averagetown that strays from the exceptional content I've come to expect from New Vegas.
  19. Thunderbolt
    Jun 27, 2011
    50
    A far from essential purchase and is only recommended for Fallout completists.
  20. Metro GameCentral
    May 20, 2011
    50
    A typical Fallout download that buries a few interesting new ideas and locations beneath a patchwork of overfamiliar, and increasingly outdated, content.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 80
  3. Negative: 7 out of 80
  1. Topster
    May 31, 2011
    4
    I was not a huge fan of Dead Money. However, playing this DLC has made me appreciate what DM did so much more. Sure, it was cheap how theyI was not a huge fan of Dead Money. However, playing this DLC has made me appreciate what DM did so much more. Sure, it was cheap how they stripped you of our gear as soon as you got to the Sierra Madre and made it so you could never return to collect any goodies you missed, but here's the thing: Dead Money felt BIG. High stakes, theatrical events, a plethora of interesting characters, a creepy atmosphere, an epic climax and a generally well-told story. The events of Dead Money felt *special*.

    Unfortunately, none of that is present in Honest Hearts. Yes it was fun to finally see the Burning Man and he was an interesting character, but ask yourself: if all these quests were present in the vanilla New Vegas game, would it have appeared at ALL different or more epic than any other line sidequests? Would it have felt special? Memorable?

    I would say not. If what you like out of DLC is a couple new weapons, armor, and craftable items, you'll like this DLC for that, but not much else.    … Full Review »
  2. theillusiveman
    May 17, 2011
    8
    Honest Hearts improves over Dead Money in many ways, and is definitely a buy for any New Vegas fan. This $10 DLC will take our favoriteHonest Hearts improves over Dead Money in many ways, and is definitely a buy for any New Vegas fan. This $10 DLC will take our favorite Courier to Zion, located in Utah. You pick up a radio signal, like any Fallout DLC, from Happy Trails asking for you to join them in a trek to New Caanan. After your Happy Trails expedition is decimated by a surprise attack from tribals upon arriving, you'll become embroiled in a war between tribes. This story differs greatly from Dead Money, which had a compelling story, but was weighed down by too much survival gameplay. You'll meet the Burned Man, formerly Caesar's right hand man, and discover fun "pre-War" technology. It comes with the typical New Vegas glitches; sometimes characters mouth's don't sync with their words, falling inside a rock, V.A.T.S. bugs, but it doesn't hamper the experience too much. The best thing about this DLC is learning more about the rich history of the Fallout Universe. Your level cap will be raised by 5, new guns are available, new companions, new locations, and new perks make this a fun Fallout experience. Overall, an 8/10.… Full Review »
  3. pointydagger
    May 30, 2011
    6
    The content I have waited for so long for is finally out, but it does not seem like the time was well spent. It starts by trying to give you aThe content I have waited for so long for is finally out, but it does not seem like the time was well spent. It starts by trying to give you a story or reason as to why you should travel to this land, and, as with all things in a wasteland, that falls to pieces. Then you meet "The burned man" in a very anticlimactic way. You just sort of meet him. Its not this epic encounter I was hoping for with a man, much like that legate, in the Grand Canyon, and, in a way, this meeting represents the whole of Honest Hearts. There are things you think would be more fulfilling then they are. Zion is a huge addition, but there is no incentive to explore, especially when most places are caves or campsites because any new weapons are on enemies you will find just doing the story, and there are few new items of interest. The story is also kind of boring. As with everything in Fallout, there is a choice at the end, but the possible plans at the end seem so different tactically that it surprised me that any set up I did before hand applied to both, and that when I was pushed to make a decision I could say I wasn't ready, save, and play both possibilities very easily. In the end, it seemed like there was plenty of room for more content, and those big moments Fallout has done so well, but they did not take them. For an add on that took this long, it felt rushed.… Full Review »
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